Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before using this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine usually comes with a Medication Guide and patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Swallow the capsule whole. Do not open, crush, or break it.

To use the tablet for suspension:

  • The tablet should be taken as an oral liquid only. Do not swallow whole, chew, or crush the tablet.
  • Add 5 mL of water for 1 to 4 tablets and 10 mL of water for 5 to 15 tablets in a cup.
  • Gently stir the mixture with the handle of a teaspoon until the tablets break apart.
  • Wait for 3 minutes or more until the tablets has broken up. The liquid should be cloudy white but may contain small pieces.
  • Swallow the mixture within 30 minutes after preparing. If 30 minutes have passed, throw away the mixture.
  • You may take or give this medicine from a cup, oral dosing syringe, or feeding tube.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer, solid tumors, and glioma:
    • For oral dosage form (capsules):
      • Adults—150 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day, taken 12 hours apart. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Children 6 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
        • Weighing 51 kilograms (kg) or more—150 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day, taken 12 hours apart. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • Weighing 38 to 50 kg—100 mg 2 times a day, taken 12 hours apart. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • Weighing 26 to 37 kg—75 mg 2 times a day, taken 12 hours apart. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • Weighing less than 26 kg—Use of tablet for suspension is recommended.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (tablets for suspension):
      • Children 1 year of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
        • Weighing 51 kilograms (kg) or more—150 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day, taken 12 hours apart. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • Weighing 46 to 50 kg—130 mg 2 times a day, taken 12 hours apart. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • Weighing 42 to 45 kg—110 mg 2 times a day, taken 12 hours apart. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • Weighing 38 to 41 kg—100 mg 2 times a day, taken 12 hours apart. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • Weighing 34 to 37 kg—90 mg 2 times a day, taken 12 hours apart. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • Weighing 30 to 33 kg—80 mg 2 times a day, taken 12 hours apart. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • Weighing 26 to 29 kg—70 mg 2 times a day, taken 12 hours apart. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • Weighing 22 to 25 kg—60 mg 2 times a day, taken 12 hours apart. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • Weighing 18 to 21 kg—50 mg 2 times a day, taken 12 hours apart. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • Weighing 14 to 17 kg—40 mg 2 times a day, taken 12 hours apart. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • Weighing 10 to 13 kg—30 mg 2 times a day, taken 12 hours apart. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • Weighing 8 to 9 kg—20 mg 2 times a day, taken 12 hours apart. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Children younger than 1 year of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you miss a dose and it is less than 6 hours until your next regular dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it is more than 6 hours until your next dose, take it as soon as possible and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

If you vomit, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: June 01, 2024

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