Sunitinib
Generic name: sunitinib [ soo-NIT-in-ib ]
Brand name: Sutent
Dosage form: oral capsule (12.5 mg; 25 mg; 37.5 mg; 50 mg)
Drug classes:Multikinase inhibitors, VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors
What is sunitinib?
Sunitinib is used to treat certain types of advanced or progressive tumors of the stomach, intestines, esophagus, pancreas, or kidneys.
Sunitinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Sunitinib can cause severe or fatal effects on your liver. You will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function during treatment. Call your doctor if you have any signs of a liver problem, such as right-sided upper stomach pain, itching, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use sunitinib if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney problems other than cancer;
heart disease, high blood pressure;
low blood sugar, or diabetes;
bleeding problems;
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
a thyroid disorder; or
surgery (or if you plan to have surgery).
sunitinib may cause jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis). The risk is highest in people with cancer, blood cell disorders, pre-existing dental problems, or people treated with steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation. Ask your doctor about your own risk.
Sunitinib can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using this medicine.
If you are a woman, do not use sunitinib if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 4 weeks after your last dose.
If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 7 weeks after your last dose.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using sunitinib.
This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control t...
