We all know that fighting cancer is not an easy journey. During this journey, your doctor may prescribe you various medications. Sunitinib is one such drug, which targets cancer cells and stops their growth. So, if you have been prescribed this drug, knowing it simply and clearly will be a great help in your treatment journey. Let's talk about this.
What kind of medicine is Sunitinib?
Simply put, Sunitinib is a drug that falls into the category of "targeted therapy." This means that this drug does not just affect every cell in the body, but rather identifies and stops specific proteins that help cancer cells grow and spread. This is like targeting an enemy directly.
This medicine is mainly used to treat the following types of cancer:
- GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors): This is a specific type of tumor that occurs in our digestive system.
- Advanced Kidney Cancer: When kidney cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
- Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: This is also a special type of cancer that occurs in the pancreas.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting Sunitinib, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. This is because this medicine may interact with certain medical conditions. See the table below. If you have any of these conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that? (The reason the doctor should know) |
|---|---|
| Bleeding disorders or easy bruising | This medicine may increase the risk of bleeding. |
| Dental problems, if you use a denture | Dental treatment should be planned in advance, as medication may affect the jawbone. |
| Diabetes | Blood sugar levels may be affected. |
| If you are going to have surgery soon | Because it affects wound healing, the medication must be stopped before and after surgery. |
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders | The drug can affect heart function and blood pressure. |
| Kidney (other than cancer) or liver disease | The function of these organs affects the effect of the medicine. |
| Thyroid disease | The drug can affect thyroid hormone levels. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This is very important! This medicine can cause serious harm to the baby in the womb. |
| Allergies to Sunitinib or other medications or foods | It is essential to inform this to avoid allergic reactions. |
How do you use this medicine?
The way to use this is very simple, but very important.
- Swallow the medicine whole with a glass of water.
- You can take this before or after meals. It won't be a problem.
- The most important thing is to take the medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor, at the time prescribed.
- Never, for any reason, stop taking medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, do not panic and immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Other things that may interact with Sunitinib
This is also very important. When you are taking Sunitinib, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (including medicines for other conditions, vitamins, traditional medicines, herbal products). Some medicines can interact with Sunitinib and reduce its effects, increase its effects, or cause dangerous side effects.
Be especially careful about the following:
- Some medications for HIV or hepatitis
- Medicines for fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole)
- Some antibiotics (e.g. clarithromycin)
- Some medications for seizures (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin)
- The herbal product St. John's Wort
- Other medicines that prolong the QT interval
- Grapefruit juice: This is something that many people don't know. Drinking grapefruit juice can affect the way Sunitinib works. Therefore, avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice completely while taking this medication.
Special points to be aware of when taking the medicine
Teeth and oral health
This medicine can sometimes affect the jawbone (Osteonecrosis of the jaw). Therefore, it is best to see a dentist before starting the medicine and resolve any dental problems. Also, tell your dentist that you are taking this medicine. It is wise to avoid major dental surgery while taking the medicine.
Surgery and wound healing
Sunitinib may slow down the healing process of wounds. If you are going to have surgery, tell your oncologist. It is usually recommended to stop taking the medicine 3 weeks before surgery and to restart it after the wound has healed well (at least 2 weeks after surgery).
Pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding
This is very important! If you are a woman, avoid getting pregnant completely while taking this medicine and for at least 4 weeks after stopping the medicine. If you are a man, avoid getting pregnant while taking the medicine and for at least 7 weeks after stopping the medicine.
This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Therefore, it is essential to use a reliable form of birth control during this time. Also, avoid breastfeeding while taking this medicine and for 4 weeks after stopping.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Sunitinib can have side effects. However, not everyone gets them. The most important thing is to be aware of these and to inform your doctor immediately if you experience any problems.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor or hospital immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue |
| Difficulty breathing, chest pain | The heart or lungs may be affected. |
| Severe stomach pain, unusual bleeding or bruising | It could be a sign of internal bleeding. |
| Swelling of the legs, ankles, sudden weight gain | There could be a heart or kidney problem. |
| Jaw pain (especially after a tooth extraction) | It may be an impact on the jawbone. |
| Redness, blistering, and peeling of the skin | A sign of a severe skin reaction. |
| High blood pressure, headaches, seizures | Effect on the nervous system or blood pressure. |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence. |
| Nausea and vomiting | Nausea and vomiting. |
| Mouth sores | Sores inside the mouth. |
| Skin changes | Yellowing of the skin, dryness, cracking, and soreness of the skin on the palms and soles. |
| Hair color change | Lightening hair color. |
| Fatigue | Feeling unusually tired. |
| Loss of appetite and changes in taste | Decreased appetite and altered taste of food. |
Take-Home Message
- Sunitinib is a special drug that targets cancer cells.
- Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Never stop taking the medicine or change the dosage on your own.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, herbal products, and grapefruit juice you are taking.
- Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding completely while taking the medication and for as long as your doctor tells you to. Use of reliable birth control is essential.
- If you experience any severe side effects such as difficulty breathing, unusual bleeding, or body swelling, immediately go to your doctor or the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
- Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. They are always ready to help you.
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