Inlyta

The active ingredient in Inlyta is axitinib. Axitinib (Inlyta) is a form of targeted anticancer medicine known as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It is more properly classified as a VEGFR inhibitor. The mechanism of action for this medicine targets and inhibits VEGFR proteins in cancer cells that are responsible for giving blood flow to the tumor. By inhibiting these proteins, Inlyta inhibits blood vessels from developing and providing blood to the tumour. This helps to delay and halt cancer growth.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Inlyta. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Inlyta:

• Inlyta is typically taken twice daily, about 12 hours apart.
• Take this medication with a full glass of water. You can take this medication with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break it.
• If you vomit soon after taking Inlyta, don't take another dose. Wait until your next planned dosing time before taking the medication again.
• Your blood pressure will need to be tested regularly. You may also require frequent medical tests.
• If you need surgery, inform your surgeon that you are currently using Inlyta. You must discontinue the medication at least 24 hours before a scheduled procedure.
• Your healthcare provider will typically monitor your thyroid function before starting Inlyta and during treatment.

Some mild or common side effects of Inlyta seen in clinical trials include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Low red blood cell count (anemia).
• Decreased appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Vomiting and nausea.
• Dry skin.
• Hand-foot skin reaction (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia).
• Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels).
• Constipation.
• Abdominal pain.
• Joint pain.
• Hair loss.
• Dysphonia (speech disturbance).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Inlyta. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Symptoms of dangerously high blood pressure include headache, confusion, blurred vision, chest pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• A blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) can cause coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a fast heartbeat.
• A blood clot in the leg causes leg cramps, edema, pain, and muscular stiffness.
• Stroke symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, disorientation, headache, vision changes, and difficulty walking.
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating, weakness, weariness, dizziness, nausea, swelling in the feet and legs, and abrupt weight gain are all symptoms of cardiac problems (such as a heart attack or heart failure).
• Serious bleeding includes delayed wound healing, unusual bleeding, bleeding that is difficult to stop, easy bruising, blood in urine or stool, black or tarry feces, vomiting blood, and stomach cramps.
• Tears in the gut include fever, chills, severe stomach discomfort or cramps, bloating, vomiting blood, and crimson or black stools like coffee grounds.
• This medicine may increase your chance of having a brain condition called reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS).
• May cause proteinuria, the presence of protein in the urine.
• Elevated liver enzymes and liver damage. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), pain on the right side of your stomach, light-colored stools, dark colored urine, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Inlyta. You should always consult your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Inlyta, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• A gastrointestinal perforation (hole or rip) and fistula in your stomach or intestine.
• Bleeding difficulties or an unhealed wound.
• A heart attack, heart failure, stroke, or clot.
• High blood pressure or other heart problems.
• Liver problems.
• A thyroid gland condition. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your thyroid gland function before and during your treatment.

There are no contraindications listed for this medication.

Inlyta (axitinib) does not work immediately; its effects typically take several weeks to months to become apparent. Because it is used to treat advanced kidney cancer, clinicians usually monitor its effectiveness with imaging scans and lab testing after 8-12 weeks of treatment to measure tumour response or disease management.

When Inlyta is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors like ketoconazole.
• Grapefruit juice.
• Strong CYP3A4/5 inducers like rifampin, dexamethasone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifabutin, rifapentin, phenobarbital, and St. John’s wort.

The typical starting dose of Inlyta is 5 mg taken orally twice a day (approximately 12 hours apart), with or without food.

Your doctor will change your dose based on how well the drug is treating your cancer, the severity of any side effects, and whether you have liver issues.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Pfizer Inc. is the company that manufactures Inlyta.

There are no generic name versions available of Inlyta.

You should not stop taking Inlyta without consulting your doctor. Sudden discontinuation may allow your cancer to develop or worsen. If you encounter side effects, your doctor may change your dosage, pause therapy, or determine whether it is safe to stop completely. Always follow your oncologist's instructions and never discontinue or adjust your dose on your own.

Inlyta may cause harm to your unborn baby. Females who can get pregnant should use an effective birth control during treatment and for 1 week after their last dose.

Males with female partners who can have children should also use birth control like condoms while taking Inlyta and for 1 week after the last dose.

If you or your partner becomes pregnant while taking Inlyta, notify the doctor immediately.

It is not known whether Inlyta is found in breast milk. Because of the possible risks, you should not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 2 weeks after your last dose.