Side Effects of Sunitinib

Sunitinib is a prescription medicine that is used for the treatment of various kinds of cancer. It commonly treats both intestinal and kidney cancers. The medication functions by halting or slowing down the spreading of cancer tumors. It also prevents new blood vessels from growing inside of the tumor. Certain side effects can occur with Sunitinib treatment.

Common Side Effects

• A handful of common side effects are possible with Sunitinib. These side effects are considered to be minor because they usually fade away rapidly. However, if you have any of these effects and find them to be troublesome, you need to inform your doctor. These side effects are irritation or pain of the mouth, diarrhea, constipation, lower appetite, taste changes, upset stomach, stomachache, fatigue, weakness, throwing up, nosebleed, discoloration of the skin or the hair, nausea, indigestion, headache, and thick, cracked, or dry skin.

Serious Side Effects

• Serious side effects are also a possibility with this cancer treatment. There are many possible serious side effects. In cases of serious side effects, it is critical to get emergency medical help immediately. Some severe effects of the medication include seizures, lingering or extreme headache, sore throat, fever, chills, pale stools, numbing or tingling of the feet or the hands, swelling or tenderness of the calves, tarry, bloody or dark stools, mood or mental changes (like less alertness, irritability, nervousness, anxiety, confusion, and depression), yellowing of the skin or the eyes, signs of thyroid problems (like weight gain, difficulty sleeping, tremors, being sensitive to hot or cold, menstrual period changes, sweating more, and increased appetite), abnormal or extreme bleeding or bruising, muscle ache, weakness, or tenderness, a leg or an arm becoming numb, shortness of breath, the legs or the hands becoming swollen, vomit that resembles coffee grounds, vision loss, changes in vision, backache, stomachache, darker colored urine, exhaustion, rash or blister developing on the foot soles or palms of the hands, irregular, rapid, or slow heartbeat and fainting.

Allergic Reactions

• Severe allergic reactions can also occur with Sunitinib. These types of allergic reactions are unlikely, but can happen, and also can be very harmful. As a result it is necessary to get emergency medical help for these reactions. Some signs to be aware of include having difficulty with breathing, chest tightness or heaviness, swelling, itching, skin rash and hives.

Warnings

• This cancer treatment is not suitable or safe for everybody. Some people are advised against the use of Sunitinib, such as those that are allergic to any of the medication's ingredients, those taking St. John's wort, and those taking bevacizumab. Your doctor must be aware of any allergies you have, as well as any medicines that you are taking.

Overdose

• Overdosing on Sunitinib can have some potentially very severe consequences. Due to that fact, it is vital to get emergency medical attention if you suspect that you have done so. Some symptoms of overdose of Sunitinib include eye discharge, head shakes, coordination loss, goosebumps, and stomachache.