Class: Biological Therapy

Generic Name: Pazopanib

Trade Name: Votrient®

How is this drug used? Votrient is used for the treatment of advanced renal cell (kidney) cancer and for the treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcoma in people who have received prior chemotherapy.

What is the mechanism of action? Votrient may help slow or prevent the growth of new blood vessels, which deprives the cancer of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to grow.

How is Votrient given (administered)? Votrient is administered orally in the form of a tablet. It is taken on an empty stomach (at least one hour before or two hours after food).

How are patients monitored? Patients will usually have scheduled meetings with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with Votrient. Typically, blood will be drawn to check levels of blood cells and to monitor functions of some organ systems. Patients may also undergo physical examinations, scans or other measures to assess side effects and response to therapy.

What are the most common (occur in 20% or more of patients) side effects of treatment with Votrient in people with kidney cancer?

  • Diarrhea
  • High blood pressure
  • Hair color changes
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting

What are the most common (occur in 20% or more of patients) side effects of treatment with Votrient in people with soft tissue sarcoma?

  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Decreased weight
  • High blood pressure
  • Decreased appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Tumor pain
  • Hair color changes
  • Musculoskeletal pain
  • Headache
  • Taste changes
  • Trouble breathing
  • Change in skin color

What are some of the less common but potentially serious side effects of Votrient?

  • Liver problems
  • Severe high blood pressure
  • Irregular or fast heartbeat or fainting
  • Heart attack or stroke
  • Bleeding problems
  • Blood clots
  • Tear in stomach or intestinal wall (perforation) or bleeding
  • Thyroid problems
  • Infection

This is not a complete list of side effects. Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed here. Patients may wish to discuss with their physician the other less common side effects of this drug, some of which may be serious.

Some side effects may require medical attention. Other side effects do not require medical attention and may go away during treatment. Patients should check with their physician about any side effects that continue or are bothersome.
What can patients do to help alleviate or prevent discomfort and side effects?

  • Pay careful attention to the physician’s instructions, and discuss side effects with your physician.

Are there any special precautions patients should be aware of before starting treatment?

  • Patients should inform their physician of any other medication they are taking (whether prescription or over-the-counter), as they may interact with treatment. Drugs that are particularly likely to interact with treatment include some antibiotics, some drugs used to treat HIV, some drugs used to treat depression, some drugs used to treat irregular heart beats, and cholesterol drugs that contain simvastatin.
  • Patients should inform their physician if they drink grapefruit juice.
  • Patients should inform their physician if they are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a family in the near future. Votrient can harm an unborn child.
  • Patients should inform their physician about all medical conditions, including liver problems, high blood pressure, heart problems, stroke, coughing up blood, bleeding in stomach or intestines, tear (perforation) or abnormal connection (fistula) in your stomach or intestines, history of blood clots in a vein or in the lung, thyroid problems, and recent or planned surgery.

When should patients notify their physician?

Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects that bother you or don’t go away. Also immediately report symptoms of serious side effects, such as liver, heart, or bleeding problems. The package insert for this medication (described below) contains extensive lists of symptoms that may indicate a serious problem.

What is a package insert?
A package insert is required by the FDA and contains a summary of the essential scientific information needed for the safe and effective use of the drug for healthcare providers and consumers. A package insert typically includes information regarding specific indications, administration schedules, dosing, side effects, contraindications, results from some clinical trials, chemical structure, pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the specific drug. By carefully reviewing the package insert, you will get the most complete and current information about how to safely use this drug. If you do not have the package insert for the drug you are using, your pharmacist or physician may be able to provide you with a copy.

Copyright © 2012 CancerConnect Last updated 06/12.

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