What is the Axitinib?
The treatment of advanced renal cancer with axitinibSometimes, axitinib can be given if at least one other cancer therapy has failed or stopped working.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Axitinib.
Side effects of Axitinib
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.Axiatinib can cause a fistula or perforation in the stomach and intestines. If you experience severe stomach pain or feel as if your intestines are being ripped apart, call a doctor.
Call your doctor immediately if:
- Chest pain, pressure, or pain that spreads to the jaw or shoulder;
- Sudden numbness, weakness, or problems in vision or communication
- Confusion (thinking problems), seizure, headache
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Easy bruising or bleeding; purple or red patches under the skin
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Any bleeding that won't stop
- Liver problems: severe nausea and vomiting; right-sided upper abdomen pain; lack of appetite; dark-colored urine; clay-colored stool; jaundice.
- Problems associated with heart: swelling, rapid weight gain and shortness of breath
- Signs of bleeding in the stomach include bloody stools or vomit that looks similar to coffee grounds, or coughing up blood.
- Signs of thyroid problems include sudden weight gain, loss or fatigue, pain in the muscles or feeling cold or hot, feeling warm or feeling hot, loss or thinning hair, or a hoarse voice.
Side effects associated with axitinib include:
- Liver problems
- Stomach pain;
- Muscle and bone pain
- Blood tests that are abnormal
- Mouth sores and swelling in the throat, mouth, nose, or eyes
- Shortness of breath
- Headache;
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
- Rash, itching, and redness on the hands or feet.
- Feeling tired or weak
- Increased blood pressure
- Weight loss or decreased appetite
- Hoarse voice.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Contact the FDA by dialing their toll-free line: 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Keytruda, Avastin, Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Bevacizumab, and Afinitor
Warning
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your doctors about your allergies and medical conditions. Inform them which medications you are currently taking.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to axitinib, it is best not to use this drug.
If you've ever:
- A perforation is a tear or hole in the stomach or intestines.
- A wound that hasn't healed or is bleeding;
- A heart attack or a heart failure|
- High blood pressure
- Liver diseases|
- A thyroid condition.
Before starting the treatment, you may be required to take a pregnancy test.Women and men who use axitinib are advised to avoid pregnancy by using effective birth control. The unborn child can be harmed if either the father or mother is taking this medication.Continue to use birth control at least one week after you have taken your last dose. If you become pregnant while taking axitinib, tell your doctor immediately.Both men and women may be affected by this medicine. It is still important to avoid pregnancy, as axitinib may harm the unborn child.Do not breastfeed your baby for 2 weeks following the last dose.
How to take Axitinib?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.Axitinib can be taken evenly, most commonly once every 12 to 24 hours.This medicine should be taken with water. Axitinib can be taken either with or without food.Do not chew or crush the tablet.Do not take another dose if you vomit soon after taking axitinib. Do not take another dose until you have taken your scheduled next dose.You will also need frequent medical tests. You might also require frequent medical testing.Tell your surgeon that you are currently using axitinib if you require surgery. Stop using the medication at least 24 hours prior to a scheduled surgery.Keep away from heat and moisture. Store at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for renal cell carcinoma:Initial dose: oral, 5 mg twice daily
Maintaining dose: increasing or decreasing dose according to individual tolerance and safety
Range of dose: 2–10 mg two times a day.
Comment: The doses should be approximately 12 hours apart.
Use: To treat advanced kidney cell carcinoma following the failure of one prior systemic treatment.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the dose you missed. Use your next dose as usual. Use only one dose at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
Avoid this
Grapefruit can interact with axitinib, causing unwanted side effects. Use grapefruit-free products.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not a good idea to take certain drugs at the same time. Some medications can cause side effects that increase or decrease the effectiveness of another drug you are taking.Drugs such as vitamins and herbal remedies can affect axitinib. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
