TAFINLAR, 50MG, CAPSULE

Common uses

This medication is typically used as part of chemotherapy.

How to use this medication

To fully benefit from the effect of this medication, and to limit any adverse reactions, make sure that the health care facility overseeing your treatment has provided you with all the information needed to properly administer this drug.

This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed.

The capsule of this medication should not be opened, crushed or chewed. If you forget a dose and there is more than 6 hours left before the next dose, take immediately the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up.

This medication should not be taken with food. It is best taken on an empty stomach, one hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice during your treatment. Grapefruit can seriously affect how this medication works.

Possible side effects

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some side effects, notably:

• it may cause hair loss;
• it may cause headaches;
• it may cause joint pain;
• it may cause redness on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet;
• it may cause a fever;
• it may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays (e.g., sunlight, tanning lamps) - avoid exposure to UV rays as much as possible and protect yourself when out in the sun;
• it may cause an allergic reaction (also known as hypersensitivity).

Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing side effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Storage information

As with most medications, this product should be stored at room temperature. Store it in a secure location where it will not be exposed to excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed of safely.

Additional information

Although the drugs you are taking are intended to help you, they can be harmful to those around you. Make sure that a professional who oversees your treatment has given you all the necessary precautions.

Taking this medication during pregnancy may be harmful for the baby. Women of childbearing potential should use a condom or another contraceptive method, except contraceptive that contains hormone (birth control pill, patch, etc.), during the treatment and for several weeks after the end of it. Men who are taking the medication should also use an effective contraceptive method during treatment. Ask your health care professional for details.

Blood donation is usually refused during this treatment.

This medication may interact with other medications or supplements, sometimes significantly. Many interactions, however, may be dealt with by a dosage adjustment or a change in medication schedule. Check with your pharmacist before using this medication in combination with any other medications (including non-prescription products), vitamins or natural products.

This information handout only provides an overview of your treatment. Given the complex nature of your treatment, you will receive information that is much more comprehensive and that deals specifically with your needs. Make sure that you have all the relevant information regarding your medication.

General information

When meeting with any health professional, it is important for you to share the following information:

• Your medical history and allergies (medication, food, or other);
• If you're pregnant or want to become pregnant, or if you're breastfeeding;
• If you use tobacco or cannabis or its derivatives, or if you use recreational drugs;
• The names of all the medications you take, whether you take them regularly or once in a while, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and natural health products.

It is also strongly recommended that you keep an up-to-date list of all the medications you take and carry it with you at all times. This could be useful if you have to see a health professional or need emergency care.

Keep all your medications out of the reach of children and pets and return any unused or expired medications to the pharmacy for proper disposal.