Vismodegib is used to treat 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. Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not open or crush the capsule. Try to take it at the same time each day.
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 otherwise, as stopping it suddenly could worsen your condition.
If you missed a dose, skip the dose and resume with the next scheduled dose.
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 on Vismodegib, alert your doctor immediately. Vismodegib may cause harm to your unborn child. Both men and women must use two proven birth control methods while being treated with this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor. Avoid getting pregnant or avoid fathering a child with your partner during treatment and up to 24 months after you stop taking this medicine.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine and up to 24 months after treatment.
Do not donate blood, blood products or sperm while you are taking Vismodegib and for 24 months (for blood and blood products) or 3 months (for sperm) after your final dose.
Your doctor may need to test you for pregnancy within 7 days before starting treatment and every month during treatment with Vismodegib.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Vismodegib may cause any of the following side effects: absence of menstruation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, decreased appetite, altered taste, weight loss, tiredness, muscle spasm, joint pain, and hair loss.
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:
- medicine for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin
- cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. ezetimibe, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin
- medicines for diabetes e.g. glibenclamide, repaglinide
- medicine for tuberculosis or TB e.g. rifampicin
- medicine for high blood pressure e.g. valsartan
- medicine for high blood pressure in the blood vessels leading to the lungs e.g. bosentan
- medicine for certain types of cancer e.g. topotecan
- herbal medicines e.g. St. John's wort
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.