About sunitinib malate
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Used for
- Advanced kidney cancer
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors after imatinib failure or intolerance
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Usual adult dose
Usually 50 mg once daily for 4 weeks, then 2 weeks off; schedules vary by cancer.
Common side effects
- Tiredness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
- Mouth sores and taste changes
- High blood pressure
- Hand-foot skin reaction
Important warnings
- Can cause serious liver injury, heart problems, bleeding, or low blood counts.
- May impair wound healing; treatment is usually paused before planned surgery.
- Can cause thyroid problems and severe skin reactions.
- Regular blood pressure, blood tests, and heart monitoring may be needed.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Effective contraception is recommended during treatment and for at least 4 weeks afterward.
Breastfeeding
Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose.
Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors can raise sunitinib levels.
- Strong CYP3A4 inducers can lower sunitinib levels.
- Warfarin and other blood thinners may increase bleeding risk.
- Medicines that prolong the QT interval may increase heart rhythm risks.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.