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 patient information leaflet and patient instructions. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not chew, cut, or crush it.

To use the oral liquid:

  • Measure the oral liquid with a marked oral syringe. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
  • You may take or give this medicine by mouth or through a 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 glioma:
    • For oral dosage form (suspension):
      • Adults and children 6 months of age and older—Dose is based on body surface area (BSA) and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 380 milligrams per square meter (mg/m[2]) of BSA, taken once a week. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • BSA of 1.40 meter squared (m2) or more—600 mg or 24 milliliters (mL) once a week.
        • BSA of 1.26 to 1.39 m2—525 mg or 21 mL once a week.
        • BSA of 1.06 to 1.25 m2—450 mg or 18 mL once a week.
        • BSA of 0.90 to 1.05 m2—375 mg or 15 mL once a week.
        • BSA of 0.84 to 0.89 m2—350 mg or 14 mL once a week.
        • BSA of 0.78 to 0.83 m2—300 mg or 12 mL once a week.
        • BSA of 0.64 to 0.77 m2—275 mg or 11 mL once a week.
        • BSA of 0.55 to 0.63 m2—225 mg or 9 mL once a week.
        • BSA of 0.49 to 0.54 m2—200 mg or 8 mL once a week.
        • BSA of 0.43 to 0.48 m2—175 mg or 7 mL once a week.
        • BSA of 0.36 to 0.42 m2—150 mg or 6 mL once a week.
        • BSA of 0.30 to 0.35 m2—125 mg or 5 mL once a week.
      • Children younger than 6 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults and children 6 months of age and older—Dose is based on body surface area (BSA) and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 380 milligrams per square meter (mg/m[2]) of BSA, taken once a week. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • BSA of 1.40 meter squared (m2) or more—600 mg once a week.
        • BSA of 1.13 to 1.39 m2—500 mg once a week.
        • BSA of 0.90 to 1.12 m2—400 mg once a week.
        • BSA of 0.30 to 0.89 m2—Use of oral liquid is recommended.
      • Children younger than 6 months 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 3 days or less, take it as soon as you remember and take the next dose at your regular dosing time. If it is more than 3 days, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you vomit after taking your medicine, take another dose.

Storage

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.

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

Keep the medicine in its original package. Do not remove the tablet from blisters until right before use.

Throw away the bottle, including unused oral liquid and oral dosing syringe after taking or giving a dose.

Portions of this document last updated: July 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.