Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Zolinza (Vorinostat).

Blood Clots: Zolinza (Vorinostat) can increase your risk of getting a blood clot in the legs, arms, or lungs. People who have had a blood clot in the past should discuss with their doctor how Zolinza (Vorinostat) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zolinza (Vorinostat), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of a blood clot in the leg or arm (pain, redness, warmth, swelling), or in the lungs (chest pain, shortness of breath), get immediate medical attention.

Blood effects: Zolinza (Vorinostat) can decrease platelets (help with blood clotting) and reduce red blood cells. Your doctor will monitor for these with blood tests. If you experience unusual bleeding or bruising, shortness of breath, tiredness, or paleness while taking Zolinza (Vorinostat), contact your doctor immediately.

Blood sugar: Zolinza (Vorinostat) can cause high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar levels closely while you are receiving Zolinza (Vorinostat). People with Diabetes should report any changes in their blood sugar control to their doctor immediately. Your doctor may suggest dietary and medication changes or may reduce your dose of Zolinza (Vorinostat) to help keep your blood sugar levels controlled.

Dehydration: Zolinza (Vorinostat) can cause dehydration (too much water loss from your body). In order to prevent this, you should drink at least 2 litres of fluids a day while you are taking Zolinza (Vorinostat). If you experience severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea while taking Zolinza (Vorinostat), contact your doctor. These side effects can lead to dehydration.

Dizziness and fainting: Zolinza (Vorinostat) can cause dizziness or fainting. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience these side effects and until you know you can perform these activities safely.

Heart effects: Zolinza (Vorinostat) can have an effect on the electrical activity of the heart called QT prolongation. This can lead to a serious abnormal heart rhythm, which can be fatal. People who are at an increased risk of experiencing abnormal heart rhythms (e.g., women, people 65 years of age and older, people with heart disease, a family history of sudden death, abnormal heart rhythms, congenital long QT syndromes, strokes, Eating Disorders, diabetes, low blood levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium) should discuss with their doctor how Zolinza (Vorinostat) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zolinza (Vorinostat), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may check your heart rhythm with an ECG (electrocardiogram) to check for the effects of Zolinza (Vorinostat) on your heart.

If you experience symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm (e.g., dizziness, fainting seizures, pounding or irregular heartbeat) while taking Zolinza (Vorinostat), get immediate medical attention.

Heart rate: Zolinza (Vorinostat) can increase your heart rate. People with heart disease or fast heartbeats should discuss with their doctor how Zolinza (Vorinostat) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zolinza (Vorinostat), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney: People with reduced kidney function should discuss with their doctor how Zolinza (Vorinostat) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zolinza (Vorinostat), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver problems: People with liver problems should discuss with their doctor how Zolinza (Vorinostat) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zolinza (Vorinostat), and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with severely reduced liver function should not take Zolinza (Vorinostat).

Pregnancy: Women taking Zolinza (Vorinostat) should avoid becoming pregnant. Zolinza (Vorinostat) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Zolinza (Vorinostat), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Zolinza (Vorinostat) passes into breast milk. Women taking Zolinza (Vorinostat) should not breast-feed.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Zolinza (Vorinostat) have not been established for children.