 Taking pazopanib (Votrient)
Dear Patient,
Your doctor has prescribed pazopanib to treat your kidney cancer. The drug reduces cancer cell growth by interfering with certain enzymes. The brand name of this drug is Votrient.
How you'll take pazopanib
Take this drug about the same time each day at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Swallow the tablet whole; don't cut, crush, or chew the tablets.
What to do if you miss a dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it's less than 12 hours until the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the drug on schedule. Don't double up on doses.
What to do about side effects
Common: abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, high blood pressure, hair color change, lack of strength, lack of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
Less common: chest pain, coughing up blood, facial edema, nosebleeds, rectal bleeding, skin color changes, and rash.
What you must know about other medications
There are drugs that could cause serious problems if you combine them with this drug. Ketoconazole, ritonavir, and clarithromycin may increase drug levels and cause adverse effects. Rifampin may decrease pazopanib levels, making your treatment less effective. Tell any health care provider who takes care of you that you're taking this drug.
Special directions
- There's a risk of severe liver damage while you're on this drug. Notify your health care provider immediately if you develop abdominal pain, nausea, excessive fatigue or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
- Your health care provider may monitor your blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), and various blood test results before you start taking this drug and periodically while you're on this drug.
Keep in mind
- Don't eat or drink grapefruit products while taking this drug; doing so may increase drug levels and lead to serious adverse effects.
- There's a risk for impaired wound healing while you're on this drug. Stop taking it 7 days before scheduled surgery.
- It's unknown how this drug could affect an unborn baby. You should use contraceptive measures while you're on this drug. If you should become pregnant while taking this drug, consult with your health care provider.
- It's unknown how this drug could affect a nursing baby. Because of the potential for adverse effects, another method of feeding the baby should be used.
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