Sunitinib

What is Sunitinib?

Sunitinib is used to treat specific types of cancer that progress in the stomach and intestines, pancreas, esophagus, or kidneys. Sunitinib can also be employed for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.

Side effects of Sunitinib

Contact emergency medical assistance. If you notice symptoms warning signs of an allergic response (hives, breathing problems, or swelling of your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever, burning or sore throats, irritation around your eyes, skin irritation, and red or purple skin itching that can cause peeling and blisters),

Sunitinib may cause serious or fatal side effects in the liver. Call your doctor in case you experience nausea and stomach discomfort (upper right side), fatigue, itching, dark urine, stools that are clay-colored, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin). Sunitinib can also trigger life-threatening blood clots within the small blood vessels inside your organs, like your kidneys or your brain. Seek medical help immediately if you notice symptoms of this disorder, including an increase in temperature, tiredness, a decrease in urination, bleeding, or nosebleeds.

Contact your doctor at the earliest opportunity if you are suffering from:

• Numbness, redness, pain, or peeling of the skin on the feet or hands;
• Easily bleeding, unusual bruising, or the appearance of red or purple spots beneath the skin
• Sores and painful skin lesions in your mouth or the lips
• Jaw pain, numbness or gum swelling, or red or loose teeth. slow healing following dental treatment;
• Trouble with thinking, confusion, and seizures;
• Heart issues: swelling and rapid weight gain, fast or pounding heartbeats, the chest becoming tense, shortness of breath, or suddenly feeling dizzy (like you're going to faint);
• Elevated blood pressure; severe headache; blurred vision; the pounding of your neck or ears; dizziness or headache;
• Low blood sugar—headache and hunger, sweating, high heart rate Feeling jittery
• Indications of bleeding in your body, such as changes in your mood and the presence of blood within your urine, as well as swelling and pain in your stomach, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, or vomit that looks similar to coffee grounds.
• Signs of tumour cell breakdown—tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth; or
• Symptoms of thyroid problems—severe and increasing tiredness, depression, a rapid heart rate, agitation, shaking, nervousness, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of hair, as well as weight fluctuations and an irregular menstrual period.

Common adverse effects of sunitinib could include:

• Indigestion, decreased appetite, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea;
• Fatigue or feeling weak;
• Sores in the mouth, pain, or a change in the perception of taste
• The appearance of blisters or a rash on your feet and hands;
• Bleeding or bruising;
• An increase in blood pressure.

This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Sunitinib could cause serious or fatal side effects in the liver. You will need regular blood tests to monitor your liver's health during treatment. Contact your physician if you notice any indications of liver problems, like upper stomach pain that is right-sided, the sensation of itching or dark-colored urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

Before taking this medication

You shouldn't use sunitinib if you have an allergy to it.

Speak to your doctor if you are ever diagnosed with:

• Kidney issues other than the cancer;
• Liver disease;
• the heart condition, high blood pressure;
• low blood sugar, also known as the condition known as diabetes;
• bleeding issues;
• Long QT syndrome (in either you or a member of your family);
• A thyroid disorder
• surgical procedure (or if you're planning to undergo surgery).

Sunitinib can cause jaw bone issues (osteonecrosis). The risk is greatest for those suffering from cancer, blood cell disorders, pre-existing dental problems, or those who are treated with chemotherapy, steroids, or radiation. Consult your physician about the risk you are taking.

Sunitinib may cause harm to an unborn baby and cause a birth defect when the father or mother is taking this medication.

• If you're female, do not use sunitinib while there is a possibility of pregnancy. It is possible that you will need an unconfirmed pregnancy test prior to commencing this treatment. Make sure you are using effective contraception to avoid pregnancy while taking this medicine and for at least 4 weeks following the last dose.
• If you're male, use effective birth control if you are a partner with a sex who is capable of becoming pregnant. Continue using birth control for a minimum of 7 weeks following the last dose.
• Contact your physician immediately when you notice a pregnancy in the presence of either the mother or the father who is taking sunitinib.

This medicine can impact fertility (ability to have kids) in both males and females. It is nevertheless important to utilize birth control to stop pregnancy, as sunitinib could cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. It is not recommended to breastfeed during the time you are taking sunitinib or for at least 4 weeks following the last dose. Sunitinib is not recommended for use by anyone younger than

How do I take sunitinib?

Follow the directions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may alter your dosage. Follow the medication precisely as prescribed. The liver's function and blood pressure could require testing at the start of each four-week treatment regimen. Sunitinib is typically taken once a day. Sunitinib is often prescribed for four weeks before two weeks of abstinence from the drug. Your doctor will advise you on the number of complete treatment cycles you will require in accordance with your health condition. Sunitinib can be taken in combination with or without food.

You'll need to take frequent tests of your urine and blood. The heart's function could require testing with an electrocardiogram (ECG, also known as an EKG), as well as regular dental examinations.

If you are in need of surgery or dental treatment, inform your dentist or surgeon that you're currently using sunitinib. You might need to stop taking the medication for a brief period prior to or after a major surgical procedure. Place it in a cool, dry place far from heat and moisture.

Details on dosage:

Usual Adult Dose for Renal Cell Carcinoma:

50 mg once daily orally at a frequency of 4 weeks for treatment, followed by two weeks of no treatment.

Comment: It can be taken without or with food.

Uses:
For the treatment of cancers that are advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC),
For treatment of gastrointestinal tumors (GIST) following progression of the disease or intolerant of the drug imatinib.

Usual Adult Dose for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor:

50 mg taken orally every day in a time frame of 4 weeks of treatment, followed by two weeks of no treatment

Comment: Take either with food or not.

Uses:
For the treatment of kidney cell cancer (RCC),
Treatment of GIST, a gastrointestinal tumor (GIST), following progression of the disease on or intolerant to imatinib

Usual Adult Dose for Pancreatic Cancer:

37.5 mg once a day, orally

Comments:
To be taken in a continuous manner with no scheduled off-treatment interval and can be taken in combination with food or not.

Use: To treat well-differentiated, progressive pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) in patients suffering from metastatic or localized, unresectable disease.

What happens If I miss a dose?

Take the medication as quickly as you can. However, avoid any missed dosage if you have been more than twelve hours late for the dose. Do not take two doses at once.

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Grapefruit can interact with sunitinib, which can lead to undesirable adverse effects. Do not use products made from grapefruit.

Interaction with other drugs

Sunitinib may cause serious heart conditions. Your risk may be greater if you utilise other medicines to treat illnesses such as asthma, heart issues, high blood pressure, depression, cancer, mental illness, malaria, and HIV.

It is sometimes not safe to take certain medicines simultaneously. Certain medications can alter the blood levels and the other drugs you are taking, which could create side effects or render the drugs less effective.