Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving 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 comes with a patient information leaflet. It is very important that you read and understand this information. Be sure to ask your doctor about anything you do not understand.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Swallow the capsule and tablet whole. Do not crush, open, or chew it. Take it at least 12 hours apart.

Take this medicine at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking antacids that contain aluminum, calcium, magnesium, simethicone, or buffered medicines.

Take this medicine at least 2 hours before or 10 hours after taking an H2 blocker (eg, cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine).

Take this medicine with food if you are also taking a proton pump inhibitor (eg, dexlansoprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole sodium, rabeprazole).

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 oral dosage form (capsules or tablets):
    • For non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and solid tumors:
      • Adults weighing 50 kilograms (kg) or more—160 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Adults weighing less than 50 kg—120 mg 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and thyroid cancer:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older weighing 50 kilograms (kg) or more—160 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older weighing less than 50 kg—120 mg 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Children younger than 12 years 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 your next dose is less than 6 hours away, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your regular dosing time. If your missed dose is more than 6 hours until the time you normally take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you vomit after taking your medicine, do not take an extra dose.

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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