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Home > Drug Category > Cancer Medications > Sutent and Equivalent

Sutent Information

Sutent (Sunitinib) is used to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). GIST is a rare cancer of the stomach, bowel, or esophagus. Sutent is used when imatinib mesylate does not stop the cancer from growing. This drug is also used to treat pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) and advanced kidney cancer. Doctors also prescribe Sutent for adults with localized kidney cancer who are at risk of the cancer returning after kidney surgery. Kinase inhibitors like Sunitinib block the action of the abnormal protein that causes the multiplication of cancer cells. This helps to shrink the tumors and slow the spread of the cancer cells.

Sutent Side Effects

The most common side effects of Sutent may include diarrhea; unusual tiredness; stomach pain; appetite loss; Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Bleeding problems such as bloody urine, swollen stomach, coughing up blood;
• Increased blood pressure;
• Signs of liver problems such as appetite loss, upper stomach pain, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine

Sutent Precautions

Do not use Sutent if you are allergic to Sunitinib or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have any bleeding problems; have heart problems; have liver problems; have seizures; have diabetes; have high blood pressure; think you may be pregnant or plan to become pregnant; are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Sutent and other medications, like ketoconazole; nefazodone; atazanavir; phenytoin; rifampin; Do not use Sutent if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. This medication will harm your unborn baby. You must have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use an effective birth control method to prevent pregnancy while using this medicine and for at least four weeks after your last dose. If you are a man with a sex partner who can get pregnant, use effective birth control while using the medication and for at least seven weeks after treatment. Sunitinib passes into your breastmilk, and it may harm nursing infants. You should not breastfeed while using Sutent and for at least four weeks after your last dose. It is not known if this drug is safe for use in children.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this drug by mouth. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, or open it. You can take this drug with or without food. Your doctor will recommend frequent blood and urine tests while using this drug. Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Sutent?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Sutent.