Sunitinib 411 and 636
411 and 636
Information leaflet on sunitinibtreatment
This leaflet provides information on a course of treatment calledsunitinib. The leaflet will explain what this is and when and how it is given. It will also tell you about common side effects that you may experience. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information on sunitinb are given at the end of the leaflet.
What is sunitinib?
Sunitinib is ananti cancer drug. It is not chemotherapy. It works by slowing down or stopping the cancer’s growth.
Sunitinib is given ascapsules.
Why am I havingsunitinib?
Your doctor has prescribedsunitinib because it has been found to be effective in controlling your type of cancer.
Howoften willI receive mysunitinib?
Sunitinib can be given in two different ways. This is explained below. Your nurse or doctor will tell you which way your treatment will be given.
- Daily treatment for 28 days followed by 14 days rest before restarting
or
- Continuous treatment.
The treatmentwill continue for as long as you are coping with it and it is working well.
You will have a clinic appointmentevery 4-6 weeks to review how you are getting on with your treatment.
How should I take the sunitinibcapsules?
Sunitinibcapsules should be taken oncea day with a glass of water. Try to take the capsules at approximately the same time each day. Sunitinib can be taken with or without food.
You should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking sunitinib. This is because it may interfere with the way that sunitinib works and increase the risk of side effects.
How many capsules will I need to take?
This will vary for each person. There are 3 different strength capsules. The capsules are 50mg, 25mg and 12.5mg. You may have to take a combination of capsules. The amount you need to take will be clearly marked on the boxes. Remember to check each box to see how many capsules you need to take.
How should I store thesunitinib capsules?
Your capsules should be stored in their original packaging in a safe place away from children. They should be kept in a cool dry place.
Any unused capsules should be returned to the hospital pharmacy or your local chemist for safe disposal.
What are the possible side effects?
There are a number of possible side effects which can occur with sunitinib treatment. The doctors, nurses and pharmacists can give you advice or answer any questions you may have.
Hair changes
Sunitinib treatment can affect the colour of your hair, which may become grey or white. Your hair may become thinner but it should not make you lose your haircompletely.
Skin changes
You may notice changes in the colour of your skin which can become yellow in tone.
Other skin changes may include a rash, redness, dryness and itching. Tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any skin reactionsaswe may be able to give you creams and lotions to help.
Sickness
Some people may feel sick whilst taking sunitinib but this can usually be well controlled with anti sickness medication. If you aresick more than once in 24 hours despite taking regular anti-sickness medicine, you should stop taking your sunitinibcapsules and contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Diarrhoea
You may have diarrhoea with thistreatment. If this occurs it is important that you drink plenty of fluids. Medication is available to control diarrhoea. If you have four or more bowel movements in 24 hours above what is normal for you please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Tiredness and fatigue
Sunitinib treatment can make you feel more tired than usual. It is important to listen to your body and rest if you need to, but carry out your normal activities if you feel able. Some people find it beneficial to take gentle exercise as well as taking rest.
Sore mouth
Your mouth may become sore or you may notice small ulcers. Your doctor may prescribe mouthwashes or medication to help with this.
Some people find that their mouth is too sensitive for regular toothpaste. If this happens try using mild children’s toothpaste.
If your mouth becomes very painful, or you are finding it difficult to eat and drink, you should stop taking your sunitinibcapsules and contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Soreness to your hands and feet
You may experience mild pain, redness, swelling and blistering of your hands or feet. Moisturising creams can help if this develops.
There may also be changes in sensation such as tingling or numbness. Let your medical team know if this happens. If the soreness does not settle or blistering becomes a problem then your medical team may need to change the dose of your treatment or stop for a while.
Other side effects
Very rarely some people having sunitinibmay experience heart problems such as chest pain or palpitations. If you have a heart condition or you are taking any heart medication, please tell your doctor before you start your treatment.
Sunitinib may make your thyroid work less effectively which may make you feel very tired. We will check how well your thyroid is working during your treatment.
Sunitinib may increase your chance of getting a blood clot. If you’re breathless or have pain in your arms or legs please contact Velindre Cancer Centre or your GP immediately. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
It is important you do not become pregnant or father a child whilst having this treatment as it could damage the unborn baby.
Is it alright to take other medicines with sunitinib?
If you are taking other medicines, vitamins or herbal remedies please let your doctor, nurse or pharmacist know. There are a small number of medicines that you may have to avoid. These include St. John’s Wort.
Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any side-effects.
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information
Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Velindre leaflets provide information about very common and commonly reported side-effects (we are unable to list all of the common side effects), for more information regarding these and the less common side-effects please refer to the manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at Sometimes patients may find these leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would like a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy
Contact telephone numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre029 2061 5888
Ask for the treatment helpline if you are unwell at home and need immediate advice at any time of the day or night. For example you should phone if you:
- Are sick more than once in 24 hours
- Have a temperature of 37.5°C or above
- Have 4 or more bowel movements in 24 hours above what is normal for you
- Have a very sore mouth
- Have very sore hands or feet
Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your medicines
Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
7 days a week 8am – 8pm for general queries on cancer
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It has been approved by a team of doctors, nurses and patients. It is reviewed and updated every 2 years.
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