Votrient 400 mg (Pazopanib)

Descriptions of Votrient 400 mg

Votrient 400 mg is a cancer medicine that is used to treat patients with kidney cancer (advanced renal cell carcinoma). It is also used to treat advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in patients who have received other cancer treatments. Pazopanib interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Use of  Votrient 400 mg

Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

Take antacids several hours before or after you take pazopanib.

Do not use grapefruit products with this medicine. Grapefruit products may change the amount of medicine that is absorbed in the body.

How does Votrient 400 mg work

Votrient 400mg Tablet contains Votrient 400 mg is an anti-cancer medication, tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It produces its action by inhibiting the function of tyrosine kinase protein which is present on receptors of vascular or platelet or lymphocyte etc. Thus, alters the function of receptors thereby inhibiting the proliferation and growth of abnormal cells.

Doses

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For advanced kidney cancer and soft tissue sarcoma:
    • Adults—800 milligrams (mg) once per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you miss a dose and it is less than 12 hours before your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the normal time.

Side Effects of Votrient 400 mg

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• blurred vision
• chest pain
• chills
• clay colored stools

Less common

• Bleeding from the rectum or bloody stools
• bloody nose
• chest discomfort
• confusion
• fainting

More common

• Change in hair color
• change in taste
• decreased weight
• diarrhea
• hair loss

Storage of Votrient 400 mg

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits for any unwanted effects from the medicine. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Your blood pressure should be checked regularly during treatment with this medicine. Your doctor may need to treat you if you develop high blood pressure. Symptoms of high blood pressure are blurred vision, dizziness, nervousness, headache, pounding in the ears, or a slow or fast heartbeat.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. It may also cause birth defects if the father is using it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. Men and women should use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment with this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine could cause infertility (unable to have children). Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

Cancer medicines can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these unwanted effects.

Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.

FAQS

1.Are there any food restrictions while I’m taking a Votrient 400 mg Tablet?

Yes, kindly avoid taking grapefruit and grapefruit juice while you are receiving this medicine because it may affect the effectiveness of this medicine.

2.Can I stop using the Votrient 400 mg Tablet immediately or do I have to slowly wean off the use?

You should not withdraw the medicine immediately, you should taper the dose to avoid rebound effects

3.Does the Votrient 400 mg Tablet cause hair loss?

Yes, one of the common side effects of this medicine is hair loss. Kindly consult with your doctor if your symptoms even persist after withdrawal of the medicines.