Has your doctor told you or someone in your family that you have kidney cancer, especially the type doctors call ``Renal Cell Cancer''? If you have been prescribed a drug called ``Tivozanib'' as a treatment for it, you may have a lot of questions about it, and maybe even a little fear. That's very normal. Don't worry. In this article, we are going to give you simple, clear answers to all your questions about this drug.
What kind of medicine is Tivozanib?
Simply put, `Tivozanib` is a targeted therapy. That means, this medicine goes directly to the cancer cells and works on them. There are certain proteins that help cancer cells grow and spread. This medicine stops the activity of those proteins. Then the cancer cells cannot grow as easily.
This is specifically used for a cancer that starts in the cells of the kidneys, namely renal cell cancer. This medicine can be found in the market under the brand name `FOTIVDA`.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
It is very important that your doctor has a complete picture of your health before prescribing this medicine to you. This is because some medical conditions require special precautions when using this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of these conditions, be sure to tell your doctor .
- Bleeding problems: Conditions such as bleeding disorders, which prevent blood from clotting easily.
- Heart disease: If you have had a previous heart attack, or if you have heart failure.
- Blood pressure and blood vessel problems: high blood pressure, a history of blood clots, stroke, or transient ischemic attack.
- Other medical conditions: liver disease, protein in your urine, thyroid disease.
- Surgeries and wounds: If you are going to have surgery soon, or if you have an unhealed wound.
- Allergies: If you are allergic to `Tivozanib`, aspirin, other medications, foods, or certain artificial colors (for example `FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine)`).
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is very important if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This medicine comes in capsules. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, crush, or chew the medicine. You can take it before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
Medication schedule (Cycle)
This medication is usually taken in "cycles." This means taking it for a few days, then stopping for a few days, and then starting again. For example, taking it for 3 weeks, then taking a week off. Your doctor will give you a schedule that works for you. It is very important to follow this schedule exactly. Do exactly as your doctor tells you. Do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice or take more than the prescribed dose. Doing so can cause dangerous side effects.
Important: If you miss a dose, skip it. Take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken more medicine than you should, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka, without delay. Or go to a hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately.
What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?
Like any medicine, Tivozanib can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some side effects are serious and should be reported to your doctor immediately. Others are not serious but can be bothersome.
| Side effect | What you feel/see |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Bleeding | Black, tarry stools; red or dark brown urine; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bleeding from the eyes, gums, or nose. |
| Blood Clot | Chest pain; difficulty breathing; leg pain, swelling, or a warm feeling. |
| Heart attack or heart failure | Difficulty breathing; pain in the chest, neck, back, or arms; unusual tiredness; fast or irregular heartbeat; sudden weight gain; swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands. |
| High blood pressure | Severe headache, dizziness, vision changes. |
| Stroke | Vision changes; confusion; difficulty speaking or understanding; sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg; difficulty walking. |
| Liver Injury | Dark yellow or brown urine; yellowing of the eyes or skin; pain in the upper right part of the stomach; loss of appetite; unusual tiredness. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Other common side effects | Cough, diarrhea (bloating), hoarseness, loss of appetite, mouth sores, and extreme fatigue. |
Other things to be careful about
Pregnancy and fertility
For women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 1 month after stopping the medicine. If you become pregnant during this time, it may cause serious harm to the unborn baby. Also, do not breastfeed while taking this medicine and for 1 month after stopping the medicine.
For men: If you are taking this medicine, always use a condom when having sex with a woman who could become pregnant. You should continue to do this for 1 month after stopping the medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you suspect your partner is pregnant.
Surgery
If you are going to have any surgery or dental work, tell your doctor. This medicine may delay wound healing. Therefore, you may need to stop taking the medicine about 24 days before the surgery. After the surgery, you should wait at least 2 weeks before restarting the medicine. Your doctor will advise you on this.
Other medications (Interactions)
Other medicines you are taking may interact with this medicine, especially:
- Some medications given for fits (such as `Carbamazepine`, `Phenobarbital`, `Phenytoin`)
- Some sleeping pills
- `Rifampin` (a medicine for tuberculosis)
- Herbal products such as `St. John's Wort`
Therefore, tell your doctor about every medication you take, not just the ones prescribed by your doctor, but also the painkillers, vitamins, Ayurvedic medicines, traditional herbs, everything you buy from a pharmacy.
Take-Home Message
- `Tivozanib` is a targeted therapy for kidney cancer. Always take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, on the prescribed schedule.
- Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, other medications you are taking, and allergies.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe headache.
- Avoid getting pregnant while taking the medicine and for 1 month after stopping it (this is important for both women and men). Avoid breastfeeding.
- This medicine is for your treatment only. Never share it with others.
- If you have any problems or concerns, talk to your doctor.
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