Indications
Votrient (geneically known as pazopanib) is an oral medication indicated to treat certain types of cancer. It is indicated for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a type of kidney cancer, and advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS), a type of cancer that affects the body's connective tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and cartilage.
Votrient is a type of targeted cancer drug called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Tyrosine kinases are proteins that help to control the growth and division of cells. Votrient blocks several tyrosine kinases on the surface of cancer cells, as well as targets within the cell. By blocking these signals, Votrient can help slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. Additionally, Votrient is thought to work, in part, by blocking the growth of new blood vessels that support tumor growth.
Votrient is typically prescribed to patients who have already received prior chemotherapy. It is approved for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) and soft tissue sarcoma. It should be taken exactly as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
Uses and Dosage
Pazopanib is usually taken once a day by mouth as a tablet on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets and take them with plenty of water. Take the medication at the same time every day and follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.
The recommended dose of pazopanib varies depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient's circumstances.
- For the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the usual recommended starting dose is 800 mg once daily on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
- For soft tissue sarcoma, the starting dose is also 800 mg once daily on an empty stomach. However, your doctor may adjust your dose of pazopanib during your treatment, depending on how well the medication is working and any side effects may experience. A reduced dose of 200 mg once daily may be recommended in patients with moderate-to-severe liver disease.
Your doctor may adjust your dose or discontinue the treatment depending on how well the medication is working and any side effects may experience. Continue taking pazopanib even if you feel fine and do not stop taking it without consulting with your doctor. Talk to your doctor about your progress during treatment.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Votrient (Pazopanib Hcl):
- Change in ability to taste food
- Change in hair color
- Constipation
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Heartburn
- Joint or muscle pain
- Lightening of an area of the skin
- Rash
- Swelling of the face
- Tender, red palms of the hands and soles of the feet
- Thin, brittle fingernails or hair
- Unusual discomfort in cold temperatures
- Weakness
- Weight loss
Serious Side Effects of Votrient (Pazopanib Hcl):
- Black and tarry stools
- Blood in urine
- Bloody vomit
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Dizziness or faintness
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Headache
- Nosebleeds
- Pain in the arms, back, neck or jaw
- Red blood in stools
- Shortness of breath
- Slow or difficult speech
- Stomach pain or swelling
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- Wounds that do not heal
Form and Strength
Votrient (Pazopanib Hcl) is available in the following forms and strength:
Pazopanib Hcl: Tablet
- 200 mg
Caution
- Votrient can cause elevated levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which may require treatment for hypothyroidism.
- Votrient can cause gastrointestinal perforation, a serious condition where a hole forms in the stomach or intestines.
- Pazopanib can cause high blood pressure which must be treated and monitored regularly.
- Votrient may cause fatigue, weakness, and dizziness which can impair your ability to operate machinery or drive safely.
- Votrient may cause serious bleeding problems which can be fatal.
- Pazopanib should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Pazopanib can also cause heart problems such as heart failure, heart attack, and blood clots in the heart.
- Pazopanib can increase the risk for developing a type of skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
- Pazopanib can interact with some medications and supplements, so be sure to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking.
- Pazopanib can cause hand-foot syndrome, a condition where the palms of the hands and soles of the feet may become red, swollen, and painful.
- Pazopanib may cause proteinuria, a condition where protein is excreted in the urine, which can indicate kidney problems.
- Pazopanib may cause serious liver problems, including liver failure or death.
- Pazopanib may weaken your immune system, leading to an increased risk of infection.
- The medication should not be taken with certain other medications, including strong CYP3A4 (cytochrome P450 3A4) inhibitors and potent inducers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Votrient chemotherapy?
Votrient is not a chemotherapy drug but one of many "targeted therapies." Targeted therapy is the result of about 100 years of research dedicated to understanding the differences between cancer cells and normal cells.
How long is Votrient effective?
Votrient stays in your system for approximately 5 to 6.5 days. This estimate is based on the half-life of Votrient which is about 31 hours and experts agree that it takes up to 5 half-lives for a drug without active metabolites to be completely removed from the body.
Can Votrient cause kidney failure?
Pazopanib can cause life-threatening blood clots in the small blood vessels inside your organs, such as your brain or kidneys.
Resources
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a610013.html
- https://www.drugs.com/votrient.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-153216/votrient-oral/details
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/022465s-010S-012lbl.pdf
- https://www.novartis.com/us-en/sites/novartis_us/files/votrient.pdf
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