Axitinib

Uses

This anticancer drug is used for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (cancer of the kidney cells that has spread to other parts of the body).

IUPAC name: N-methyl-2-[[3-[(E)-2-pyridin-2-ylmethyl]-1H-indazol-6-yl]sulfanyl]benzamide

Drug class: Antineoplastic; Kinase inhibitor

Route of administration: Oral

Is it a drug that needs a prescription? YES

Is it an OTC drug? NO

Mechanism of action

Axitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits cancerous cell development and proliferation by blocking the action of an aberrant protein that signals cancer cells to multiply.

Side effects

Nausea, vomiting, dry skin, weight loss, diarrhea, loss of appetite, hair loss, constipation, stomach upset, dizziness, taste changes, sore mouth, tiredness, weakness, pain in joints/muscles, indigestion, headache, redness/swelling/blisters or pain in the hands or feet, rash/itching.

Precautions

Before using this medication, take the following precautions and notify your doctor:

• If you are allergic to it or have any other allergies,
• If you are taking any other medication (prescribed, non-prescribed, or herbal products),
• If you have a medical history of heart disease (including heart attacks, heart failure), bleeding issues, hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney problems, hepatic disease, thyroid disease, blood clots, stroke, diabetes,
• If you have had any recent surgery,
• This type of mediation is not recommended during pregnancy.
• You should avoid getting pregnant while using axitinib.
• It may affect fertility in men and women.
• If you are breastfeeding, you should consult the doctor.