Active Ingredient(s)	Sunitinib
Manufacturer	Beacon
Country of Origin	Bangladesh
Reference	N/A

What is Sunitix (Sunitinib) used for?

Sunitix (Sunitinib) is used to treat patients with advanced kidney cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Sunitinib`s mechanism of action is to block the action of certain enzymes that are involved in growth of cancer cells. Sunitinib belongs to a group of medicines called protein kinase inhibitors.

How should I use Sunitix (Sunitinib)?

Sunitix is packaged in a box of 6 x 50mg capsules.

Sunitinib capsules can be taken with or without food. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water.

Take only the dosage that has been prescribed for you by your doctor. Do not increase or decrease this dosage unless advised to do so.

For advanced kidney cancer or gastrointestinal stromal tumours:

• take Sunitix once daily for 4 weeks
• take no Sunitix for the next two weeks
• Repeat this six-week cycle for as long as recommended by your doctor.

For treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours:

• take Sunitix once daily with no breaks for as long as it continues to work as intended.

What are the side effects of Sunitix (Sunitinib)?

Some side effects of Sunitinib are reasonably common. The most common side effects of Sunitinib are:

• fatigue, tiredness and weakness
• diarrhoea
• skin changes
• swelling around the eyes
• hair color changes
• redness and blistering of the hands and feet
• sore, dry mouth
• increased blood pressure
• decreased heart rate
• loss of appetite
• change in taste
• nausea
• weight loss
• indigestion
• dizziness
• headaches
• constipation
• temporary liver or kidney changes
• permanent loss of fertility
• swelling of the extremeties
• decrease in white blood cells and increased risk of infection
• anemia (decreased red blood cell count) which may cause tiredness or breathlessness
• bruising more easily that usual
• pain in the back, joints, arms and legs
• hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid hormones)
• difficulty falling asleep

Less common side effects of Sunitinib include:

• Watery eyes from over production of tears
• Chest pain
• Depression
• Piles / haemorrhoids)
• Problems swallowing or speaking due to a swollen voice box
• A stuffy nose
• Pain in the back, joints or muscles
• Muscle weakness
• Increased sensitivity to touch in hands and feet
• High levels of uric acid in the blood
• Hot flushes and sweats
• Changes in urine colour – this lasts for a couple of days and won`t harm you
• Changes in nail colour and nails may fall out
• Low blood sugar levels causing feeling hungry, sweating, dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision, shakiness, and tingling lips.

If you encounter any of these side effects when taking Sunitix (Sunitinib), contact your doctor.

Please Note

Only begin taking Sunitix after your doctor has reviewed your full medical history and all medicines you are currently taking.

Sunitinib can causes defects in unborn babies. Do not take Sunitix while pregnant, while you are trying to become pregnant or if you are trying to father a child.

Sunitinib may be excreted via breast milk, so it is not recommended to breastfeed while taking Sunitix.

Sunitinib can inhibit the wound healing process in the body. Avoid any form of surgery while taking Sunitix. If you must have surgery, make sure the doctor or dentist knows you are taking Sunitinib.

Do not receive any immunizations that containin live vaccines while you are taking Sunitix.