Sonidegib is used to treat skin cancer.
Take Sonidegib 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.
Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. 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 your treatment depending on the severity of your condition and response to this medicine.
Sonidegib 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 and it is within 6 hours of the scheduled dose, take the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If more than 6 hours have passed since the scheduled 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 this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while on Sonidegib therapy, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine 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 Sonidegib therapy and for at least 20 months after stopping the treatment. If you are a male, always use a condom (even after a vasectomy) when having sex with a female partner while taking Sonidegib and for at least 6-8 months after stopping treatment. Discuss reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Do not take Sonidegib with medicines used to treat fungal infections. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have a neuromuscular disease (problems with the nerves and muscles of your body, usually manifested by muscle weakness).
Do not donate blood or sperm while you are taking Sonidegib and for at least 20 months (for blood) or 6 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.
- Tests for creatine kinase (a type of protein found in skeletal muscles, heart and brain) and creatinine (a waste product formed by the breakdown of muscle cells) must be done before and during treatment with Sonidegib.
- Routine liver function tests may also be done while you are being treated with this medicine.
- Regular monitoring of musculoskeletal effects (e.g. muscle pain, tenderness and weakness) may also be needed.
Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Sonidegib may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, altered taste, loss of appetite, headache, tiredness, weight loss, itch, and hair loss.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unexplained muscle pain, muscle cramps or weakness
- dark urine, decreased urine output or inability to urinate
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells and white blood cells 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, or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Sonidegib if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, saquinavir, efavirenz
- nefazodone (medicine to treat depression)
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin
- medicine to treat TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- erythromycin (an antibiotic)
- diltiazem (medicine for high blood pressure)
- fluconazole (medicine to treat fungal infections)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Sonidegib.
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. Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As Sonidegib 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.
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