Beleodaq

1 What is Beleodaq?

Brand: Beleodaq

Generic: Belinostat

Belinostat, also known and sold under the trade name of Beleodaq, is a drug used in a treatment of a specific type of cancer – peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

It is most commonly used in cases when the cancer has come back after the treatment has ended or when any of the other medicines used before has not shown any efficient results.

Belinostat works by slowing or stopping the growth process of the cancer cells.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before the decision to start the treatment with Belinostat is made, it is important that the benefits from its usage outweigh the potential risks. This is a decision that you and your doctor together have to make.

Make sure that you get informed about all the benefits but as well as potential risks and side effects.

Inform your doctor about:

  • Allergies – Make sure that you inform your doctor about any allergic reactions to this medicine, if ever used before or to any other medicines. Also, inform the healthcare professional about any allergies that you have to specific food, dye, fabric and etc.
  • Pediatric – Because there aren’t any studies done about the usage of this medicine within pediatric patients, safety is not guaranteed.
  • Geriatric – Studies have shown that there are no specific problems that would limit the efficiency of this medicine within geriatric patients.
  • Pregnancy – Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. Studies have shown potential risks during pregnancy to the infant, however this medicine can be used in life-treating conditions if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
  • Breastfeeding – Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Although, there have not been any studies done that confirm if this medicine is extracted through the milk, it should be used only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
  • Drug interactions – Tell your doctor and healthcare professional if you are taking any other medicines, prescribed or no prescribed. Belinostat may occur some interactions if used in a combination with other medicines.
  • Other interactions – Discuss with your doctor about your diet and usage of tobacco and alcohol in the time of the treatment with Belinostat.
  • Other medical problems – Inform your doctor about any other medical problems that you have or had in the past. Especially, inform your doctor if any of the following conditions are present – anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, any infections or liver disease.

3 Proper Usage

Belinostat is a medicine that is applied intravenously in the hospital by a healthcare professional. Usually, it is applied once daily, 1 to 5 days in a 21-day treatment cycle.

The injection is given slowly, around 30 minutes.

Inform your doctor if you notice any allergic reactions during the treatment. The dosage is determined on your age, weight, condition, symptoms and the prognosis of the treatment.

It is important not to miss a dose, but if that happens, contact your doctor for a new treatment schedule. If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor or healthcare professional right away.

4 Precautions To Take

It is important to visit your doctor regularly to check the prognosis of the treatment. Also, remember to inform the doctor if you notice any side effects.

Because this medicine can harm your unborn baby, it is essential not to become pregnant during the treatment, or if that happens, inform the doctor so he could consider changing the therapy.

This medicine can cause a decrease in the level of the white blood cells and that would lead to a decrease in the efficiency of your immune system. Because of this, infections could be more common. Check with your doctor right away if you suspect an infection.

Belinostat can make you dizzy, so in the time of the treatment, do not drive or do any activities that require alertness.

Breastfeeding during the treatment with Belinostat is not recommended, because it could affect your baby.

5 Potential Side Effects

Potential side effects along with the wanted benefits may be present. Inform your doctor if you notice any side effects.

  • Serious side effects – easy bleeding and bruising, swelling of the hands, feet and face and symptoms of anemia.
  • Side effects that are connected to liver disease – persistent nausea and vomiting, decrease in the appetite, stomach or abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin.
    Contact your doctor right away if you notice any of this side effects so that the doctor can prescribe appropriate medications or discontinue the treatment with Belinostat.
  • Other more common side effects – Chest pain, cough, dizziness, confusion, fainting, irregular heartbeat, problems with breathing, muscle pain, tenderness, sweating, pale skin and etc.

6 Related Clinical Trials

Top