Sutent can cause severe or fatal effects on your liver. You will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function during treatment. Call your doctor if you have any signs of a liver problem, such as right-sided upper stomach pain, itching, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Sutent if you are allergic to sunitinib.
To make sure Sutent is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney problems other than cancer;
liver disease;
heart disease, high blood pressure;
low blood sugar, or diabetes;
bleeding problems;
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
a thyroid disorder; or
surgery (or if you plan to have surgery).
This medicine may cause jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis). The risk is highest in people with cancer, blood cell disorders, pre-existing dental problems, or people treated with steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation. Ask your doctor about your own risk.
Sunitinib can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using this medicine.
If you are a woman, do not use Sutent if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 4 weeks after your last dose.
If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 7 weeks after your last dose.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using Sutent.
Sunitinib may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because sunitinib can harm an unborn baby.
You should not breastfeed while you are using Sutent and for at least 4 weeks after your last dose.
Sutent is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Sutent?
Take Sutent exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Your blood pressure and liver function may need to be tested at the beginning of each 4-week treatment cycle.
Sutent is usually taken once per day. Sutent is sometimes taken for 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks off the drug. Your doctor will determine how many complete treatment cycles you need based on your condition.
You may take Sutent with or without food.
Do not crush, chew, or open a Sutent capsule. Swallow it whole. The medicine from a crushed or broken pill can be dangerous if it gets on your skin. If this occurs, wash your skin with soap and water and rinse thoroughly.
You will need frequent blood and urine tests. Your heart function may also need to be tested with an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) on a regular basis, and you may also need frequent dental exams.
If you need surgery or a dental procedure, tell the surgeon or dentist you currently use Sutent. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time before and after major surgery.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
