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Caprelsa Warnings and Precautions
Tell your healthcare provider if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, or severe diarrhea before starting treatment with Caprelsa. Other precautions for safely using this medicine include warnings of potential allergic reactions and drug interactions. This medicine can also cause other complications, such as increased sensitivity to the sun and a potentially life-threatening rash called Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Caprelsa® (vandetanib) if you have:
- Liver disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver failure
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- An irregular heartbeat or a heart condition known as QT prolongation
- Heart disease, such as congestive heart failure
- Lung disease or breathing problems
- Recently coughed up blood
- Been told you have abnormal blood levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium
- Ever had a bleeding problem, such as bleeding in the stomach, intestines, or brain
- An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Severe diarrhea
- Seizures
- Any allergies, including to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD