Sunitinib

  • Medicine Name- Mitant
  • API- Sunitinib Malate
  • Packaging- 28 Capsule
  • Strength- 50 mg
  • Manufactured by- Hetero Healthcare Ltd.
Get an Enquiry

Description

The oral small-molecule multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor Sunitinib Capsule is prescribed to treat the following conditions:

  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) following disease progression or intolerance to imatinib mesylate.
  • Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC).
  • Advanced Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (pNET).

Dosage and Side Effects

Follow your doctor’s instructions precisely when taking the drug. It should be consumed once daily, with or without food.

For GIST or RCC treatment, you’ll typically take capsules for 4 weeks (28 days) and then have a 2-week (14 days) break—this constitutes one treatment cycle. Your doctor will advise you on how long to continue this cycle.

In the case of pNET, take Sunitinib Malate 50 mg daily until your doctor advises otherwise.

If you miss a dose by less than 12 hours, take it as soon as possible. However, if it’s been over 12 hours, proceed with your next dose at the usual time. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one.

Notify your healthcare provider immediately if you accidentally take too much Sunitinib Malate.

Common side effects include reduced appetite, fatigue, weakness, diarrhea, mouth sores, nausea, indigestion, vomiting, abdominal pain, blisters or rashes on hands and feet, low platelet counts, high blood pressure, and changes in taste.

Warning and Precautions

  • Your healthcare provider will conduct blood tests before each treatment cycle to monitor potential sunitinib malate side effects.

  • For diabetic patients, regular blood glucose checks are necessary to determine if adjustments in anti-diabetic medication are needed to reduce the risk of low blood sugar.

  • If necrotizing fasciitis occurs, the sunitinib malate therapy must be halted, and prompt appropriate treatment initiated.

  • Patients should be informed that treatment with sunitinib malate may lead to hair or skin depigmentation.

  • It’s crucial to avoid sunitinib malate during pregnancy, and women capable of conceiving should use effective contraception while taking this medication. Breastfeeding should be avoided while on this drug.

  • During sunitinib malate treatment, refrain from consuming grapefruit or its juice as they can increase the drug levels in your body.

FAQ's

What is contained in Sunitinib malate medication?

Sunitinib malate constitutes the active ingredient, accompanied by inactive components like mannitol, croscarmellose sodium, povidone (K-25), and magnesium stearate.

Is Sunitinib malate an FDA-approved medication?

This medicine gained FDA approval in 2006 for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors, advanced renal cell carcinoma, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, among others.

Under which drug class does Sunitinib malate fall?

Sunitinib malate 25 mg is categorized as an antineoplastic drug.

Who should refrain from using Sunitinib?

Individuals falling into these categories should avoid using this medication:

  • Patients with heart conditions.
  • Patients with hypertension.
  • Patients with thyroid issues.
  • Patients with a history of low blood sugar or diabetes.
  • Patients with kidney or liver problems.
  • Patients with bleeding disorders.
  • Patients experiencing oral pain, mouth sores, jaw discomfort, tooth issues, or numbness.
  • Pregnant or intending to conceive females and males.

What are the frequently observed side effects of sunitinib?

Commonly reported side effects of sunitinib malate encompass fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, appetite loss, yellowing of the skin, high blood pressure, skin reactions on hands and feet, and mouth inflammation.