Sunitix

Sunitix (Sunitinib) is used in the treatment of advanced kidney cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Sunitinib is a protein kinase inhibitor that works by blocking this enzyme to prevent the cancer growing.

Sunitix comes as a pack of 6 capsules, each containing 50mg of Sunitinib.

Sunitinib can be taken with or without food.

Take the dosage that has been prescribed for you by your doctor.

For advanced kidney cancer or gastrointestinal stromal tumours, Sunitix is usually taken once a day for a 4-week period, which is then followed by two weeks without taken the capsules. This six-week cycle can continue for as long ass recommended by your doctor.

For treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, Sunitix is usually taken once per day for as long as recommended by your doctor with no breaks.

The most commonly reported side effects of Sunitinib are:

• fatigue, tiredness and weakness
• diarrhoea
• skin changes
• swelling around the eyes
• hair color changes
• redness and blistering of the hands and feet
• sore, dry mouth
• increased blood pressure
• decreased heart rate
• loss of appetite
• change in taste
• nausea
• weight loss
• indigestion
• dizziness
• headaches
• constipation
• temporary liver or kidney changes
• permanent loss of fertility
• swelling of the extremeties
• decrease in white blood cells and increased risk of infection
• anemia (decreased red blood cell count) which may cause tiredness or breathlessness
• bruising more easily that usual
• pain in the back, joints, arms and legs
• hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid hormones)
• difficulty falling asleep

Less common side effects can include:

• Watery eyes from over production of tears
• Chest pain
• Depression
• Piles / haemorrhoids
• Problems swallowing or speaking due to a swollen voice box
• A stuffy nose
• Pain in the back, joints or muscles
• Muscle weakness
• Increased sensitivity to touch in hands and feet
• High levels of uric acid in the blood
• Hot flushes and sweats
• Changes in urine colour - this lasts for a couple of days and won`t harm you
• Changes in nail colour and nails may fall out
• Low blood sugar levels causing feeling hungry, sweating, dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision, shakiness, and tingling lips

If you notice any of these listed side effects, or any toher side effects while taking Sunitix (Sunitinib), contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Before you being taking Sunitix, make sure you have spoken to your doctor and that they are aware of your full medical history and any other medicines you are currently taking.

Sunitinib may harm an unborn baby in the womb. It must not be taken by pregnant women. Do not fall pregnant or father a child while taking Sunitix or in the months following treatment. Speak to your doctor about a suitable form of contraception while taking Sunitix.

Sunitinib may be passed to a baby through breast milk. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking Sunitix.

Sunitinib can reduce the speed of wound healing. Avoid any form of surgery while taking Sunitix.

Do not receive any immunizations containing live vaccines while taking Sunitix.