Votrient (Pazopanib Hcl)

Description

Indications

Pazopanib is prescribed for adults with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a cancer type originating in kidney cells. It falls under the category of medications known as kinase inhibitors, and its mechanism of action involves impeding or halting the proliferation of cancer cells.

Uses and Dosage

Pazopanib is administered in tablet form for oral consumption. Typically, it is taken once a day, on an empty stomach, either at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. To ensure optimal results, take pazopanib at approximately the same time each day.

Adhere to your doctor’s dosing guidance precisely; refrain from taking more or less of the medication or increasing the frequency beyond the prescribed regimen.

The tablets must be swallowed whole and should not be split, chewed, or crushed.

Throughout your treatment, your doctor may make adjustments to your pazopanib dosage or even discontinue the treatment, depending on its effectiveness and any side effects you may encounter.

Even if you start to feel better, continue taking pazopanib as prescribed, and do not discontinue it without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• diarrhea
• constipation
• heartburn
• change in ability to taste food
• joint or muscle pain
• swelling of the face
• tender, red palms of the hands and soles of the feet
• hair loss
• thin, brittle fingernails or hair
• change in hair color
• lightening of an area of the skin
• rash
• weakness
• depression
• unusual discomfort in cold temperatures
• weight loss

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• fast or irregular heartbeat
• chest pain
• pain in the arms, back, neck or jaw
• shortness of breath
• headache
• slow or difficult speech
• dizziness or faintness
• weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
• wounds that do not heal
• stomach pain or swelling
• black and tarry stools
• red blood in stools
• bloody vomit
• vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• blood in urine
• nosebleeds
• coughing up blood

Caution

Prior to initiating pazopanib, disclose any allergies to your doctor or pharmacist, including allergies to pazopanib itself or any other substances. This medication may contain inactive components that can induce allergic reactions or other complications.

Before commencing this treatment, relay your medical history to your healthcare provider or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of liver disease, chest pain, heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, recent surgical procedures or injuries, bleeding or clotting disorders, blood vessel issues such as aneurysms or tears in major blood vessels, gastrointestinal problems like ulcers, fistulas, or pancreatitis, or an underactive thyroid.

Pazopanib has the potential to lead to a heart rhythm disorder known as QT prolongation. Although rare, this condition can result in serious, occasionally fatal, rapid or irregular heartbeat, along with symptoms like severe dizziness or fainting, necessitating immediate medical attention. A heightened risk of QT prolongation may arise if you are concurrently using specific medications like diuretics (commonly referred to as “water pills”) or if you experience conditions such as intense sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.

This medication might cause delayed or poor wound healing. If you are scheduled for surgery, it is crucial to converse with your doctor regarding the advantages and drawbacks of continuing this medication. Your doctor may recommend a temporary halt to pazopanib treatment, typically at least one week before the surgery. Precise instructions on when to discontinue and resume pazopanib treatment should be obtained from your doctor. If you notice wounds that are not healing properly, promptly notify your doctor.

To reduce the risk of cuts, bruises, or injuries, exercise caution when using sharp objects like razors and nail clippers, and consider avoiding activities involving physical contact, such as contact sports.

Elderly individuals may exhibit heightened sensitivity to this drug’s side effects, particularly in relation to liver issues or QT prolongation.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you must inform your doctor. A pregnancy test will be administered by your doctor before initiating treatment. Avoid becoming pregnant while undergoing pazopanib therapy, as it may pose a risk to the unborn child. Both women and men should inquire about dependable methods of birth control for use throughout the treatment period and for at least two weeks following its cessation. If you or your female partner becomes pregnant, consult your doctor regarding the medication’s risks and benefits.

The passage of this medication into breast milk remains uncertain. Given the potential risk to the infant, it is not recommended to breast-feed while using this drug and for two weeks after discontinuing treatment.

Form and Strength

Votrient is available in the following forms and strengths:

• pazopanib tablet:
  • 200mg

FAQ

Does Votrient shrink tumors?

Votrient has been shown to slow the growth and spread of renal cell carcinoma and soft tissue sarcoma. Votrient may also help shrink these types of tumors.

Is Votrient a targeted therapy?

Pazopanib is a type of targeted therapy called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Resources

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/votrient#fa-qs
2. https://www.oncolink.org/cancer-treatment/oncolink-rx/pazopanib-votrient-r#:~:text=About%3A%20Pazopanib%20(Votrient%C2%AE),different%20phases%20of%20cell%20growth
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/pazopanib-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20073458?p=1
4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-153216/votrient-oral/details
5. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a610013.html
6. https://www.drugs.com/votrient.html