Information about Sunitinib

Generic Name : Sunitinib
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Sunitinib are provided here.

Pronunciation : SOO-NI-ti-nib

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Sunitinib, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

Trade Names/Brand Names of Sunitinib

International :

Sutent

Why is Sunitinib Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a multikinase inhibitor, prescribed for gastrointestinal stromal tumor or renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET). It works by preventing the growth of cancer cells.

When should Sunitinib not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with severe liver impairment, and hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Sunitinib?

For gastrointestinal stromal tumor renal cell carcinoma- Adult- PO- The recommended dose is one 50 mg once daily, on a schedule of 4 weeks on treatment followed by 2 weeks off.
For pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors -The recommended dose is 37.5 mg taken orally once daily continuously without a scheduled off-treatment period.

How should Sunitinib be taken?

It comes as a capsule to take by mouth, with or without food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Sunitinib?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of bleeding problem, chest pain, slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat, heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure, pulmonary embolism (PE; blood clot in the lungs), transient ischemic attack (TIA) (mini-stroke), seizures, stroke, kidney, liver, or thyroid disease, any allergy, who are taking other medications, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause dizziness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

• It may reduce platelet counts; avoid bruising or injury.

• Avoid contact with people who have infections in order to prevent the spread of infection.

• Monitor complete blood cell counts, blood electrolytes, blood pressure checks, thyroid function, liver function, and electrocardiograms (ECG) and other heart function regularly while taking this medication.

♦Patient may develop with increased risk of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) and Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS); before starting this medication consult with your doctor about this.

What are the side effects of Sunitinib?

Most Common - Fatigue, weakness, fever, diarrhea, nausea, mouth ulcer, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain, constipation, high blood pressure, swelling in the extremities, rash, hand-foot syndrome, skin discoloration, dry skin, hair color changes, altered taste, headache, back pain, joint pain, cough, difficulty in breathing, loss of appetite, and bleeding.
Gastrointestinal - Dry mouth, reflux, flatulence, mouth pain, burning tongue, and piles.
Heart - High blood pressure, fluid retention, and chest pain.
Skin - Hair loss, redness, and itching.
Central Nervous System - Dizziness, depression, and sleeplessness.
Musculoskeletal - Limb discomfort.
Endocrine - Thyroid deficiency.
Respiratory - Throat pain and upper respiratory tract infection.
♦Miscellaneous- Necrotizing fasciitis and pyoderma gangrenosum.