sutent
Sutent (Sunitinib Malate) is a kinase inhibitor used to treat Renal Cell Carcinoma, Pancreatic Neoplasms, Neuroendocrine Tumors, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors.
Sunitinib Malate · by Cppi Cv
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Sunitinib Malate
- Drug class
- Kinase Inhibitor
- Form
- Capsule
- Strength
- Sunitinib Malate EQ 12.5MG Base · Sunitinib Malate EQ 25MG Base · Sunitinib Malate EQ 37.5MG Base · Sunitinib Malate EQ 50MG Base
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Cppi Cv
- FDA application
- NDA021938
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Sutent?
From the FDA label:Sunitinib is a kinase inhibitor present in SUTENT capsules as the malate salt. Sunitinib malate is described chemically as (2 S )-2-hydroxybutanedoic acid with N -[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-5-[( Z )-(5-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-2-oxo- 3H -indol-3-ylidine)methyl]-2,4-dimethyl- 1H -pyrrole-3-carboxamide (1:1). The molecular formula is C 22 H 27 FN 4 O 2 ∙ C 4 H 6 O 5 and the molecular weight is 532.6 Daltons. The chemical structure of sunitinib malate is: Sunitinib malate is a yellow to orange powder with a pKa of 8.95. The solubility of sunitinib malate in aqueous media over the range pH 1.2 to pH 6.8 is in excess of 25 mg/mL. The log of the distribution coefficient (octanol/water) at pH 7 is 5.2. SUTENT (sunitinib malate) capsules are supplied as printed hard shell capsules containing 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg or 50 mg of sunitinib (equivalent to 16.7 mg, 33.4 mg, 50.1 mg, or 66.8 mg of sunitinib malate, respectively). The capsules contain the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, mannitol, and povidone (K-25). The orange gelatin capsule shells contain titanium dioxide and red iron oxide; the caramel gelatin capsule shells contain titanium dioxide, red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, and black iron oxide; and the yellow gelatin capsule shells contain titanium dioxide and yellow iron oxide. The white printing ink contains shellac, propylene glycol,…
How to use
GIST and Advanced RCC : • The recommended dosage is 50 mg orally once daily for the first 4 weeks of each 6-week cycle (Schedule 4/2). ( 2.1 ) Adjuvant Treatment of RCC : • The recommended dosage is 50 mg orally once daily for the first 4 weeks of a 6-week cycle (Schedule 4/2) for a maximum of 9 cycles. ( 2.2 ) pNET : • The recommended dosage is 37.5 mg orally once daily. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage for GIST and Advanced RCC The recommended dosage of SUTENT for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is 50 mg taken orally once daily, on a schedule of 4 weeks on treatment followed by 2 weeks off (Schedule 4/2) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. SUTENT may be taken with or without food. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Adjuvant Treatment of RCC The recommended dosage of SUTENT for the adjuvant treatment of RCC is 50 mg taken orally once daily, on a schedule of 4 weeks on treatment followed by 2 weeks off (Schedule 4/2), for nine 6-week cycles. SUTENT may be taken with or without food. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for pNET The recommended dosage of SUTENT for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) is 37.5 mg taken orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. SUTENT may be taken with or without food. 2.4 Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions To manage adverse reactions, the recommended dosage…
Side effects
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling. • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Cardiovascular Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • QT Interval Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Hemorrhagic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Thrombotic Microangiopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Proteinuria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] • Dermatologic Toxicities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] • Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] • Thyroid Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] • Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] • Osteonecrosis of the Jaw [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] • Impaired Wound Healing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ] • The most common adverse reactions (≥25%) are fatigue/asthenia, diarrhea, mucositis/stomatitis, nausea, decreased appetite/anorexia, vomiting, abdominal pain, hand-foot syndrome, hypertension, bleeding events, dysgeusia/altered taste, dyspepsia, and thrombocytopenia. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer Inc. at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
Hepatotoxicity may be severe, and in some cases, fatal. Monitor hepatic function and interrupt, dose reduce, or discontinue SUTENT as recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . WARNING: HEPATOTOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Hepatotoxicity may be severe, and in some cases fatal. Monitor hepatic function and interrupt, dose reduce, or discontinue SUTENT as recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].
Warnings
Important safety information
Hepatotoxicity : Fatal liver failure has been observed. Monitor liver function tests at baseline, during each cycle, and as clinically indicated. Interrupt SUTENT for Grade 3 hepatotoxicity until resolution to Grade ≤1 or baseline and resume SUTENT at a reduced dose; discontinue if no resolution. Discontinue SUTENT in patients with Grade 4 hepatoxicity, in patients who have subsequent severe changes in liver function tests or other signs and symptoms of liver failure. ( 2.4 , 5.1 ) • Cardiovascular Events : Myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to below the lower limit of normal including death have occurred. Monitor for signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure and consider monitoring LVEF at baseline and periodically during treatment. Discontinue SUTENT for clinical manifestations of congestive heart failure. Interrupt and/or dose reduce for decreased LVEF. ( 5.2 ) • QT Interval Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes : Monitor patients at higher risk for developing QT interval prolongation. Consider monitoring of electrocardiograms and electrolytes. ( 5.3 ) • Hypertension : Monitor blood pressure at baseline and as clinically indicated. Initiate and/or adjust antihypertensive therapy as appropriate. Interrupt SUTENT for Grade 3 hypertension until resolution to Grade ≤1 or baseline, then resume SUTENT at a reduced dose. Discontinue SUTENT in patients who develop Grade 4 hypertension. ( 5.4 ) • Hemorrhagic Events : Tumor-related hemorrhage and viscus perforation (both with fatal events) have occurred. Perform serial complete blood counts and physical examinations. Interrupt SUTENT for Grade 3 or 4 hemorrhagic events until resolution to Grade ≤1 or baseline, then resume at a reduced dose; discontinue if no resolution. ( 5.5 ) • Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS) : TLS (some fatal) has been reported primarily in patients with RCC and GIST. Monitor these patients and treat as clinically indicated. ( 5.6 ) • Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) : TMA, including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome, sometimes leading to renal failure or a fatal outcome, has been reported. Discontinue SUTENT for TMA. ( 5.7 ) • Proteinuria : Renal failure or a fatal outcome has occurred. Monitor urine protein. Interrupt treatment for 24-hour urine protein of 3 or more grams. Discontinue for repeat episodes of 24-hour urine protein of 3 or more grams despite dose reductions or nephrotic syndrome. ( 5.8 ) • Dermatologic Toxicities : Necrotizing fasciitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) (some fatal) have occurred. Discontinue SUTENT for these events. ( 5.9 ) • Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS) : RPLS (some fatal) has been reported. Monitor for signs and symptoms of RPLS. Withhold SUTENT until resolution. ( 5.10 ) • Thyroid Dysfunction : Monitor thyroid function at baseline, periodically during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Initiate and/or adjust therapy for thyroid dysfunction as appropriate. ( 5.11 ) • Hypoglycemia : Check blood glucose levels regularly and assess if antidiabetic drug dose modifications are required. ( 5.12 ) • Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) : Withhold SUTENT for at least 3 weeks prior to invasive dental procedure and for development of ONJ until complete resolution. ( 5.13 ) • Impaired Wound Healing : Withhold SUTENT for at least 3 weeks prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of SUTENT after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established. ( 5.14 ) • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.15 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Hepatotoxicity SUTENT can cause severe hepatotoxicity, resulting in liver failure or death. In the pooled safety population, liver failure occurred in <1% of patients in clinical trials. Liver failure include jaundiced, elevated transaminases and/or hyperbilirubinemia in conjunction with encephalopathy, coagulopathy, and/or renal failure. Monitor liver function tests (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], and bilirubin) at baseline, during each cycle, and as clinically indicated. Interrupt SUTENT for Grade 3 hepatotoxicity until resolution to Grade ≤1 or baseline, then resume SUTENT at a reduced dose. Discontinue SUTENT in patients with Grade 4 hepatotoxicity, in patients without resolution of Grade 3 hepatotoxicity, in patients who subsequently experience severe changes in liver function tests and in patients who have other signs and symptoms of liver failure. Safety in patients with ALT or AST >2.5 × upper limit of normal (ULN) or with >5 × ULN and liver metastases has not been established. 5.2 Cardiovascular Events Cardiovascular events, including heart failure, cardiomyopathy, myocardial ischemia, and myocardial infarction, some of which were fatal, have been reported. In pooled safety population, 3% of patients experienced heart failure; 71% of the patients with heart failure were reported as recovered. Fatal cardiac failure was reported in <1% of patients. In the adjuvant treatment of RCC study, 11 patients experienced Grade 2 decreased ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 40% to 50% and a 10% to 19% decrease from baseline). In 3 of these 11 patients, the ejection fractions arm did not return to ≥50% or baseline by the time of last measurement. No patients who received SUTENT were diagnosed with CHF. Patients who presented with cardiac events within 12 months prior to SUTENT administration, such as myocardial infarction (including severe/unstable angina), coronary/peripheral artery bypass graft, symptomatic CHF, cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic attack, or pulmonary embolism were excluded from SUTENT clinical studies. Patients with prior anthracycline use or cardiac radiation were also excluded from some studies. It is unknown whether patients with these concomitant conditions may be at a higher risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. Consider monitoring LVEF at baseline and periodically as clinically indicated. Carefully monitor patients for clinical signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF). Discontinue SUTENT in patients who experience clinical manifestations of CHF. Interrupt SUTENT and/or reduce the dose in patients without clinical evidence of CHF who have an ejection fraction of greater than 20% but less than 50% below baseline or below the lower limit of normal if baseline ejection fraction was not obtained. 5.3 QT Interval Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes SUTENT can cause QT interval prolongation in a dose-dependent manner, which may lead to an increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias including Torsade de Pointes. Torsade de Pointes was observed in <0.1% of patients. Monitor patients who are at higher risk of developing QT interval prolongation, including patients with a history of QT interval prolongation, patients who are taking antiarrhythmics, or patients with relevant pre-existing cardiac disease, bradycardia, or electrolyte disturbances. Consider periodic monitoring of electrocardiograms and electrolytes (i.e., magnesium, potassium) during treatment with SUTENT. Monitor QT interval more frequently when SUTENT is concomitantly administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or drugs known to prolong QT interval. Consider dose reducing SUTENT [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) , Drug Interactions (7.2) ] . 5.4 Hypertension In the pooled safety population, 29% of patients experienced hypertension. Grade 3 hypertension was reported in 7% of patients, and Grade 4 hypertension was reported in 0.2%. Monitor blood pressure at baseline and as clinically indicated. Initiate and/or adjust antihypertensive therapy as appropriate. In cases…
Who should not take Sutent
None. None ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Treatment of overdose with SUTENT should consist of general supportive measures. There is no specific antidote for overdosage with SUTENT. If indicated, elimination of unabsorbed drug should be achieved by emesis or gastric lavage. Cases of accidental overdose have been reported; these cases were associated with adverse reactions consistent with the known safety profile of SUTENT, or without adverse reactions. In nonclinical studies, mortality was observed following as few as 5 daily doses of 500 mg/kg (3000 mg/m 2 ) in rats. At this dose, signs of toxicity included impaired muscle coordination, head shakes, hypoactivity, ocular discharge, piloerection, and gastrointestinal distress. Mortality and similar signs of toxicity were observed at lower doses when administered for longer durations.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
CYP3A4 Inhibitors : Consider dose reduction of SUTENT when administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. ( 7.1 ) • CYP3A4 Inducers : Consider dose increase of SUTENT when administered with strong CYP3A4 inducers. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on SUTENT Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors Co-administration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase sunitinib plasma concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Select an alternate concomitant medication with no or minimal enzyme inhibition potential. Consider a dose reduction for SUTENT when it is co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Co-administration with strong CYP3A4 inducers may decrease sunitinib plasma concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Select an alternate concomitant medication with no or minimal enzyme induction potential. Consider a dose increase for SUTENT when it must be co-administered with CYP3A4 inducers [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . 7.2 Drugs that Prolong QT Interval SUTENT is associated with QTc interval prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Monitor the QT interval with ECGs more frequently in patients who require treatment with concomitant medications known to prolong the QT interval.
Drug class
How this class works, per Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Sutent ranks — best-rated kinase inhibitor for:
Dosage forms
Capsule
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Sutent treat?
- Sutent (Sunitinib Malate) may be used to treat renal cell carcinoma, pancreatic neoplasms, neuroendocrine tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Sutent work?
- Sutent is a kinase inhibitor. Kinase inhibitors block protein kinases, the enzymes that relay 'grow and divide' signals inside cells. By shutting down the overactive kinase signals that a tumor depends on, they help slow or stop cancer cells from multiplying.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Sutent?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Sutent. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Sutent?
- Sutent is marketed by Cppi Cv. You can see Cppi Cv's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Sutent a brand-name or generic drug?
- Sutent is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Sunitinib Malate.
- Is Sutent available over the counter?
- No. Sutent is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Sutent come in?
- Sutent is currently marketed as capsule, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Sutent?
- Sutent is classified as kinase inhibitor, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Sutent FDA-registered?
- Sutent is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA021938. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Sutent safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Sutent. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Sutent?
- Sutent's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling. • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Cardiovascular Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • QT Interval Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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