Vismodegib - Oral

Vismodegib is used to treat certain types of skin cancer.

Take Vismodegib exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not open, chew or crush the capsule.

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

Vismodegib must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not take Vismodegib if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Vismodegib may cause harm to your unborn child.

It is important that you do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use 2 proven birth control methods during Vismodegib therapy and for at least 24 months after stopping the treatment. If you are a male, always use a condom (even after a vasectomy) when having sexual contact with a female partner while taking Vismodegib and for 3 months after stopping treatment. Discuss reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.

Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 24 months after stopping the treatment with Vismodegib.

Inform your doctor if you have severe kidney disease.

Do not donate blood or sperm while you are taking Vismodegib and for at least 24 months (for blood) or 3 months (for sperm) after your final dose.

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 test must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
• Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, creatine phosphokinase [a type of protein found in skeletal muscles, heart and brain] level) 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 of signs and symptoms of skin reactions may also be needed.

Vismodegib may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, decreased appetite, hair loss, and tiredness.

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

• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
• unexplained muscle pain, muscle cramps or weakness

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine
• medicines for diabetes e.g. repaglinide, glibenclamide
• cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. rosuvastatin, ezetimibe
• rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
• topotecan (medicine for cancer)
• birth control pills
• St. John's wort (herbal medicine)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Vismodegib.

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