Panobinostat
About Panobinostat
Panobinostat is a prescription medication used to treat multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer. It is specifically prescribed for patients who have already tried other cancer treatments that did not work or stopped working. This medicine helps slow down the progression of the disease by stopping cancer cells from growing and multiplying.
Because this medication is powerful, it must be taken exactly on a specific schedule determined by your doctor, usually involving taking it on certain days followed by rest days. You can take the capsules with or without food, but you should try to take them at the same time on your scheduled days. Staying well-hydrated and resting during treatment are important lifestyle adjustments that can help your body cope with the medication's effects.
Common side effects of Panobinostat include severe diarrhoea, nausea, feeling very tired, and a drop in blood cell counts. It is crucial to monitor your body closely and contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe watery stools, extreme fatigue, unusual bleeding, or signs of an infection.
Do not take this if you have severe liver damage, active infections, or certain heart rhythm abnormalities. Before starting, you must tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or liver problems, as this medicine can affect your heart rhythm and liver function.
This medicine can interact with several other drugs, including certain antibiotics, heart medications, and herbal supplements. You must avoid consuming alcohol or smoking, as these can worsen side effects like dizziness and dehydration. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the specific risks before taking this medication.
Uses of Panobinostat
Medicinal Benefits
Panobinostat helps treat multiple myeloma by targeting abnormal plasma cells and slowing the progression of the disease. With regular use as prescribed, it helps control cancer-related symptoms, supports longer periods of disease control, and improves overall quality of life.
- Helps Control Multiple Myeloma: By targeting abnormal plasma cells, this medicine helps slow the progression of multiple myeloma and supports effective long-term disease management.
- Relieves Cancer-Related Symptoms: Effective treatment may help reduce bone pain, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with multiple myeloma, improving daily comfort and physical functioning.
- Supports Longer Disease Control: When used in combination with other cancer therapies, this medicine helps prolong remission or delay disease progression, supporting better long-term treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Directions for Use
- Panobinostat can be taken with or without food as prescribed by your doctor.
- It is usually taken on days 1, 3, 5, 8, 10 and 12 of a 21-day (3-week) cycle for up to 16 cycles or as advised by your doctor.
- Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush or chew Panobinostat.
Side Effects of Panobinostat
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Mild diarrhoea or upset stomach
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Feeling unusually tired or weak
- Mild swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Severe, persistent watery stools (diarrhoea) leading to dehydration
- Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeats
- Unusual bruising, nosebleeds, or blood in your stool or urine
- Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, sore throat, or cough
- Yellowing of your eyes or skin (signs of liver damage)
- Shortness of breath or sudden chest pain
Drug Warnings
- Keep your blood test appointments: Regular blood tests are required to monitor your blood cell levels and liver function during treatment.
- Monitor your heart: Your doctor will perform regular heart traces (ECGs) to make sure this medicine is not affecting your heart rhythm.
- Do not handle broken capsules: If a capsule is damaged, do not touch the powder inside. If contact occurs, wash the area immediately.
- Use effective birth control: Both men and women must use highly effective birth control during treatment and for a specific period after stopping, as this drug can cause severe harm to an unborn baby.
- Report severe diarrhoea immediately: Diarrhoea can become life-threatening very quickly. Contact your care team at the first sign of loose stools.
Drug Interactions
- Heart rhythm medications: May increase the risk of dangerous irregular heartbeats when combined with certain medicines used to treat heart rhythm problems.
- Strong liver enzyme inhibitors: Medicines such as certain antifungals or antibiotics can increase the levels of Panobinostat in your body, raising the risk of severe side effects.
- Strong liver enzyme inducers: Certain anti-seizure medicines or tuberculosis treatments may lower the levels of Panobinostat, making it less effective.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Panobinostat.
Pregnancy
unsafePanobinostat should not be taken during pregnancy as it might cause fetal harm. Inform your doctor immediately if you are conceiving while on therapy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeYou should not breastfeed when taking Panobinostat as it is unknown if the panobinostat can pass to your baby in the milk.
Driving
cautionPanobinostat can cause a drop in blood pressure, which can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded or like you are about to faint. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded when taking Panobinostat, you should not operate machinery or drive a car.
Liver
cautionCaution should be exercised. Monitor hepatic enzymes and adjust the dosage if abnormal liver function tests are observed during panobinostat therapy.
Kidney
cautionLimited information is available. Please inform your doctor before prescribing Panobinostat if you have kidney impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Panobinostat.
Children
consult your doctorThe safety and efficacy of Panobinostat in children has not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water and clear broths, to prevent dehydration, especially if you experience diarrhoea.
- Avoid certain fruits: Do not eat grapefruit, starfruit, or pomegranate, or drink their juices, as they can interfere with how your body processes this medicine.
- Eat small, frequent meals: If you suffer from nausea or loss of appetite, eating small portions throughout the day can help maintain your nutrition.
- Practice good hand hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with people who are sick to protect yourself from infections.
Special Advise
- Monitoring of complete blood count while taking Panobinostat is advised.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent urinary problems.
- If you are due to have any surgery, inform the doctor that you are taking Panobinostat.
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping at night is a common side effect of panobinostat. This may be minimised by taking panobinostat in the morning.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, is a type of bone marrow cancer that affects several areas of the body, such as the spine, skull, pelvis, and ribs.
FAQs
The length of treatment depends on how well Panobinostat works for you, how you tolerate it, and your doctor's treatment plan. Continue taking it exactly as prescribed and do not stop treatment unless your doctor tells you to. Your doctor will monitor your progress and determine how long you should continue therapy.
No. Panobinostat can seriously harm an unborn baby and must not be used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for the recommended period after the last dose. Men with partners who may become pregnant should also use effective contraception. Speak with your doctor immediately if pregnancy occurs during treatment.
Yes. Panobinostat may be taken with or without food. Take it the same way each time on your scheduled treatment days. Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule.
Regular monitoring is important during treatment with Panobinostat. Your doctor will perform blood tests to check your blood cell counts, liver function, and electrolyte levels. Depending on your condition, you may also need electrocardiograms (ECGs) to monitor your heart rhythm and other tests as required. These tests help detect side effects early and determine whether your treatment needs adjustment.
If you vomit after taking your capsule, do not take an extra dose to make up for it. Simply wait and take your next scheduled dose at your regular time. Inform your doctor or pharmacist about the vomiting episode.
No, you should avoid grapefruit, starfruit, pomegranate, and their juices. These foods can block enzymes in your body that break down the medication, which can lead to dangerously high levels of the drug in your system. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your diet.
Diarrhoea is a very common and potentially severe side effect. You should drink plenty of fluids and contact your doctor immediately at the first sign of loose stools so they can advise you on taking anti-diarrheal medicines or modifying your dose.
No. You must swallow the capsule whole with water. Opening or crushing the capsule can expose you or others to the active powder, which can cause skin irritation or incorrect dosing. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
