Requires Prescription (YES/NO)

Yes

Generics

Sunitinib

Used For

Cancer

How it works

Sutent (Sunitinib Malate) contains the active substance sunitinib, which is a protein kinase inhibitor. It is used to treat cancer by preventing the activity of a special group of proteins which are known to be involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Dosage

Sunitinib

Side Effects

Pulmonary embolism , haemorrhage , neutropenia , anaemia , thrombocytopenia , leucopenia , lymphopaenia , headache , hypertension , GI upsets , rash , insomnia , skin disorders , alopecia , infections , blood dyscrasias , hypothyroidism , anorexia , dehydration , hypoglycaemia , insomnia , depression , dizziness , dysgeusia , peripheral neuropathy , parasthesia , hypoaesthesia .

Drug Interactions

Rifampicin , phenobarbital , phenytoin , carbamazepine , dexamethasone , anticoagulants , St John's wort or other CYP3A4 inducers , antifungals , ritonavir macrolides , grapefruit juice or other CYP3A4 inhibitors , antiarrhythmics or other drugs that prolong QT interval , IV bisphosphonates .

Indication

Sutent (Sunitinib ) is used to treat patients with the following types of cancer: Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), a type of cancer of the stomach and bowel, where imatinib mesylate (another anticancer medicine) no longer works or you cannot take imatinib ; Advanced renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer that has spread to other parts of the body ; Metastatic well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (tumours of the hormoneproducing cells in the pancreas) that have progressed in adults or cannot be removed with surgery .

When not to Use

Do not take Sutent (Sunitinib Malate) : If you are allergic to sunitinib or any of the other ingredients of Sutent .

If you have or have had kidney problems. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function. Baseline urinalysis is recommended, and patients should be monitored for the development or worsening of proteinuria.

Warning 1

Sutent (Sunitinib Malate) can raise blood pressure. Your doctor may check your blood pressure during treatment with Sutent (Sunitinib Malate), and you may be treated with medicines to reduce the blood pressure, if needed.

Warning 2

Sutent (Sunitinib Malate) can cause heart problems. Tell your doctor if you have shortness of breath, or have swollen feet and ankles. It may lead to a disease of the heart muscle that makes it difficult to pump blood (cardiomyopathy).

Warning 3

Sutent (Sunitinib Malate) can cause abnormality of your heart rhythm and QT prolongation on ECG. Your doctor may obtain electrocardiograms to evaluate for these problems during your treatment with Sutent (Sunitinib Malate). Tell your doctor if you feel dizzy, faint, or have abnormal heartbeats while taking Sutent (Sunitinib Malate).

Pregnancy category

Always consult your physician before using any medicine.

Storage (YES/NO)

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.