Active Ingredient	Sunitinib
Manufacturer	Beacon
Origin	Bangladesh
Reference	N/A

What is Sunitix (Sunitinib) used for?

Sunitix (Sunitinib) is prescribed to cancer patients to help treat advanced kidney cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. By inhibiting protein kinase, Sunitinib prevents the growth and spread of the cancer.

How should I use Sunitix (Sunitinib)?

Sunitix is sold as a box of 6 capsules, each capsule containing 50mg of Sunitinib.

Sunitinib may be taken with or without food.

Take the dosage that has been prescribed for you by your doctor. Do not take more or less than you have been prescribed.

For the treatment of advanced kidney cancer or gastrointestinal stromal tumours, Sunitix is usually taken once a day for a 4-week period, which is then followed by two weeks without taken the capsules. This six-week cycle can continue for as long ass recommended by your doctor.

For treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, Sunitix is usually taken once per day. Do not take a 2-week break from Sunitinib. Continue for as long as recommended by your doctor.

What are the side effects of Sunitix (Sunitinib)?

The most commonly reported side effects of Sunitinib are:

• fatigue, tiredness and weakness
• diarrhoea
• skin changes
• swelling around the eyes
• hair color changes
• redness and blistering of the hands and feet
• sore, dry mouth
• increased blood pressure
• decreased heart rate
• loss of appetite
• change in taste
• nausea
• weight loss
• indigestion
• dizziness
• headaches
• constipation
• temporary liver or kidney changes
• permanent loss of fertility
• swelling of the extremeties
• decrease in white blood cells and increased risk of infection
• anemia (decreased red blood cell count) which may cause tiredness or breathlessness
• bruising more easily that usual
• pain in the back, joints, arms and legs
• hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid hormones)
• difficulty falling asleep

Less common side effects can include:

• Watery eyes from over production of tears
• Chest pain
• Depression
• Piles / haemorrhoids)
• Problems swallowing or speaking due to a swollen voice box
• A stuffy nose
• Pain in the back, joints or muscles
• Muscle weakness
• Increased sensitivity to touch in hands and feet
• High levels of uric acid in the blood
• Hot flushes and sweats
• Changes in urine colour – this lasts for a couple of days and won't harm you
• Changes in nail colour and nails may fall out
• Low blood sugar levels causing feeling hungry, sweating, dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision, shakiness, and tingling lips.

If you notice any of these listed side effects, or any other side effects while taking Sunitix (Sunitinib), contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Please Note

Before you start to take Sunitix capsules, speak to your doctor and tell them all medicines you are taking. Also ensure that they are aware of of your full medical history.

Sunitinib can be harmful to unborn babies. Sunitix must not be taken by pregnant women. Do not fall pregnant or father a child while taking Sunitix or in the months following treatment. A suitable form of contraception must be used while taking Sunitix.

Sunitinib may be passed to a baby through breast feeding. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking Sunitix.

Sunitinib can decrease the speed at which wounds will heel. When possible, avoid any form of surgery while taking Sunitix. If surgery is unavoidable, make sure the medical staff know you are taking Sunitinib.

Immunizations containing live vaccines must not be given to patients taking Sunitix.