Sunitinib (patient information)

Why is this medication prescribed

Sunitinib is used to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST; a type of tumor that grows in the stomach, intestine (bowel), or esophagus (tube that connects the throat with the stomach) in people with tumors that were not treated successfully with imatinib (Gleevec) or people who cannot take imatinib. Sunitinib is also used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC, a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the kidneys). Sunitinib is in a class of medications called multikinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells and may help shrink tumors.

How should this medicine be used

Sunitinib comes as a capsule to take by mouth with or without food. It is usually taken once a day for 4 weeks (28 days) followed by a 2-week break before beginning the next dosing cycle. Take sunitinib at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take sunitinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.Do not open the capsules.

You may need to take one or more capsules at a time depending on your dose of sunitinib.

Your doctor may gradually increase or decrease your dose of sunitinib during your treatment. This depends on how well the medication works for you and the side effects you experience. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment. Continue to take sunitinib even if you feel well. Do not stop taking sunitinib without talking to your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow

Before taking sunitinib:

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sunitinib, mannitol, or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifapentine (Priftin), sparfloxacin (Zagam) (not available in the US), telithromycin (Ketek), and troleandomycin (TAO) (not available in the US); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antifungals such as itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and voriconazole (Vfend); certain calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, others) and verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan); cimetidine (Tagamet); cisapride (Propulsid); dexamethasone (Mymethasone); certain medications for depression such as fluvoxamine and nefazodone; certain medications for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) including atazanavir (Reyataz), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), and saquinavir (Invirase); medications for irregular heartbeat including amiodarone (Cordarone), disopyramide (Norpace), dofetilide (Tikosyn)procainamide (Procanbid, Pronestyl), quinidine (Quinidex), and sotalol (Betapace, Betapace AF); certain medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Equetro, Carbatrol, Tegretol), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); pimozide (Orap); and thioridazine (Mellaril). Other medications may also interact with sunitinib, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor and pharmacist what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take St. John's wort while taking sunitinib.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a bleeding problem;angina (chest pain); arrhythmias (slow, fast, or irregular heart beat);a heart attack; heart bypass surgery; heart failure; high blood pressure; pulmonary embolism (PE; blood clot in the lungs); seizures; a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA, mini-stroke); or heart, kidney, liver, or thyroid disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while you are taking sunitinib. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that you can use during your treatment. If you become pregnant while taking sunitinib, call your doctor immediately Sunitinib may harm the fetus.
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You should not breast-feed while you are taking sunitinib.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking sunitinib.
you should know that sunitinib may cause your skin to turn yellow and your hair to lighten and lose color. This is probably caused by the yellow color of the medication and is not harmful or painful. Your natural skin and hair color will likely return after you stop taking sunitinib.
you should know that sunitinib may cause high blood pressure. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly while you are taking sunitinib.

What special dietary instructions should I follow

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication.

What should I do if I forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Tell your doctor or nurse about the missed dose.

Side effects

Mild side effects

Sunitinib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

extreme tiredness
weakness
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
constipation
heartburn
gas
white patches or sores on the lips or in the mouth and throat
pain, irritation, or burning sensation of the lips, tongue, mouth or throat
dry mouth
change in the way things taste
loss of appetite
weight loss
hair loss
thin, brittle fingernails or hair
slow speech
depression
dryness, thickness, cracking, or blistering of skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet
rash
muscle or limb pain
pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
unusual discomfort in cold temperatures

Severe side effects

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms,call your doctor immediately:

unusual bruising or bleeding
black and tarry stools
red blood in stools
bloody vomit
vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
stomach pain or swelling
fever
chills
swelling, tenderness, warmth, or redness of a leg
swelling of the feet or ankles
rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
chest pain
shortness of breath
weight gain
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
coughing up pink or bloody mucus
increased urination, especially at night
sudden severe back, stomach, or leg pain

Sunitinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to sunitinib.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

Sutent®