For treating cancer.
Brand Name(s): Sutent
Generic Name: Sunitinib
Instructions
This medicine may be taken with or without food.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while on this medicine.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 12 hours to the next dose, do not take the dose. Return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
This medicine may cause low blood sugar. Eat regular meals and exercise as instructed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms of low blood sugar such as nausea, sweating, cold skin, fast heartbeat, hunger, and irritability.
Visit your dentist regularly. Proper care of your teeth is very important while taking this medicine. Brush your teeth and floss regularly.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
This medicine is associated with a rare, but serious problem of the liver. Speak to your doctor about the early signs of liver problems and the benefits and risks of using this medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.
Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.
Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 4 weeks after stopping treatment.
This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.
Women must use reliable forms of birth control while using this medicine and for 28 days after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use reliable birth control during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 7 weeks after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Do not take St. John's wort while on this medicine.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Always refill this medicine before it runs out.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- decreased appetite
- diarrhea
- nosebleeds
- lack of energy and tiredness
- changes in hair color
- high blood pressure
- mouth sores or irritation
- nausea and vomiting
- dry skin
- change in skin color
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
- changes in taste or unpleasant taste
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- bleeding or bruising
- chest or jaw pain
- confusion
- coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- severe, watery or bloody diarrhea
- dizziness
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- fainting
- fever
- fast or irregular heart beats
- low blood sugar
- signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- mood changes
- muscle cramps
- seizures
- shortness of breath
- red, peeling or blistering skin
- bloody or dark, tarry stools
- sweating
- blurring or changes of vision
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about SUNITINIB - ORAL
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Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.