Belinostat - Intravenous

Belinostat is used to treat T-cell lymphoma (a cancer that forms from a type of white blood cell called T lymphocytes) that comes back or does not respond to cancer treatment.

Belinostat injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessels.

Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Belinostat.

If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• have undergone extensive chemotherapy
• kidney disease
• liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Belinostat. Men should not father a child while being treated with this medicine. Both men and women must use proven birth control methods during Belinostat therapy and for 6 months (in women) or 3 months (in men) after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss other reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.

A certain gene called UGT1A1*28 may affect the breakdown of this medicine in the body. Although not routinely done, your doctor may perform genetic testing before giving you this medicine. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
• Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, complete blood count with platelets) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of infection and stomach or liver problems may also be needed.

Belinostat may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, rash, constipation, stomach pain, chills, low blood pressure, and tiredness.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
• signs of serious infections e.g. fever, cough, shortness of breath, burning feeling with urination, muscle ache, or worsening skin problems

This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.

Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.

White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.

Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

As Belinostat is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.