Axitinib

Generic name: axitinib [ axIT-i-nib ]
Brand name: Inlyta
Dosage form: oral tablet (1 mg; 5 mg)
Drug classes:Multikinase inhibitors, VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 21, 2020. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is axitinib?

Axitinib is used to treat advanced kidney cancer.

Axitinib is sometimes given after at least one other cancer treatment did not work or has stopped working.

Axitinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use axitinib if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a perforation (a hole or tear) in your stomach or intestines;

• bleeding problems, or a wound that has not healed;

• a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, or blood clot.

• high blood pressure;

• liver disease; or

• a thyroid disorder.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Both men and women using axitinib should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Axitinib can cause harm an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine.

Keep using birth control for at least 1 week after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using axitinib.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because axitinib can harm an unborn baby.

It is not safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Also do not breast-feed for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

How should I take axitinib?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Axitinib should be taken at evenly spaced intervals, usually once every 12 hours.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water. You may take axitinib with or without food.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

If you vomit shortly after tak...