Sutent Side Effects

Serious Side Effects of Sutent

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), pain in the upper abdomen, dark urine, feeling itchy and nauseous, and clay-colored stools may be signs of liver damage
chest aching or pain, rapid or abnormal heart rate
difficulty breathing, feeling short of breath, or having pain when breathing deeply
feeling dizzy or light-headed and fainting
reduced alertness or ability to focus
inflammation of the feet or ankles
swollen leg that feels tender, warm, or is red
severe or persistent headache
extreme drowsiness
trouble sleeping
high fever or having chills
bruising or bleeding easier than normal
decrease or increase in urination
abdominal pain or severe bloating
abrupt and unexplained pain of the back, stomach, or leg
stools that are dark or tarry, stools with blood in them, urine that is red or bloody, coughing up blood, vomiting blood, or vomit that has the appearance of coffee grounds could indicate gastrointestinal bleeding
feeling depressed
serious dryness, peeling, swelling, or blistering of the skin, especially of the palms of the hands and the bottom of your feet
signs of an allergic reaction: inflammation of the mouth, tongue, throat, lips or face, trouble breathing, hoarseness, and skin rash or hives

Common Side Effects of Sutent

feeling weak
sensitivity to heat or cold
numbness or unusual burning, aching or tingling feelings in the hands or feet
bodily pain (including muscles, joints, back or limbs)
upset stomach, nauseousness and vomiting
bowel problems such as constipation or diarrhea
gas (flatulence)
indigestion (heartburn)
change in the perception of taste
dryness of the mouth
loss of hunger
increase in weight loss
hair thinning or loss
thinning of fingernails
changes in the way you talk; slowed speech
feeling nervous
uncontrolled shaking or trembling
increased sweating
changes in menstrual periods such as bleeding more or missing your period
irritation of the mouth area, tongue or throat including sensations of burning or pain
sores (white patches) in the mouth, throat, or on the lips

Warnings & Recalls for Sutent

Sutent Black Box Warning

Sutent has received a black bx warning due to its risk for causing hepatotoxicity, or liver damage, in patients. This condition can be lethal and patients should seek medical help right away if they suspect that they may have developed this condition.

Sutent and Pregnancy

Sutent has been assigned by the FDA as a pregnancy Category D medicine. Women who are pregnant should not take Sutent as it may cause harm to the fetus. It has not been confirmed if Sutent passes into breast-milk or if it could potentially cause harm to a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before taking Sutent if you are breastfeeding. Be sure to use an effective method of birth control while taking Sutent and let your doctor know immediately if you become pregnant.

General Warnings

Do not take Sutent if you are allergic to sunitinib or any ingredients in the medicine. Let your doctor know about your medical history, be sure to include information about the following:

liver or kidney disease or failure
seizures (convulsions)
blood disorders, problems with blood-clotting, or if you have a blood clot
high blood pressure
thyroid problems
heart disease, abnormal heart rythm, coronary artery disease, or if you have had bypass graft surgery
"Long QT syndrome" (LQTS) or if anyone in your family has had "Long QT syndrome
if you have ever had a stroke, heart attack or transient ischemic attack

Sutent may increase the risk of serious liver damage. Be aware of symptoms of liver problems, see "Side Effects" tab for details.

Sutent Drug Interactions

Avoid using products containing St. John's wort, it may interact with Sutent. Do not consume grapefruit while using Sutent as a treatment, it may magnify the side effects of this drug. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are currently taking, the following could have an effect on your use of Sutent:

corticosteroid (steroid) drugs
other cancer treatments
medicines for tuberculosis
anti-depressants
antibiotics and antifungals
barbiturates (depressants)
drugs for treating heart or blood pressure conditions
HIV or AIDS medications
narcolepsy treatments
medicines for preventing seizures

Sutent Treatment and Use

Sutent | Sunitinib is a multikinase inhibitor medicine marketed by Pfizer Inc. for treating advanced or worsening cancers and tumors. Sutent may be prescribed as a treatment for:

gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), including tumors of the stomach, intestines or bowels, and the esophagus, in patients who have not been successfully treated with imatinib
advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC or cancer of the kidneys)
pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET or tumors of the pancreas) that cannot be treated with surgery

Sutent was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May of 2011.

How Does Sutent Work?

Sutent works by interfering with proteins that trigger the multiplication of cancer cells. Sutent may prevent or decrease the reproduction of cancer and aids in reducing the size of tumors caused by cancer.

How to Take Sutent

Sutent is available in capsule form of 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg doses to be taken orally with a full glass of water. Sutent may be taken with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not break or open the capsule. Dosage amounts vary, take only the amount prescribed to you by your doctor.

For patients treating gastrointestinal stromal tumors or advanced renal cell carcinoma, Sutent is typically prescribed to be taken once each day for a total of 4 weeks, with a 14 day interval break before beginning the next prescription cycle.

It is recommended to take Sutent once daily to treat pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Be sure to keep all scheduled appointments. You may need to have your blood and blood pressure checked regularly to ensure your safety while taking Sutent. Your doctor may require you to have your heart function tested by using an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) frequently.

Other Names for Sutent

Brand name:

Sutent

Generic name:

sunitinib