IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

PAZOPANIB - ORAL

(paz-OH-pa-nib)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Votrient

WARNING: Pazopanib can rarely cause very serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Your doctor will order blood tests to check your liver before you start and while you are taking pazopanib. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of liver disease such as dark urine, yellow eyes/skin, persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain. Your doctor may need to change your dosage or discontinue the drug.

USES: Pazopanib is used to treat kidney cancer. It may also be used to treat certain other types of cancer (soft tissue sarcoma). Pazopanib belongs to a class of drugs known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It works by decreasing the blood supply to the cancer tumor to slow tumor growth.

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking pazopanib and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth without food, usually once daily. It is very important to take this medication on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.

Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication. Grapefruit can increase the amount of this medication in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, laboratory tests, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking (see also Drug Interactions section). The usual maximum daily dose is 800 milligrams.

Your doctor will order lab tests to find the best dose for you. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of serious side effects will increase. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Since this medication can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.

Tell your doctor if your condition worsens.