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Romidepsin

Generic name: romidepsin [ ROE-mi-DEP-sin ]
Brand name: Istodax
Dosage forms: intravenous powder for injection (10 mg), intravenous solution (5 mg/mL)
Drug class: Histone deacetylase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 16, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is romidepsin?

Romidepsin is used to treat T-cell lymphoma affecting the skin (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma).

Romidepsin is given after at least one other cancer treatment did not work or has stopped working.

Romidepsin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Romidepsin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections, during and after treatment. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as:

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of romidepsin may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test 7 days before starting this treatment.

Both men and women using romidepsin should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Men should use condoms. Romidepsin can harm an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine.

Keep using birth control for at least 1 month after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs.

Romidepsin can make hormonal birth control less effective, including birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. Use barrier birth control to prevent pregnancy: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.

Pregnancy may be less likely to occur while the mother or the father is using this medicine. Both men and women should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because the medicine can harm an unborn baby.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 week after your last dose.

How is romidepsin given?

Romidepsin is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider.

This medicine must be given slowly over 4 hours.

Romidepsin is given in a 28-day treatment cycle. You will receive an injection only on certain days of this cycle.

You may be given other medicine to prevent nausea or vomiting while you are receiving romidepsin.

Drink plenty of liquids in the 3 days after each injection.

You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. You will need frequent medical tests. Your heart function may also need to be checked

If you've had hepatitis B, it may come back or get worse. You may need liver function tests while using this medicine and for several months after you stop.

Romidepsin dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma:

14 mg/m2 IV over 4 hours on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle; repeat cycle every 28 days provided patient continues to benefit and is tolerating therapy

Uses: For the treatment of cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL) in patients who have received at least 1 prior systemic therapy.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your romidepsin injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving romidepsin?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect romidepsin?

Romidepsin can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect romidepsin, especially:

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect romidepsin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.