Sunitix

Uses
Sunitix (Sunitinib) is a cancer drug indicated in cases of advanced kidney cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Sunitinib wors by blocking the actions of certain enzymes that are involved in growth of cancer cells. Sunitinib is classified as a protein kinase inhibitor.

Dosage and Administration
Sunitix is packaged in a box of 6 x 50mg capsules.

Take Sunitinib with or without food. Swallow the capsules with a glass of water.

Make sure you take the exact dosage prescribed for you by your doctor and follow any other adminstration instructions they give you.

For advanced kidney cancer or gastrointestinal stromal tumours, you will need to take Sunitix once daily for a 4-week period, then take a break for two weeks. This six-week cycle can continue for as long ass recommended by your doctor.

For treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, you will usually take Sunitix once daily with no breaks for as long as it continues to work as intended.

Side effects
Sunitix can cause some unwanted side effects. These can vary in severity, and some will be more common than others. If you notice any side effects while taking Sunitix, notify your doctor.

The most common 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

Other side effects that may occur, but are less common 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

Precautions
Sunitix should only be taken once your doctor has prescribed it after they have reviewed you full medical history. Also make sure they are aware of all medicines you are currently taking.

Do not take Sunitix while pregnant, while you are trying to become pregnant or if you are trying to father a child. Sunitinib may harm an unborn baby in the womb.

It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking Sunitix as is may be excreted via breast milk and taken in by the baby.

Sunitinib can inhibit wound healing. Avoid any form of surgery while taking Sunitix.

Immunizations containing live vaccines should not be taken while receiving treatment with Sunitix. Other immunizations can be taken.