Sunitax 25mg Capsule consists of the active ingredient Sunitinib. It is classified as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which means that it works by blocking certain enzymes called tyrosine kinases that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. This medication is used to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), rare cancer that can start anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. This medication is also used to treat advanced kidney cancer, and pancreatic cancer called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET). Cancer is a disorder in which abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled manner. It is not recommended for people under 18.
Before taking Sunitax 25mg Capsule, it is important to discuss with the physician if you have blood conditions, heart problems, liver disorders, kidney problems, skin disorders, diabetes, seizures, or thyroid disorders. Also, inform if you have recently had surgery or are about to have surgery. Tell your doctor if you are hypertensive because this medication sometimes causes hypertension as a side effect. Avoid taking grapefruit in any form during the treatment with Sunitax 25mg Capsule. 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.
Uses of Sunitax 25mg Capsule
Sunitax 25mg Capsule is used in the treatment of the following condition:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET)
- Medullary thyroid cancer
- Certain kidney cancer
Therapeutic Effects of Sunitax 25mg Capsule
The therapeutic effects of Sunitax 25mg Capsule include slowing down or stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body, thereby reducing the size and number of tumors. It works by inhibiting the activity of specific proteins known as tyrosine kinases, which are involved in the signaling pathways that control cell growth and division. It can help to prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading by blocking these pathways.
Interaction of Sunitax 25mg Capsule with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Sunitax 25mg Capsule and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Sunitax 25mg Capsule
How to consume Sunitax 25mg Capsule
Sunitax 25mg Capsule 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.
Safety Advices for Sunitax 25mg Capsule
Pregnancy
Sunitax 25mg Capsule is unsafe for a developing fetus and is not recommended during pregnancy as it can cause harm to the developing fetus.
Breast Feeding
It is unknown whether Sunitax 25mg Capsule is excreted in human breast milk. Breastfeeding women should discuss the potential risks and benefits of the medication with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Lungs
Sunitax 25mg Capsule can cause interstitial lung disease (ILD), a serious and potentially fatal condition that causes scarring of the lungs. Patients taking this medication should be monitored for symptoms of ILD, such as cough, shortness of breath, and fever, and treatment should be interrupted or discontinued if necessary.
Liver
Sunitax 25mg Capsule can cause liver toxicity, which can be severe or fatal in some cases. Patients taking this medication should be done their liver function tests regularly, and treatment should be interrupted or discontinued if these tests are abnormal.
Alcohol
It is generally recommended to avoid consuming alcohol during treatment with anticancer medication, as alcohol can potentially interfere with the effectiveness of the medication and increases the liver-related and other potential side effects.
Driving
Patients receiving Sunitax 25mg Capsule are advised to avoid driving or operating machinery if they experience side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, or blurred vision, impairing a patient's ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Side Effects of Sunitax 25mg Capsule
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them. Side effects related to Sunitax 25mg Capsule are as follows:
Serious:
- Heart failure or heart attack
- Elevated liver function tests.
- Liver failure
- Proteinuria
- Acute kidney injury
- Interstitial lung disease (inflammation of lung walls)
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension
- Gastrointestinal perforation or fistula
- Haemorrhage (bleeding)
- Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Common
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Hand-foot syndrome
- Skin discoloration or rash
- High blood pressure
- Headache
- Hair loss
- Changes in taste
- Dry skin or itching
- Nosebleeds
Word of Advice
If you have been prescribed Sunitax 25mg Capsule, 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.
FAQs
Q 1. Can Sunitax 25mg Capsule cause changes in skin color?
Yes, Sunitax 25mg Capsule 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.
Q 2. Can Sunitax 25mg Capsule cause heart problems?
Yes, Sunitax 25mg Capsule 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.
Q 3. Can Sunitax 25mg Capsule cause kidney problems?
Yes, Sunitax 25mg Capsule 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.
Q 4. Can I take Sunitax 25mg Capsule if I have a thyroid problem?
Yes, but your healthcare provider will monitor your thyroid function regularly. Sunitax 25mg Capsules 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 your blood before starting treatment, and periodically during treatment.
Q 5. Can Sunitax 25mg Capsule affect fertility?
Yes, Sunitax 25mg Capsules 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.
Q 6. How can Sunitax 25mg Capsule affect my blood?
Sunitax 25mg Capsules 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.
Fact Box of Sunitax 25mg Capsule
Molecule name: Sunitinib | Therapeutic class: Anticancer |
Pharmacological class: Tyrosine kinase inhibitor | Indications: 1. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) 2. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) 3. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) 4. Medullary thyroid cancer 5. Certain kidney cancer |