Sunitinib

[otw_shortcode_tabslayout tabs=”8″ tab_1_title=”Overview” tab_1_content=”Sunitinib is a multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that reduces tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis and inhibits tumor growth and metastasis.” tab_2_title=”Indications” tab_2_content=”Sunitinib is primarily used in adult patients with inoperable advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors (GIST) that have failed or are intolerant to treatment with imatinib mesylate, and unresectable, metastatic, highly differentiated progressive pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET).” tab_3_title=”Dosage” tab_3_content=”The recommended dose of sunitinib for the treatment of gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors and advanced renal cell carcinoma is 50 mg orally once daily for 4 weeks and 2 weeks off (4/2 dosing regimen). For pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, the recommended dose of sunitinib is 37.5 mg orally once daily for a continuous dose with no discontinuation period. It can be taken with or without food.” tab_4_title=”Precautions” tab_4_content=”1. Sunitinib may impair fertility in men and women. If you are planning to have children, please inform your doctor in advance. Sunitinib can also inhibit angiogenesis, which can have a bad effect on the fetus. Women of childbearing potential are advised to use effective contraception during and for at least 4 weeks after discontinuation of the drug. Male patients also need to use effective contraception during and at least 7 weeks after discontinuation of the drug. 2. Sunitinib may cause dizziness. If it occurs, avoid driving, working at heights and operating machinery as much as possible. Sunitinib can cause hypoglycemia, and the lowering of blood glucose may be more severe in diabetic patients. Please check blood glucose levels regularly during and after discontinuation of the drug. Sunitinib may increase the risk of frontal osteonecrosis in patients who use bisphosphonates (e.g. alendronate) or who have dental problems. Please take care of your dental care while taking the drug. 4. Sunitinib has hepatotoxicity. Monitor liver function during use. The drug has hematological and cardiovascular effects and can cause proteinuria. It is also necessary to monitor the complete blood count, blood biochemistry and 24-hour urine protein level during the drug administration to assess the effect of the drug on you. In addition, patients with hypertension are advised to monitor their blood pressure. 5. Live vaccinations (e.g. BCG, rabies vaccine) given while using sunitinib may lead to infection. If live vaccination is required, please wait at least 3 months after discontinuation of the drug. 6. You may bleed easily after using sunitinib. Please be careful to avoid injury (e.g. use of soft-bristled toothbrush and electric razor). If you need to have surgery while on the drug, please inform your doctor in advance that you are taking this drug. It is recommended to stop using bromocriptine for at least 3 weeks before elective surgery (including dental surgery or invasive dental procedures) and not to use it for at least 2 weeks after major surgery until the wound has healed adequately.” tab_5_title=”Contraindications” tab_5_content=”Sunitinib is contraindicated in persons with severe hypersensitivity to sunitinib or to the inactive components of the drug. Adverse Reactions Fatigue, malaise, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, taste changes, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, mucositis/stomatitis, dyspepsia, hypertension are common. Rash, hand-foot syndrome, skin discoloration, bleeding may also be seen. Potentially serious adverse reactions: left ventricular dysfunction, prolonged Q-T interval, bleeding, hypertension, and abnormal adrenal function.” tab_6_title=”Adverse Reactions” tab_6_content=”Fatigue, malaise, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, taste changes, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, mucositis/stomatitis, dyspepsia, and hypertension are common. Rash, hand-foot syndrome, skin discoloration, and bleeding are also seen. Potentially serious adverse reactions: left ventricular dysfunction, prolonged Q-T interval, bleeding, hypertension, and abnormal adrenal function.” tab_7_title=”Interactions” tab_7_content=”Food: Consumption of grapefruit may elevate the level of sunitinib in the blood; avoid grapefruit and its products while using sunitinib. Drugs: Potent cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir) may increase blood levels of sunitinib and its active metabolites and should be avoided in combination. CYP 3A4-inducing agents (e.g., carbamazepine, dexamethasone, phenobarbital) may decrease the blood levels of sunitinib and its active metabolites and should be avoided in combination.” tab_8_title=”Special Populations” tab_8_content=”CHILDREN: The safety and efficacy of the drug in children are not known. Use is not recommended. Pregnant women and women who may become pregnant: Sunitinib inhibits angiogenesis and may have adverse effects on the fetus. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, the use of sunitinib is contraindicated. Nursing women: Sunitinib may be contained in breast milk after administration. Do not use sunitinib if you are breastfeeding. If you do need to use it, do so under the supervision of your physician and stop breast-feeding during and for at least 4 weeks after discontinuation of the drug. Elderly: No overall differences have been observed in the safety and efficacy of dosing in elderly patients 65 years of age and older compared to younger patients. However, physiological decompensation of hepatic and renal function can occur in the elderly and should be used under the supervision of a physician if it is really necessary.”] [/otw_shortcode_tabslayout]