Votrient

Votrient contains the active substance pazopanib hydrochloride, a cancer therapy that belongs to the group of drugs known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. These medicines work by blocking specific proteins, including VEGFR family members, that cancer cells use to grow new blood vessels and maintain their blood supply. By stopping the formation of these vessels, Votrient reduces the tumour’s access to nutrients and oxygen, slowing or preventing its 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 Votrient. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Votrient:

• Take Votrient on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
• Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break it.
• Votrient can result in severe or fatal infections, liver issues, or high blood pressure. You will require frequent medical examinations.
• If you require surgery, inform the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking pazopanib. You may need to stop taking the medication for at least 7 days before your surgery.

Some mild and most common side effects of Votrient seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Increased liver enzymes.
• High blood sugar levels.
• High blood pressure.
• Changes in hair color.
• Loss of appetite.
• Fatigue.
• Weight gain.
• Bleeding gums.
• Hair loss.
• Taste changes.
• Dry skin.
• High bilirubin levels.
• Low white blood cell levels.
• Low blood sugar.
• Muscle cramps.
• Hand-foot syndrome.
• Weight loss.
• Protein in the urine (cloudy urine).
• Severe headaches.
• Jaundice.
• Nosebleeds.

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

• Serious infections: fever, chills, headache, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue
• Heart problems: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, or leg swelling
• Stomach and bowel issues: severe cramps, bloating, pain, irritation or swelling near the anus, discharge, or blood in stool
• Liver problems: right-sided stomach pain, tiredness, appetite loss, yellowing of skin or eyes
• Serious bleeding: unusual or hard-to-stop bleeding, easy bruising, blood in urine or stool, coughing up blood, vomit resembling coffee grounds
• Blood clots in lungs: cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat
• Blood clots near the heart: chest pain, stomach discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness
• Blood clots in the leg: cramps, swelling, pain, stiffness
• High blood pressure: anxiety, blurred vision, confusion, headaches, chest pain, nausea, vomiting
• Tumour lysis syndrome: fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, irregular heartbeat, dark urine, joint or muscle pain, fatigue
• Allergic reactions: rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing

These are not all of the possible side effects of Votrient. You should always seek medical advice from 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 Votrient, 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:

• Liver disease.
• Heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, long QT syndrome, heart attack, and heart failure.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Blood clot or stroke.
• Thyroid disorder or hypothyroidism.
• Headaches, seizures, or vision problems.
• Perforation (a hole or tear) in your stomach or intestines.
• A fistula (an abnormal passageway) within your intestine.
• Stomach or intestinal bleeding.
• Surgery within the past 7 days.

Boxed Warning

This medicine can induce severe, even deadly, liver damage, particularly in people over the age of 65. Liver function should be evaluated regularly, more frequently if ALT levels are elevated, and medication may need to be lowered, paused, or entirely discontinued depending on the severity, with close continuous monitoring until recovery.

There are no contraindications with Votrient.

Votrient (pazopanib) does not operate immediately; its benefits typically take several weeks to manifest. Doctors frequently use scans and blood tests to determine how well it is working after 8-12 weeks of treatment, as the benefit comes from progressively decreasing cancer growth rather than offering immediate symptom relief.

When Votrient is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and 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:

• An antibiotic.
• An antidepressant.
• Simvastatin-containing cholesterol medications include Zocor, Vytorin, Juvisync, and Simcor.
• Heart rhythm medicine.
• HIV/AIDS medicines.
• Nexium, Prilosec, Tagamet, and other stomach acid-reducing medications.
• Grapefruit juice.
• Ketoconazole.
• Carbamazepine.

The normal dose is 800 mg (four 200 mg pills) taken orally once daily. If you have liver problems, you may be prescribed a lower dose.

During treatment, your dose may vary depending on how well you tolerate Votrient (pazopanib). It may also vary if you are taking any medications that interact with Votrient (pazopanib).

For a missed dose, don't take extra tablets if you forget to take a dose. Just take your next dose at the usual time.

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

Novartis Pharmaceuticals is the company that manufactures Votrient.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Votrient.

You should not discontinue using Votrient (pazopanib) on your own. Because it works by gradually decreasing cancer growth, stopping abruptly without medical supervision may allow your disease to advance. If you encounter side effects or need to quit, your doctor may alter your dose, suspend treatment, or cease it entirely while closely monitoring your condition. Always check with your oncologist before making any modifications to Votrient.

If you are pregnant, do not use Votrient. It could harm the unborn child. Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication and for at least two weeks following the final dosage to avoid any birth defects.

If you are a man and your sexual partner is or may become pregnant, use condoms while taking Votrient and for at least two weeks after your final dosage. Even if you had a vasectomy, you should continue to use condoms.

You should not breastfeed while you are using Votrient, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose, as this medication can pass through your breastmilk.