Uses of undefined

Sunitinib is a targeted therapy medicine used to treat advanced or metastatic kidney cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and certain types of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET). It also uses in the treatment of medullary thyroid cancer.

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Sunitinib is taken orally, in the form of capsules, with a glass of water. The capsules should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or opened. The recommended dose may vary depending on the type of cancer being treated, the patient's age and weight, and other factors. This medication is usually taken once a day, with or without food, at around the same time each day. If you miss a dose then do not double the dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Sunitinib has several warnings that patients should be aware of. It can cause serious and sometimes fatal liver problems, including liver failure and death, which may occur suddenly and without symptoms. It can also cause heart problems, including heart failure and heart attack, which can be fatal in some cases. Patients with pre-existing liver or heart conditions may be at a higher risk of developing these complications. Other warnings include the risk of high blood pressure, bleeding, and gastrointestinal perforation, which can be life-threatening. This medication can also cause thyroid dysfunction, leading to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and can affect wound healing.

Precautions

There are several precautions that patients should take when using sunitinib. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any pre-existing medical conditions, including liver or heart problems, thyroid disorders, bleeding disorders, or gastrointestinal problems. It may also increase the risk of infections, so patients should avoid close contact with people who have infections. Check with your dentist if you have any problems in the mouth, such as mouth pain, swelling, or sores inside the mouth before starting treatment.

Side Effects

Sunitinib may cause a range of side effects, which can vary in severity and frequency. Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, hand-foot syndrome, skin discoloration or rash, high blood pressure, headache, hair loss, changes in taste, dry skin, itching, and nosebleeds. More serious side effects can include heart problems, liver problems, kidney problems, lung problems, hemorrhage, hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, and rare skin reactions. If you experience any side effects while taking this medication, it is important to inform your healthcare provider.

Word Of Advice

If you have been prescribed sunitinib, it is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions. During treatment avoid taking grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it can increase the levels of medication in the blood and potentially increase the risk of side effects. Use a reliable method of birth control while taking the medication and for at least four weeks after the last dose. This medication can cause serious side effects, so it is important to be vigilant and informed about your treatment. Make sure to report any symptoms or changes in your health, even if they seem minor. With proper precautions and monitoring, it can be an effective treatment for certain types of cancer.

Frequently Asked Question

• Can sunitinib cause changes in skin color?
• Yes, sunitinib can cause changes in skin color. One common side effect is called "hand-foot syndrome," which can cause redness, swelling, and pain in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. In some cases, this syndrome can also cause the skin to darken or become thickened in these areas. Additionally, this medication can cause other skin changes, such as rashes and discoloration.

• Can sunitinib cause heart problems?
• Yes, sunitinib can cause heart problems such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and heart attack. Patients taking this medication should be closely monitored by their healthcare provider for any signs of heart problems and may need to undergo regular heart function tests.

• Can sunitinib cause kidney problems?
• Yes, sunitinib can cause kidney problems such as proteinuria (excess protein in the urine) and renal impairment. Patients taking this medication require regular monitoring of kidney function and need to adjust the dosage or switch to a different medication if these side effects occur or persist.

• Can I take Sunitinib if I have a thyroid problem?
• Yes, but your healthcare provider will monitor your thyroid function regularly. Sunitinib can affect the thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland). Therefore, your healthcare provider will check thyroid hormone levels in blood before starting treatment, and periodically during treatment.

• Can sunitinib affect fertility?
• Yes, sunitinib can affect fertility in both men and women. Patients taking this medication should discuss the potential risks and options for preserving fertility with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.

• How can sunitinib affect my blood?
• Sunitinib can cause hematologic toxicity, which may include neutropenia (low white blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), and anemia (low red blood cell count). These changes can increase the risk of infection, bleeding, and fatigue, respectively.