Let's learn about the cancer drug Axitinib? (Axitinib oral tablets)

When your doctor tells you or someone in your family has kidney cancer, you may have been prescribed a drug called Axitinib as a treatment. It's normal to feel scared and anxious when you hear about cancer. But when we are fully informed about the treatment, that fear can be greatly reduced. So today, let's talk about this drug called Axitinib.

What kind of medicine is Axitinib?

Simply put, Axitinib is a targeted therapy. This means that this drug goes directly to and targets cancer cells. Think of cancer cells as a bad enemy in our body. This enemy needs special proteins to survive and spread. Axitinib works by stopping the production of those proteins. Then the cancer cells cannot grow and grow. It is mainly used to treat kidney cancers . In Sri Lanka, you may see this drug under the brand name INLYTA.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Your doctor will need to know your complete health history before prescribing this medicine to you. This is because some conditions require special care when using this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor without hiding anything .

• High blood pressure: This medication can also cause high blood pressure, so if you already have high blood pressure, it's important to control it.
• Heart disease: It is essential to be aware of any heart problems.
• Liver disease: If there is any impairment in liver function, the dosage of the medication may need to be changed.
• Bleeding disorders: If there is a problem where the blood does not clot easily.
• History of blood clots: If you have previously had blood clots in places like the legs or lungs.
• Thyroid disease: Changes in thyroid hormone levels.
• Brain tumor.
• Stomach ulcers or other stomach problems.
• If you have recently had surgery or are planning to have surgery in the future: This is very important. We will talk about it in a little more detail.
• If you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant.
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
• If you have an allergic reaction to axitinib or any other medicine, food, or dye.

How to use the medicine correctly?

The most important thing is to take the medicine exactly as the doctor says.

• Swallow this pill whole with a glass of water.
• Never break, crush, or chew the pill.
• You can take this before or after a meal, but if you feel upset or nauseous , it is best to take it with a meal.
• It is very important to never take this medication with grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice can change the way this medication is absorbed into the body, causing dangerous side effects.
• Take the medicine at the time prescribed by the doctor, at the prescribed intervals. Twice a day, about every 12 hours.
• No matter how difficult it is for you, do not stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g. within 3-4 hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

Some medications and foods can interact with Axitinib and change its effects. Therefore, you should tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• Medicines for fungal infections: For example, medicines like ketoconazole and itraconazole.
• Some medications for HIV or AIDS.
• Antibiotics: some types such as clarithromycin and rifampin.
• Medicines for seizures : such as carbamazepine, phenytoin.
• Steroids such as dexamethasone .
• The traditional herb St. John's Wort .
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice.

This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.

Be aware of these things when taking medication.

• Surgery: If you are going to have any surgery, you should tell your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking Axitinib. You will usually be asked to stop taking this medicine 2 days before the surgery because it can slow down the healing of your wound. You should wait at least 2 weeks after the surgery and only start taking it again when your wound has fully healed. Your doctor will advise you on this.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is very important.
• Women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication and for one week after stopping the medication.
• Men: If you are taking this medicine, avoid fathering a child while taking it and for one week after stopping it. This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby.
• Breastfeeding mothers: Avoid breastfeeding while taking the medicine and for 2 weeks after stopping.
• Dental health: There is a slightly increased risk of bleeding when taking this medication. So use a soft toothbrush when brushing your teeth. Be careful as your gums may bleed easily. If you are having a tooth extracted or cleaned, tell your dentist that you are taking this medication.

What are the side effects?

Like any medicine, Axitinib can cause side effects. Some are common and not serious. But some require immediate attention.

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