| Brand Name: |
Sunitix |
| Generic Name: |
Sunitinib |
| Form: |
Tablet |
| Manufacturer: |
Beacon |
What is Sunitix?
Sunitix (Sunitinib) is a cancer drug indicated in cases of advanced kidney cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Sunitinib works by blocking the actions of certain enzymes that are involved in growth of cancer cells. Sunitinib is classified as a protein kinase inhibitor.
How is Sunitix used?
Sunitix is packaged in a box of 6 x 50mg capsules.
Sunitinib capsules can be taken with or without food. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water.
Take only the dosage that has been prescribed for you by your doctor. Do not increase or decrease this dosage unless advised to do so.
For advanced kidney cancer or gastrointestinal stromal tumours:
- take Sunitix once daily for 4 weeks
- take no Sunitix for the next two weeks
- Repeat this six-week cycle for as long as recommended by your doctor
For treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours:
- take Sunitix once daily with no breaks for as long as it continues to work as intended
Adverse effects
Sunitix can cause some unwanted side effects. These can vary in severity, and some will be more common than others. If you notice any side effects while taking Sunitix, notify your doctor.
The most common side effects of Sunitinib are:
- fatigue, tiredness and weakness
- diarrhoea
- skin changes
- swelling around the eyes
- hair color changes
- redness and blistering of the hands and feet
- sore, dry mouth
- increased blood pressure
- decreased heart rate
- loss of appetite
- change in taste
- nausea
- weight loss
- indigestion
- dizziness
- headaches
- constipation
- temporary liver or kidney changes
- permanent loss of fertility
- swelling of the extremities
- decrease in white blood cells and increased risk of infection
- anemia (decreased red blood cell count) which may cause tiredness or breathlessness
- bruising more easily that usual
- pain in the back, joints, arms and legs
- hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid hormones)
- difficulty falling asleep
Other side effects that may occur, but are less common include:
- Watery eyes from over production of tears
- Chest pain
- Depression
- Piles / hemorrhoids
- Problems swallowing or speaking due to a swollen voice box
- A stuffy nose
- Pain in the back, joints or muscles
- Muscle weakness
- Increased sensitivity to touch in hands and feet
- High levels of uric acid in the blood
- Hot flushes and sweats
- Changes in urine colour
- Changes in nail colour and nails may fall out
- Low blood sugar levels causing feeling hungry, sweating, dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision, shakiness, and tingling lips
Warnings
Before you start to take Sunitix capsules, speak to your doctor and tell them all medicines you are taking. Also ensure that they are aware of of your full medical history.
Sunitinib can be harmful to unborn babies. Sunitix must not be taken by pregnant women. Do not fall pregnant or father a child while taking Sunitix or in the months following treatment. A suitable form of contraception must be used while taking Sunitix.
Sunitinib may be passed to a baby through breast feeding. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking Sunitix.
Sunitinib can decrease the speed at which wounds will heel. When possible, avoid any form of surgery while taking Sunitix. If surgery is unavoidable, make sure the medical staff know you are taking Sunitinib.
Immunizations containing live vaccines must not be given to patients taking Sunitix.
|
