Sunitinib oral capsules
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Sunitinib oral capsules
What is this medicine?
SUNITINIB (soo NI ti nib) is a medicine that targets proteins in cancer cells and stops the cancer cells from growing. It is used to treat specific digestive tract tumors called GISTs, advanced kidney cancer, and certain pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
confusion
changes in vision
dark urine
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
fever or chills, cough, sore throat
high blood pressure
jaw pain, especially after dental work
mouth sores
redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
seizures
stomach pain
swelling of feet, legs
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
bone or muscle pain
change in hair color (lighter)
changes in taste
diarrhea
loss of appetite
nausea, vomiting
skin that is cracked, dry, thick, yellow or lightened
stomach upset
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
cisapride
dronedarone
fluconazole
pimozide
posaconazole
saquinavir
thioridazine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, rifabutin, rifapentine, rifampin, and telithromycin
certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, or voriconazole
certain medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, encainide, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
dexamethasone
dofetilide
grapefruit juice
nefazodone
other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
St. John's Wort
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If your next dose is to be taken in less than 12 hours, then do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
bleeding problems
dental disease or wear dentures
diabetes
having surgery
heart disease
high blood pressure
history of irregular heartbeat
history of low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in the blood
kidney disease (other than cancer)
liver disease
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to sunitinib, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor for regular check ups. Talk to your doctor about any new or unusual health problems. You will need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.
Tell your dentist and dental surgeon that you are taking this medicine. You should not have major dental surgery while on this medicine or for 3 weeks before having this medicine. See your dentist to have a dental exam and fix any dental problems before starting this medicine. Take good care of your teeth while on this medicine. Make sure you see your dentist for regular follow-up appointments.
Before having surgery or dental work, talk to your health care provider to make sure it is ok. This drug can increase the risk of poor healing of your surgical site or wound. You will need to stop this drug for 3 weeks before surgery. After surgery, wait at least 2 weeks before restarting this drug. Make sure the surgical site or wound is healed enough before restarting this drug. Talk to your health care provider if questions.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 4 weeks after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Men should not father a child while taking this medicine and for 7 weeks after stopping it. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Men should inform their doctors if they wish to father a child. This medicine may lower sperm counts. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 4 weeks after the last dose.
Updated:  
November 22, 2020