Axitinib - Oral

Axitinib is used to treat a certain type of kidney cancer in individuals who have failed previous therapy.

Take Axitinib exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

If you vomit after taking Axitinib, do not repeat the dose. Take the next dose at your normal scheduled time.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Axitinib must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of blockage of a blood vessel due to a blood clot
• high blood pressure
• history of aneurysm (weakness and bulging of the blood vessel wall in the brain)
• untreated brain cancer
• bleeding in the digestive tract
• moderate to severe liver disease
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant. It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Axitinib.

Both men and women must use proven birth control methods during Axitinib therapy and up to 1 week after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss reliable methods of birth control with your doctor or pharmacist.

Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose of this medicine.

If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
• Routine tests (e.g. thyroid and liver function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
• Regular monitoring for signs of heart problems, stomach and bowel problems, and bleeding problems may also be needed.

Axitinib may cause dizziness and tiredness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects may include any of the following: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, indigestion, stomach wind, decreased appetite, ringing in the ears, headache, muscle or joint pain, hair loss, and dry skin.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
• chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, cough which may contain blood
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• sudden vision loss, seeing dark spots or lines, eye pain or pressure
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin
• rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
• medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital
• medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
• medicines for HIV infection e.g. atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir
• nefazodone (medicine to treat depression)
• St. John's wort (herbal medicine)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Axitinib.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

As Axitinib is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired tablets to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.