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Pazopanib
INFORMATION ABOUT PAZOPANIB
Pazopanib Uses
Pazopanib is used in the treatment of kidney cancer and soft tissue sarcoma.
How Pazopanib works
Pazopanib is an anti-cancer medication. It works by binding and inhibiting the enzyme receptors (tyrosine kinase) that are responsible for the proliferation of the cancerous cells. It also restricts the growth of new blood vessels within the tumor. This is how it works against cancer.
Common side effects of Pazopanib
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Headache, Diarrhea, High blood pressure, Decreased appetite, Taste change, Breathlessness, Low blood platelets, Decreased level of thyroid hormones, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Infection, Hair loss, Nosebleeds, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes), Decreased phosphate level in blood, Dehydration, Peripheral sensory neuropathy, Blurred vision, Hot flushes, Venous thromboembolism, Voice change, Coughing up blood, Increased bilirubin in the blood, Liver toxicity, Hypopigmentation
CONTENT DETAILS
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Written By
Dr. Anuj Saini
MMST, MBBS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
28 Mar 2025 | 06:01 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Pazopanib
Expert advice for Pazopanib
- Pazopanib is used for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
- Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Drink plenty of fluids and inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
- Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for a month after you stop taking it.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of very high blood pressure such as severe headache, confusion, problems with your eyesight, nausea or vomiting.
- It may cause serious bleeding problem. Inform your doctor if you get headaches, stomach pain or if you notice blood in your urine or stools.
- Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Pazopanib
Pazopanib is not a conventional chemotherapy medicine. It belongs to a class of medicine called a protein kinase inhibitor. Pazopanib works by preventing the activity of proteins that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Pazopanib should be taken orally by mouth once a day or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole with water, do not break or crush the tablets. This affects the way the medicine is absorbed and may increase the chance of side effects.
Pazopanib should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. If it is taken with food, the dosage may need to be increased. Doing this will in turn cause more side effects.
The duration for which you have to continue taking Pazopanib varies from person to person. The doctor monitors you closely and will be able to better estimate how long the medicine needs to be taken. Do not stop taking it without telling your doctor. It needs to be taken as long as it is effective and you can tolerate it.
Yes, it is best to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while on Pazopanib, as it may affect how the medicine works in your body. Ask your doctor about any additional foods you should avoid.
The duration for which you have to continue taking Pazopanib varies from person to person. The doctor monitors you closely and will be able to better estimate how long the medicine needs to be taken. Do not stop taking it without telling your doctor. It needs to be taken as long as it is effective and you can tolerate it.
Pazopanib may cause severe or life-threatening liver damage. Inform your doctor if you have or had liver disease. If you experience any of the following symptoms such as discoloration of the skin or eyes (yellowing), dark urine, extreme tiredness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, or unusual bleeding or bruising, call your doctor immediately. Your doctor may ask you to take some lab tests before you start taking Votrient. After you start taking Votrient, you may need to take those lab tests at weeks 3, 5, 7 and 9 and then at months 3 and 4. Your doctor may also prescribe additional tests if necessary. Periodic testing should then continue after 4 months.