Pazotab

Indications

Pazopanib is a cancer medicine used to treat advanced kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) and certain types of advanced soft tissue sarcoma in adults who have had chemotherapy before.

How It Works

Pazopanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It blocks several proteins, including VEGF receptors, that tumours use to grow new blood vessels and to multiply. Cutting off this blood supply helps slow the growth and spread of the cancer.

Dosage and Administration

Take exactly as prescribed by your cancer specialist. Tablets are taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, swallowed whole with water. Do not crush or chew them. Your doctor may lower the dose or pause treatment depending on blood tests and side effects. If you miss a dose, do not take it if your next dose is due within 12 hours.

Interactions

Strong enzyme blockers such as Ketoconazole, Clarithromycin and Ritonavir, and grapefruit juice, can raise Pazopanib levels. Enzyme inducers such as Rifampicin, Carbamazepine and St John's wort can lower them. Stomach acid reducers such as Omeprazole may reduce absorption. Taking it with Simvastatin increases the chance of liver problems. Medicines that affect heart rhythm should be used with care.

Contraindications

Do not use if you are allergic to Pazopanib. It is generally not used in people with severe liver impairment.

Side Effects

Common side effects include diarrhoea, high blood pressure, change of hair colour (lightening), nausea, vomiting, tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss, change in taste, stomach pain and abnormal liver blood tests. It can also cause bleeding, slow wound healing, protein in the urine, underactive thyroid and changes in heart rhythm.

Get urgent medical help for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe bleeding, chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, sudden severe headache, confusion or vision changes, severe stomach pain, shortness of breath, or signs of a stroke.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pazopanib can harm an unborn baby. Women should avoid pregnancy and use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose; men with partners who could become pregnant should use condoms. Do not breastfeed during treatment.

Precautions and Warnings

Serious liver damage can occur, so liver blood tests are done before and regularly during treatment. Blood pressure, thyroid function, urine protein and heart tracings (ECG) are also checked. Treatment is usually stopped at least 7 days before planned surgery. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, bleeding problems or a history of bowel perforation.

Overdose

Overdose may cause severe tiredness and high blood pressure. Contact your doctor or hospital immediately; treatment is supportive.

Therapeutic Class

Antineoplastic, tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.