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Pazopanib oral tablets

Pazopanib is a type of biologic medication that treats kidney cancer and sarcoma. A biologic is a synthetic but human-derived product. This medication comes as a tablet that you can take by mouth with a glass of water as directed. Take this medication on an empty stomach.

What is this medication?

PAZOPANIB (paz OH pa nib) is a biologic drug used to treat kidney cancer and sarcoma.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Votrient

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • bleeding problems
  • have had recent surgery (within 7 days) or are having surgery
  • heart disease
  • high blood pressure
  • history of irregular heartbeat
  • history of stroke
  • liver disease
  • lung or breathing disease, like asthma
  • protein in your urine
  • thyroid problems
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to pazopanib, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Do not take with food. Do not take with grapefruit juice. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If your next dose is to be taken in less than 12 hours, then do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following medications:

  • cisapride
  • dronedarone
  • fluconazole
  • pimozide
  • posaconazole
  • saquinavir
  • thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • certain antibiotics like clarithromycin
  • certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
  • certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole or itraconazole
  • certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
  • other medicines that prolong the QT interval (abnormal heart rhythm)
  • stomach acid blockers like lansoprazole, omeprazole, or pantoprazole

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor for regular check ups. You will need to have blood work while you are taking this medicine.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for at least 2 weeks after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Men should not father a child while taking this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after stopping it. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 2 weeks after stopping it.

This medicine may interfere with the ability to have a child. You should talk with your doctor or health care professional if you are concerned about your fertility.

Before having surgery, talk to your health care provider to make sure it is ok. This drug can increase the risk of poor healing of your surgical site or wound. You will need to stop this drug for 1 week before surgery. After surgery, wait at least 2 weeks before restarting this drug. Make sure the surgical site or wound is healed enough before restarting this drug. Talk to your health care provider if questions.

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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • breathing problems
  • changes in vision
  • chest pain
  • redness, blistering, peeling, bleeding, or swelling of the skin on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
  • seizures
  • signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eyes, gums, or nose
  • signs and symptoms of a blood clot such as chest pain; shortness of breath; pain, swelling or warmth in the leg
  • signs and symptoms of heart failure like breathing problems; fast, irregular heartbeat; sudden weight gain; swelling of the ankles, feet hands; unusually weak or tired
  • signs and symptoms of infection like fever; chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine
  • signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • signs and symptoms of stroke like changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination
  • signs and symptoms of tumor lysis syndrome including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, tiredness, seizures, confusion, muscle cramps or spasms, or a decrease in the amount of urine

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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • change in hair color
  • changes in taste
  • diarrhea
  • loss of appetite
  • skin discoloration
  • weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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