Istodax

Generic name:romidepsin [ ROE-mi-DEP-sin ]
Drug class:Histone deacetylase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Oct 5, 2021.

What is Istodax?

Istodax blocks certain enzymes in the body and interferes with the growth of tumor cells.

Istodax is a prescription medicine used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) affecting the skin.. It is usually given after at least one other cancer treatment did not work or has stopped working.

It is not known if Istodax is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

Warnings

Before you receive Istodax, tell your doctor if you have an electrolyte imbalance, a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome," heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Do not receive Istodax if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Hormonal forms of contraception (such as birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings) may not be effective enough to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking Istodax.

Before taking this medicine

To make sure Istodax is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems or a heart rhythm disorder;

• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);

• kidney disease;

• liver disease (especially hepatitis B);

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood); or

• if you are sick with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

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

Both men and women using Istodax 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.

Istodax 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 Istodas. Both men and women should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because the medicine can harm an unborn baby.

You should not breastfeed...