Votrient

Uses
Votrient (Pazopanib) is used to treat patients with:

• advanced renal cell carcinoma or;
• advanced soft tissue sarcoma in patients who have who have received prior chemotherapy.

Dosage and Administration
Votrient is usually prescribed at a starting dosage of 800 mg per daily. The tablets are taken orally and should be taken on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after a meal).

In patients with renal cell carcinoma, after a loading dose, the dosage can be reduced by 400mg, and then decreased or increased in 200mg increments depending on individual response.

In soft tissue sarcoma, after a loading dose a decrease or increase in 200mg increments can be implemented depending on individual treatment response.

Patients with hepatic impairment may require different dosages.

Side effects
Signs of an allergic reaction including hives, difficult breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat will require urgent medical attention.

More serious side effects of Votrient include:

• slow healing of a wound or surgical incision;
• dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;
• fever, chills, easy bruising, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
• feeling short of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;
• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• nosebleed, bleeding gums;
• any wound that will not heal;
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• seizures (convulsions);
• sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;
• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

If you notice any of the above side effects, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Less severe side effects you may notice can include:

• mild nausea or vomiting, diarrhea;
• weight loss;
• changes in hair or skin color;
• joint or muscle pain;
• tumor pain, mild headache;
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth

Precautions
Fatal hepatotoxicity has been observed in clinical trials. Blood tests to monitor hepatic function should be scheduled regularly.

Pazopanib is not recommended during pregnancy as there is a chance of it harming the unborn baby. It is uncertain if Pazopanib is passed through breastmilk.

Tell your doctor of all medicines you are currently taking, especially any blood thinners as Votrient can interfere with wound healing.