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Sunitinib

Uses

Sunitinib is used in the treatment of kidney cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

How it Works

How Sunitinib works Sunitinib is an anti-cancer medication. It functions by binding to and blocking specific cell surface proteins (tyrosine kinases) that are responsible for the propagation of cancer growth. Additionally, it restricts the formation of new blood vessels within the tumor, which helps prevent the proliferation of malignant cancers.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Sunitinib include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rash, weakness, fatigue, flatulence, cough, breathlessness, bleeding, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), diarrhea, constipation, changes in taste, decreased appetite, hair loss, decreased levels of thyroid hormones, high blood pressure, muscle pain, back pain, fever, weight loss, mucositis, skin discoloration, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, changes in hair color, decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes), increased aspartate aminotransferase, increased alanine aminotransferase, increased lipase in the blood, increased creatinine levels in the blood, decreased left ventricular ejection fraction, decreased potassium levels in the blood, increased sodium levels in the blood, mouth pain, tongue pain, hemorrhoids, pain in extremities, nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), increased bilirubin in the blood, and dryness in the mouth.

Expert Advice

  • Sunitinib is used for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
  • Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.
  • Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Drink plenty of fluids and inform your doctor if it persists or if you notice blood in your stools.
  • Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication and for one month after discontinuation.
  • It may affect wound healing time. Exercise caution while shaving, cutting fingernails or toenails, or using sharp objects.
  • Monitor your blood pressure regularly while on this medication.
  • Inform your doctor if you experience symptoms of very high blood pressure, such as severe headache, confusion, vision problems, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Monitoring of thyroid gland function is required while taking this medicine.
  • Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms such as weight gain, dry skin, or hair loss.
  • It may cause serious bleeding problems. Notify your doctor if you experience headaches, stomach pain, or notice blood in your urine or stools.
  • Inform your doctor about the consumption of Sunitinib before undergoing any surgical procedures.
  • Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Other Combinations

Frequently asked questions

Take Sunitinib as prescribed by your doctor, preferably once daily with or without food. Avoid grapefruit juice and grapefruit during treatment due to increased risk of side effects.
Sunitinib typically increases blood pressure, so regular monitoring is essential. Inform your doctor of any severe headaches, dizziness, or vision changes; they may adjust your treatment accordingly.
Sunitinib may cause skin lightening, hair loss, dryness, thickening, cracking, blisters, or rashes on palms and soles. Serious skin reactions can occur, so report any signs of infection or severe rash to your doctor immediately.
Yes, Sunitinib may lower blood sugar levels, requiring diabetics to monitor their levels closely and adjust anti-diabetic medication as necessary.
No generics are available for Sunitinib. It works by inhibiting protein kinases on cancer cells, preventing their growth and spread. Other examples of protein kinase inhibitors include erlotinib and gefitinib.
Sunitinib can lead to severe liver problems, potentially fatal. Report symptoms like itching, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or abdominal pain to your doctor, who will monitor your liver function during treatment.
There are no supporting studies for combining Sunitinib with other chemotherapy drugs. It is used in cases where imatinib, another anticancer drug, is ineffective or not tolerated.
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