Where is Pazopanib used?
Pazopanib is a prescription used to treat kidney cancer and other types of cancer called soft tissue sarcoma. This is in the class of medications called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This medicine lessens the blood supply to the cancer tumor to slow the growth of the tumor. Pazopanib is an FDA-approved medication that comes as a tablet for oral use.
How does Pazopanib work?
Pazopanib works by interfering with the pathways that signal certain cancer cells to grow. The way that cells in the body works and grows is regulated by various enzymes called protein kinases. These enzymes can be found in certain receptors on the surface of cells. These are also involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. In cancerous cells, the kinases make the cells grow and multiply abnormally. They also stimulate nearby blood vessels to grow into the tumor. The new blood vessels allow the cancer cells to grow and multiply by supplying them with oxygen and nutrients. They also allow the cancerous cells to spread into other areas of the body through the blood circulation.
Pazopanib attaches to certain receptors on cancer cells and cells in the blood vessel walls and blocks the action of the protein kinases. This stops the signals that tell cancer to grow and multiply. This also stops the blood vessel from growing into the tumor. This lessens the tumor’s blood supply and with it, its supply of oxygen and nutrients. Both these effects stop the tumor from growing.
How to use Pazopanib?
Pazopanib is to be taken by mouth, usually once a day. Each dose is taken without a meal. You must take it on an empty stomach at least an hour or 2 hours after food. The recommended dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to the treatment. You should take the right dose, not more or less.
Do not stop taking this medication without the consent of your doctor. It may cause another complication or may worsen your current condition. For the best benefit from this product, take it regularly. Remember to take it at the same time and in the same way each day. Let your doctor know if your condition does not improve.
What are the side-effects of Pazopanib?
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Feeling tired or weak
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Cough
- Mouth sores
- Dizziness
- Hair loss
What are the precautions in using Pazopanib?
- While taking Pazopanib, avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit. It may increase the level of this medicine in your blood and may increase the risk of side effects.
- Your blood pressure should be regularly monitored while having this treatment.
- This medicine could be harmful to a developing baby. Consult your doctor first if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you are breastfeeding women, talk with your doctor first as well.
- Pazopanib is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. This is also not recommended for use in people with a history of coughing up blood or bleeding in the brain or gut in the last six months.
- This medication should be used with caution by people with high blood pressure, mild or moderately decreased liver function, or an underactive thyroid gland.
