Sunitinib
Sunitinib Malate Oral capsule
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.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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
infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
heart disease
heart failure
high blood pressure
kidney disease (other than cancer)
liver disease
lung disease
seizures
an unusual or allergic reaction to sunitinib, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
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.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Tell your doctor if you miss a dose.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
cisapride
dofetilide
dronedarone
grapefruit juice
pimozide
St. John's Wort
thioridazine
ziprasidone
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
barbiturates like phenobarbital
carbamazepine
certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, mefloquine, telithromycin,rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine
certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
certain medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, bepridil, encainide, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine
certain medicines for numbness or sleep during surgery
dexamethasone
other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
phenytoin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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.
If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Male and female patients should use effective birth control methods while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.
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
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
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert