• What is Sunitinib Malate used for?
Sunitinib Malate is used for the treatment of Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC) and Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNET).
Dosage forms & Strength :-
Sunitinib Malate 12.5 mg. Capsule for oral use.
Sunitinib Malate 25 mg. Capsule for oral use.
Sunitinib Malate 50 mg. Capsule for oral use.
What is Sunitinib Malate used for :-
Sunitinib Malate is an anti-cancer medication. Sunitinib Malate is used for the treatment of :
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST):
Imatinib is useful for the treatment of unresectable and/or metastatic malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) in adults after treatment failure.
• Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (MRCC):
Useful for the treatment of advanced/metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC) in adults.
• Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET):
Useful for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) with disease progression in adults.
Sunitinib Malate Dosage :-
Sunitinib Malate is a prescription medicine.
Take Sunitinib Malate properly as your doctor tells you to take it.
Do take Sunitinib Malate one time a day.
Do take Sunitinib Malate with food or without food.
The recommended dosage of 50 mg once daily for GIST and MRCC for 4 consecutive weeks, followed by 2 weeks of discontinuation and a full cycle of 6 weeks throughout the duration.
The recommended dose for PNET is 37.5 mg taken once daily as prescribed.
If a dose is missed, the patient should not take an additional dose. From the next day onwards, the patient should take the usual prescribed dose.
Don't cut, crush, or chew the Sunitinib Malate.
What are the side effects of Sunitinib Malate?
Common side effects of Sunitinib Malate:
• Tiredness,
• Weakness,
• Diarrhea,
• Nausea,
• Indigestion,
• Low platelet counts,
• Loss of appetite,
• Abdominal pain,
• High blood pressure,
• Taste changes
• Vomiting,
• Rash,
• Pain, swelling, or sores inside of mouth,
Sunitinib Malate can make your skin appear pale. Your skin and hair color may become lighter. Sunitinib Malate can also cause other skin problems such as: Dryness, cracking or thickening of the skin.
These are not all the possible side effects of Sunitinib Malate. Consult your doctor and if you have any new or worsening side effects.
Precautions & Warnings :-
• Sunitinib Malate can cause serious liver problems that can lead to death. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of liver problems such as :
Itching,
Yellow eyes or skin,
Dark urine,
Pain or discomfort in the right upper abdominal area.
You should have blood tests to check how your liver is working before and during treatment with Sunitinib Malate. If you have liver problems, your doctor may temporarily stop, reduce the dose, or permanently stop treatment with Sunitinib Malate.
• Some serious side effects of Sunitinib Malate can occur, such as:
Heart problems.
Abnormal heart rhythm changes.
Causing irregular heartbeat.
Bleeding problems.
Having high blood pressure
Having severe stomach and intestinal problems.
Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS).
Abnormal changes in the brain.
Protein in your urine.
Severe skin and mouth reactions.
Low blood sugar.
Wound healing problem.
Fetal damage.
• Before taking Sunitinib Malate, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, such as:
Have a heart problem.
Have high blood pressure.
Seizures happen.
Thyroid problem.
Swelling inside the mouth Pain in the mouth, teeth, or jaw.
Have a history of low blood sugar or diabetes.
Have kidney function problems (besides cancer).
Have liver problem.
There is no bleeding problem.
Have had surgery recently or are planning to have surgery. Sunitinib Malate should be stopped at least 3 weeks before surgery.
• Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take, some other medicine such as :
- Prescription and over-the-counter,
- Medicines,
- Vitamins,
- Herbal supplements,