Active ingredient: Sunitinib
Classification: Tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Mechanism of action: Blocks certain enzymes called tyrosine kinases that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Uses:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC);
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST);
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET);
- Medullary thyroid cancer;
- Certain kidney cancer.
Important information:
- Not recommended for people under 18.
- Discuss with the physician if you have blood conditions, heart problems, liver disorders, kidney problems, skin disorders, diabetes, seizures, or thyroid disorders.
- Inform if you have recently had surgery or are about to have surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are hypertensive.
- Avoid taking grapefruit in any form during the treatment.
- Check with your dentist if you have any problems in the mouth before starting treatment.
Storage:
- Store at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C), in its original package.
- Keep it in the original package.
- Protect from moisture, light, and heat.
- Keep out of reach from children and pets.
How to consume:
- Taken orally, in the form of capsules, with a glass of water.
- Swallow whole, do not crush, chew, or open.
- The recommended dose may vary depending on the type of cancer being treated, the patient's age and weight, and other factors.
- Usually taken once a day, with or without food, at around the same time each day.
- If you miss a dose, do not double the dose to compensate.
Safety advices:
- Pregnancy: unsafe for a developing fetus, not recommended during pregnancy.
- Breast feeding: discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
- Lungs: can cause interstitial lung disease, a serious and potentially fatal condition that causes scarring of the lungs.
- Liver: can cause liver toxicity, which can be severe or fatal in some cases.
- Alcohol: avoid consuming alcohol during treatment.
- Driving: avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, or blurred vision.
Side effects:
- Serious: heart failure or heart attack, elevated liver function tests, liver failure, proteinuria, acute kidney injury, interstitial lung disease, 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:
- Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
- 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.
- Report any symptoms or changes in your health, even if they seem minor.
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.