Axitinib is an antineoplastic agent which was approved for its medical use on 27th January 2012.

Axitinib has been developed to treat a type of kidney cancer (Renal cell carcinoma) after disease progression and inadequate response to other anticancer therapies.

Axitinib is available in the form of film-coated tablets in doses of 1mg, 3mg, 5mg, and 7mg. The usual recommended dose is 5mg twice a day. Your healthcare provider will adjust the dosing according to how well your body tolerates this medication.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Axitinib are high blood pressure, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, soreness in the mouth, tongue or throat, shortness of breath, cough, tiredness, weakness, dehydration, loss of appetite, joint pain, weight loss, headache, muscle pain, nose bleeding, tinnitus, itching, hair loss, dizziness, and inflammation of the gallbladder. If you experience severe headache, chest pain, blood in cough, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, or confusion, report to your doctor immediately.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, stomach pain, or severe bleeding. During the Axitinib treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your complete blood counts, blood sugar, electrolytes, thyroid panel, urine test (for proteinuria), and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, problems in your heart, liver, skin, kidneys, or blood disorders. It is not recommended to undergo surgical procedures while on treatment with an Axitinib Tablet due to the high risk of bleeding. Tell your physician before you undergo surgery or dental procedures. Get immediate medical attention if you experience itching, vision changes, confusion, or dizziness. 

Axitinib may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. It is advised for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods during and one week after the last dose of Axitinib. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while you are on the treatment as Axitinib can impact the growth and development of the baby by passing into the breast milk.

Axitinib can make you feel dizzy and weak. Avoid driving or operating heavy machines if you experience dizziness, confusion, or tiredness while on treatment with Axitinib. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice may also increase axitinib plasma concentrations and should be avoided. Some formulations of gefitinib may contain lactose as an inactive ingredient in which the body is unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. It can cause symptoms such as bloating, and abdominal pain. If you have lactose intolerance, inform your doctor before starting this therapy. It is advised to avoid high-fiber foods and drink lots of fluids if you have severe diarrhea.

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5. Edward Chu, Cancer Chemotherapy, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 948-976.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.