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In this Article

• What is sunitinib (Sutent)?
• What are the possible side effects of sunitinib (Sutent)?
• What is the most important information I should know about sunitinib (Sutent)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using sunitinib (Sutent)?
• How should I take sunitinib (Sutent)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Sutent)?
• What happens if I overdose (Sutent)?
• What should I avoid while taking sunitinib (Sutent)?
• What other drugs will affect sunitinib (Sutent)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using sunitinib (Sutent)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to it.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• high blood pressure;
• a thyroid disorder;
• a heart rhythm disorder;
• a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome";
• a history of heart attack or congestive heart failure; or
• a history of stroke, blood clots, coronary artery disease, bypass graft surgery, or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use sunitinib or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category D: This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use sunitinib if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

It is not known if sunitinib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take sunitinib (Sutent)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Sunitinib is usually taken once every day for 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks off the drug. Your doctor will determine how many complete treatment cycles you need based on your condition.

Sunitinib may be taken with or without food.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and is not causing certain side effects, your blood and blood pressure may need to be tested at the beginning of each 4-week treatment cycle. Your heart function may also need to be tested with an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store sunitinib at room temperature away from moisture and heat.