Axitinib
About Axitinib
Axitinib is a targeted anticancer medicine used to treat advanced kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma). It works by blocking proteins involved in the formation of new blood vessels that supply tumours, helping to slow or stop cancer growth and spread. This medicine is commonly prescribed alone or in combination with other anticancer therapies to improve disease control in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.
You will typically take Axitinib twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. You can take this medication with or without food, but it is important to take it consistently at the same times each day. To support your body during treatment, your doctor may suggest making simple lifestyle changes, such as eating a low-sodium diet and staying well-hydrated to help manage potential side effects.
While taking Axitinib, you may experience common side effects like diarrhoea, high blood pressure, and feeling unusually tired. If you experience severe side effects, such as sudden chest pain, unusual bleeding, or severe abdominal pain, you must contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Do not take this if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or are allergic to any of its ingredients. Before starting this treatment, talk to your doctor if you have a history of blood clots, heart problems, liver damage, bleeding issues, or thyroid conditions.
Certain medications, as well as smoking and drinking alcohol, can change how Axitinib works in your body. It is vital to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a family, as this medication can harm an unborn baby. Elderly individuals should also talk to their doctor to ensure this medication is safe for them.
Uses of Axitinib
Medicinal Benefits
Axitinib helps treat advanced kidney cancer by slowing the growth and spread of cancer cells. With regular use as prescribed, it helps control disease progression, reduce tumour-related symptoms, and support better long-term treatment outcomes.
- Helps Slow Cancer Progression: By targeting pathways that promote cancer cell growth, this medicine helps delay the progression of advanced kidney cancer and supports effective disease control.
- Reduces Tumour-Related Symptoms: By slowing the growth or shrinking tumours, this medicine may help relieve pain, pressure, and other symptoms caused by cancer, improving overall comfort.
- Supports Quality of Life: Effective disease control helps maintain energy levels, improve daily functioning, and allows many patients to continue their regular activities with greater comfort during treatment.
Directions for Use
- Axitinib can be taken with or without food as prescribed by your doctor.
- It is recommended to take twice daily; however, follow your doctor’s advice regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, chew or crush Axitinib.
Storage
Side Effects of Axitinib
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- High blood pressure
- Feeling very tired or weak
- Nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite
- Redness, pain, or swelling on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Signs of a stroke or heart issue, such as sudden numbness, severe chest pain, or shortness of breath
- Unusual or heavy bleeding, including coughing up blood or blood in your urine
- Severe stomach pain, which could indicate a tear in your stomach or intestinal wall
- Sudden, rapid weight gain or swelling in your legs and ankles
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inspect your tablets before taking them; do not take any tablet that is broken, chipped, or damp.
- Make sure your doctor knows you are taking Axitinib before scheduling any surgery or dental procedures, as you may need to temporarily stop taking this medicine to allow wounds to heal properly.
- Get your thyroid function checked regularly with blood tests, as this medicine can affect your thyroid hormone levels.
- Keep a written record of your daily blood pressure readings so your doctor can adjust your blood pressure medications if necessary.
Drug Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors: Taking these medications (such as certain antibiotics or antifungals) alongside Axitinib can raise the amount of the drug in your body, increasing the risk of serious side effects.
- Strong CYP3A4/5 inducers: Taking these medications (such as certain seizure medicines or tuberculosis treatments) can decrease the amount of Axitinib in your blood, making the treatment less effective.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionLimit alcohol consumption while taking Axitinib.
Pregnancy
unsafeAxitinib is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity and harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Axitinib. You should not become pregnant while you are taking Axitinib. Using effective birth control methods while on treatment with Axitinib is suggested.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known whether Axitinib passes into breastmilk. Hence, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Axitinib. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
unsafeAxitinib may cause dizziness and visual disturbances in some patients. Hence, do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any activity that needs clear vision until you are confident that you can do so safely while you are on treatment with Axitinib.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before taking this medicine. Axitinib is known to cause elevated liver enzymes, which may be fatal. Hence, this medicine should be taken cautiously in patients with moderate liver impairment. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your liver function while on treatment with this medicine.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before taking Axitinib. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeAxitinib is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy is not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Monitor your blood pressure daily and keep a log to share with your healthcare provider, as this medication commonly raises blood pressure.
- Protect your hands and feet by wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes and applying thick moisturising creams to prevent peeling or soreness.
- Stay well-hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water, which helps manage and prevent dehydration from diarrhoea.
- Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice, as these can increase the level of the drug in your body to unsafe levels.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may suggest periodic liver function tests and urine test to monitor the function of the liver and presence of protein in urine due to the use of Axitinib.
- It is advised to use contraceptive pills while using Axitinib to prevent pregnancy.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you have swelling in your lower legs, fast heartbeats, or trouble breathing as it may be a sign of a heart problem.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Renal Cell Carcinoma: Also known as kidney cancer. It is the most common type of cancer seen in adults. This condition occurs when cancer/ malignant cells grow uncontrollably in the kidney and form a tumor. Advanced kidney cancer (metastatic renal cell carcinoma) occurs when the malignant cells spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms include red, orange, or pink-coloured urine due to the presence of blood in the urine.
FAQs
No. Axitinib should not be used during pregnancy because it can seriously harm an unborn baby. It is also not recommended while breastfeeding. Do not take Axitinib if you are allergic to axitinib or any of its ingredients. Use effective contraception during treatment and for the period recommended by your doctor. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.
Yes, you can take Axitinib with or without food. Try to be consistent with how you take it each day. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need help planning your schedule.
If you throw up after taking your dose, do not take an extra dose. Simply wait and take your next dose at your regular scheduled time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if vomiting continues.
Some people may experience hair thinning or hair loss while taking Axitinib, though this is usually temporary. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about hair changes.
While there is no direct interaction, alcohol can worsen side effects like dehydration, dizziness, and liver strain. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before drinking alcohol during your treatment.
You should check your blood pressure regularly, often daily, especially during the first few weeks of starting Axitinib. Talk to your doctor if your blood pressure begins to rise.
Axitinib can interfere with how your body heals wounds. You may need to stop taking it before and after a planned surgery or dental work. Talk to your doctor for specific instructions.
No, Axitinib is a targeted therapy rather than traditional chemotherapy. It specifically blocks the signals and blood supply that cancer cells need to grow, rather than killing all fast-growing cells. Talk to your doctor for more details.
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