Sutent capsules 12.5 mg for cancer (sunitinib malate)

What are Sutent capsules 12.5 mg for cancer (sunitinib malate)?

Sutent capsules comprise sunitinib malate, a malate salt of sunitinib that can be taken orally. Sunitinib belongs to the indolinone-based class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Its mechanism involves the suppression of receptors linked to both tumor proliferation and the development of blood vessels within tumors. Furthermore, Sutent capsules hinder the phosphorylation of another receptor tyrosine kinase present in certain leukemic cells.

The primary purpose of Sutent capsules is the management of specific types of cancer. They demonstrate effectiveness in treating well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors that are either unresectable or metastatic and have shown disease progression in adults. Notably, Sutent stands as the sole alternative to imatinib for patients with imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors. By significantly diminishing the relative risk of disease progression or mortality linked to this condition, Sutent capsules play a crucial role.

Additionally, this medication exhibits efficacy in addressing radically unresectable or metastatic renal cell carcinoma. It brings about tumor reduction, leading to the extension of the lives of patients with metastases and enhancing their overall quality of life.

Active principles: sunitinib malate

Amount: 56 capsules

Maker: Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Inc., Tokyo, Japan

Indications: treatment of cancers and tumors including following:

• imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumor,
• radically unresectable renal cell carcinoma,
• metastatic renal cell carcinoma,
• pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

How to take

For imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumor and radically unresectable or metastatic renal cell carcinoma: adults should take 4 capsules (50 mg of sunitinib) at a time, once a day for consecutive 4 weeks. Then, discontinue taking this medicine for 2 weeks, then repeat the course of the treatment. Your doctor may adjust the dosage according to your symptoms and response. 

For pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: adults should take 3 capsules (37.5 mg of sunitinib) at a time, once a day. Your doctor may adjust the dosage according to your symptoms and response. However, the daily dosage of 4 capsules (50 mg) once a day should not be exceeded.

Contraindications: do not use for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Do not use for patients with cardiac disorder such as cardiac failure.

Important information

As this medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness, patient should pay close attention to working at heights or operating dangerous machinery, such as driving a car.

Avoid taking any food containing St. John's or grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.

If an allergic reaction occurs, patient needs to stop using the medicine and consult with their doctor. If patient is taking any other medication or treatment, they should consult with their doctor in advance.