Pazopanib
This page provides detailed information regarding the medication pazopanib, including its indications, dosage and administration guidelines, mechanism of action, associated brands and their strengths, as well as warnings and common side effects.
Context and Approval Date
Pazopanib is an antiangiogenic agent that was approved for medical use on October 19, 2009.
Mechanism of Action of Pazopanib
Pazopanib works as a targeted drug therapy in the area of cancer treatment, functioning as a biological agent. Classified as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, this anticancer medication blocks the development of blood vessels within cancer cells. By specifically targeting the protein known as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGF), it works to reduce the size of cancer cells, thereby halting their growth and preventing further multiplication.
All substitutes
| Product | Packaging Size | Company | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pazonat 200mg tablet | 30 tablets | Natco Pharma | INR 2600 |
| Bdpazo 200mg tablet | 30 tablets | BDR Pharmaceuticals | INR 1600 |
| Pazinib 200mg tablet | 30 tablets | Hetero Healthcare | INR 1650 |
| Pazib 200mg tablet | 30 tablets | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals | INR 1650 |
| Votrient 200mg tablet | 30 tablets | Novartis India | INR 7700 |
Uses of Pazopanib
Pazopanib was created to treat renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer, and soft tissue cancer that has spread or not responded well to other cancer treatments.
Pazopanib administration guidelines and available dosage options
Pazopanib is coming in tablet form with options of 200mg and 400mg. The typical prescribed dosage is 800mg once daily, to be taken on an empty stomach. You may consume the medication an hour before eating or two hours after a meal. Individuals with moderate liver impairment are generally advised to take a daily dose of 200mg. Your healthcare provider will customize the dosage based on your body's tolerance to the medication.
Information about Pazopanib
Pazopanib uses
1. Kidney cancer2. soft tissue sarcoma
How pazopanib works
Pazopanib works as an anti-cancer drug by binding to and inhibiting tyrosine kinase enzyme receptors, which play a crucial role in the multiplication of cancer cells. Additionally, it prevents the formation of new blood vessels within the tumor, therefore contributing to its anti-cancer effects.Common side effects of pazopanib
Headache, Diarrhea, High blood pressure, Decreased appetite, Taste change, Breathlessness, Low blood platelets, Decreased level of thyroid hormones, Insomnia (difficulty sleeping), Infection, Hair loss, Nosebleeds, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes), Decreased phosphate level in the blood, Dehydration, Peripheral sensory neuropathy, Blurred vision, Hot flushes, Venous thromboembolism, Voice change, Coughing up blood, Increased bilirubin in the blood, Liver toxicity, Hypopigmentation.There are some important things to remember when taking your tablets:
1. Take pazopanib at least 2 hours after a meal or 1 hour before a meal. This is because food can affect how pazopanib is absorbed.
2. Take the tablets with a glass of water, one after the other.
3. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew, break, or crush the tablets before you take them.
4. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice during your treatment.
5. This can increase the chance of side effects.
6. If you forget to take your tablets or are sick after taking them, just take your next dose at the usual time; do not take a double dose.
7. Keep the tablets in the original package and at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
8. Keep the tablets safe, somewhere children cannot see or reach them. Get a new prescription before you run out of tablets, and make sure you have plenty for the holidays.
1. Take pazopanib at least 2 hours after a meal or 1 hour before a meal. This is because food can affect how pazopanib is absorbed.
2. Take the tablets with a glass of water, one after the other.
3. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew, break, or crush the tablets before you take them.
4. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice during your treatment.
5. This can increase the chance of side effects.
6. If you forget to take your tablets or are sick after taking them, just take your next dose at the usual time; do not take a double dose.
7. Keep the tablets in the original package and at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
8. Keep the tablets safe, somewhere children cannot see or reach them. Get a new prescription before you run out of tablets, and make sure you have plenty for the holidays.
Warning, Precautions, and Side Effects Associated with Pazopanib
Warning
Immediately contact your doctor if you notice unusual heart rhythms, seizures, muscle cramps, fever, infections, or significant bleeding. Throughout your Pazopanib treatment, your doctor may regularly monitor various health parameters, including complete blood counts, blood pressure, ECG, blood sugar, electrolytes, thyroid panel, urine tests (for proteinuria), as well as liver and kidney functions. This monitoring is essential to detect potential liver toxicity, heart issues, kidney impairment, bleeding, blood clots, pneumonitis, tumor lysis syndrome, and infections, aiming to prevent serious complications.Inform your doctor of any existing diagnoses of diabetes, hypertension, or conditions affecting the heart, liver, skin, kidneys, or blood. Avoid undergoing surgical procedures while on Pazopanib tablet treatment due to the elevated risk of bleeding. Consult with your healthcare provider, and discontinue Pazopanib tablets one week before and two weeks after any surgical or dental procedures. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe headaches, vision changes, confusion, or dizziness.
Precautions
Pazopanib is a significant risk to fertility and may have harmful effects on an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant, inform your healthcare provider before initiating this treatment. It is recommended for both men and women to use effective contraceptive methods throughout the course of Pazopanib and for two weeks following the final dose. Avoid breastfeeding during the treatment and the subsequent two weeks after the last dose, as Pazopanib can potentially affect the baby's growth and development by being transmitted through breast milk.Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Pazopanib are high blood pressure, diarrhea, nausea, hair color changes, loss of appetite, vomiting, tiredness, weight loss, musculoskeletal pain, headache, breathlessness, and skin discoloration. If you experience a severe headache, chest pain, blood in your cough, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, or confusion, report it to your doctor immediately.Word of Advice
Pazopanib may cause dizziness and weakness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you encounter feelings of dizziness, confusion, or fatigue during Pazopanib treatment.FAQ - Pazopanib
1 Is Pazopanib a chemotherapy drug?
Pazopanib does not come under the category of chemotherapy; instead, it is classified as targeted therapy for cancer, as it selectively targets and acts against cancer cells.
2Is it necessary for male patients to use contraception during Pazopanib tablet treatment?
Male patients with female sexual partners, including those who have undergone vasectomy, should utilize a reliable barrier contraceptive (such as condoms) throughout the treatment period and for two weeks following the last dose.
3Is it advisable to have surgery while undergoing Pazopanib treatment?
Pazopanib is related to a higher risk of bleeding complications and impaired wound healing. Consequently, it is recommended to avoid scheduling surgeries, and it's important to inform your physician before undergoing any surgical or dental procedures. Your healthcare provider may advise discontinuing the medication a week before the scheduled surgical procedure.
4If an overdose of Pazopanib tablets occurs, what steps should be taken?
If you take an excess dose of Pazopanib tablets, contact your doctor right away and get emergency care at a hospital.
5What substances should you avoid taking along with Pazopanib?
It is advised to avoid consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice while getting Pazopanib treatment. Inform your healthcare provider about any prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or herbal supplements you may be taking.
6When should you inform your doctor?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, muscle cramps, fever, infection, or severe bleeding.
References
1. Novartis Pharmaceuticals, US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), [Revised on Dec 2021] [Accessed on 19th Sep 2022], https://www.novartis.com/us-en/sites/novartis_us/files/votrient.pdf
2. Edward Chu, Cancer Chemotherapy, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 948-976.
2. Edward Chu, Cancer Chemotherapy, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 948-976.
