Zolinza
(vorinostat)
Helps treat blood cancers of the skin.
Our bottom line
Zolinza (vorinostat) can possibly help treat your condition if you have failed to respond to 2 other chemotherapy medications, but you will need to do blood tests frequently at least once a month.
- Drug class: Cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Can be a good alternative treatment option when other medications have failed.
- You only have to take Zolinza (vorinostat) once a day.
- Zolinza (vorinostat) is available as an oral medication so it is easier to take.
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
What to expect from Zolinza, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Zolinza (vorinostat) is expensive as it is not available as a generic.
- Zolinza (vorinostat) has drug interactions with many other prescription medications, vitamins, and supplements.
- You will need to get blood tests done regularly, at least once a month while you are taking this medication.
- Can increase the risk of bleeding for people who are also taking blood thinners.
- Zolinza (vorinostat) raises blood sugar levels so it might not be a good treatment option for diabetics.
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
What to expect from Zolinza, on one page
Download Fact SheetZolinza (vorinostat) disrupts the function of enzymes called histone deacetylases, which interferes with the growth of cancer cells ultimately causing them to die.
- Drug class: Cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$7132.66
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$7153.07
What to expect when you take Zolinza (vorinostat) for Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Change in taste
- Decreased platelet count
- Loss of appetite
Side effect rates for Zolinza (vorinostat)
- Tiredness52%52%
- Diarrhea52%52%
- Nausea41%41%
- Change in taste28%28%
- Decreased platelet count26%26%
- Loss of appetite24%24%
- Weight loss21%21%
- Muscle spasms20%20%
- Hair loss19%19%
- Dry mouth16%16%
- Increased blood creatinine16%16%
- Chills16%16%
- Vomiting15%15%
- Constipation15%15%
- Dizziness15%15%
- Low red blood cell count14%14%
- Decreased appetite14%14%
- Abnormal accumulation of fluid13%13%
- Headache12%12%
- Itchy skin12%12%
- Cough11%11%
- Upper respiratory infection11%11%
- Fever11%11%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Zolinza.
People taking Zolinza felt side effect more
People taking Zolinza felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Zolinza (vorinostat)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Zolinza (vorinostat) can cause your platelets and red blood cells to drop to abnormally low levels which can be life-threatening. Your cancer doctor will have you do regular blood tests to make sure you're healthy enough to keep taking Zolinza (vorinostat). Tell your doctor right away if you have unusual bleeding or bruising, more tiredness than usual, trouble breathing, or your skin appears pale.
Common concerns from people taking Zolinza (vorinostat)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Zolinza (vorinostat) has drug interactions with many other prescription medications, vitamins, and supplements.
- Take Zolinza (vorinostat) with food.