Vandetanib

Vandetanib is an oral receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of thyroid cancer.

Vandetanib can be taken with or without food, but try to have it at the same time every day to get the most benefits. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. Take it exactly as advised by the doctor. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless the doctor tells you otherwise.

The most common side effects of this medicine include gastrointestinal disturbance, skin and cutaneous disorders, high blood pressure, prolonged QT interval, decreased calcium level in blood, decreased appetite, protein in urine, decreased level of thyroid hormones, and muscle spasm. If you experience severe diarrhea, consult your doctor and drink plenty of fluids. Let them know about severe abdominal pain or black, tarry, or bloody stools as these might be symptoms of a bleeding disorder. You may be asked for some blood tests to check for the liver, kidney, and levels of thyroid stimulating hormones.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, liver, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine, so inform your healthcare team about all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Use of effective contraception by both males and females during the treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.

• Treatment of Thyroid cancer

Treatment of Thyroid cancer
Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. It produces hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight. Thyroid cancer occurs in the cells of the thyroid and might not cause any symptoms at first. Vandetanib restricts the oxygen supply to the cancer cells and stops their growth as well as further spread. It is a potent and very toxic medicine, and discuss its risks and benefits with your doctor. Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking while being treated with with this drug, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Caprelsa

• Gastrointestinal disturbance
• Skin and cutaneous disorders
• High blood pressure
• Prolonged QT interval
• Decreased calcium level in blood
• Decreased appetite
• Protein in urine
• Decreased level of thyroid hormones
• Muscle spasm

Severe side effects of Caprelsa

• Aneurysm
• Arterial dissection
• Artery rupture
• Impaired wound healing

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Vandetanib may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Vandetanib works by preventing the action of an abnormal protein that triggers the multiplication of cancer cells thereby slowing or stopping the spread of cancer cells.