Votrient

Votrient contains the active ingredient Pazopanib and is indicated in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma and in the treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in patients who have who have received prior chemotherapy.

The recommended starting dose of Votrient is 800 mg orally once daily without food (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).

In renal cell carcinoma, the initial dose reduction should be 400mg, and additional dose decrease or increase should be in 200mg steps based on individual tolerability.

In soft tissue sarcoma, a decrease or increase should be in 200mg steps based on individual tolerability.

Patients with hepatic impairment may need further dosage adjustments. Check with your doctor.

Signs of an allergic reaction including hives, difficult breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat will require urgent medical attention.

More serious side effects of Votrient include:

• slow healing of a wound or surgical incision;
• dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;
• fever, chills, easy bruising, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
• feeling short of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;
• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• nosebleed, bleeding gums;
• any wound that will not heal;
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• seizures (convulsions);
• sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;
• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

If you notice any of the above side effects, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Less severe side effects you may notice can include:

• mild nausea or vomiting, diarrhea;
• weight loss;
• changes in hair or skin color;
• joint or muscle pain;
• tumor pain, mild headache;
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth

Severe and sometimes fatal hepatotoxicity has occurred during clinical trials. Hepatic function must be carefully monitored so that treatment can be interrupted, reduced, or discontinued as needed.

Pazopanib is not recommended during pregnancy as there is a chance of it harming the unborn baby. It is uncertain if Pazopanib is passed through breastmilk.

Before taking Votrient, make sure your doctor is aware of all medicines you are currently taking, and all past and present health conditions.

Votrient can interfere with wound healing. Be aware of this if requiring surgery and try to avoid skin cuts where possible.