Belinostat is used to treat T-cell lymphoma (a cancer that forms in the immune system cell called T-cell) that comes back or does not respond to cancer treatment.
Belinostat injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of Belinostat will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on the type and severity of your condition, effectiveness of the therapy, and your tolerability to this medicine.
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.
Alert your doctor if you have active infection as Belinostat may not be suitable for you.
Do not use this medicine 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. Belinostat may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- have undergone extensive chemotherapy
- liver problem
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
A certain gene known as
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.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. He may need to perform routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, blood count) while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Belinostat may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, rash, hypotension, constipation, stomach pain, fever, chills, headache, dizziness, cough, low blood pressure, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting.
This medicine will 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. Alert your doctor if you have a fever or a 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. Alert 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).
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
- pneumonia with symptoms such as fever, cough, breathing difficulty
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:
- deferiprone (medicine used to treat iron overload in patients with thalassaemia)
- mood medicine e.g. clozapine
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Belinostat.
Avoid live vaccinations during treatment with this medicine. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
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 medicine to the clinic, hospital or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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