What is Votrient™?

Votrient™ is a brand name of the generic drug pazopanib. This is an anti-cancer drug called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It is prescribed specifically for adults with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is a cancer of the kidneys. This drug interferes with the blood supply that feeds the cancerous tumor, slowing the spread of cancer cells.

Patients taking Votrient™ usually take a dose once daily. It is imperative to take it on an empty stomach, or at least two hours after or one hour prior to eating. This pill has an extended-release formula and should not be split or crushed. Patients typically will not take a dosage higher than 800 milligrams (mg) daily.

Special precautions should be followed while taking Votrient™. Grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and other grapefruit products should not be consumed, as they can interfere with the drug. The prescribing doctor should advise the patient to maintain a healthy diet for general health, and especially to consume foods that contain potassium and magnesium. Patients should rest frequently while taking the medication.

Serious side effects from the use of Votrient™ require emergency medical assistance. These can include bloody urine or stools, coughing up blood, and nosebleeds, as well as vomit resembling coffee grounds. A rapid or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, and speech difficulties can occur. Some patients have reported stomach pain or swelling, shortness of breath, and weakness or numbness of the muscles.

Other side effects that are persistent or become severe should be reported to the doctor as soon as possible. These can include diarrhea, constipation, and unintended weight loss. People have also reported experiencing a rash, a lightening of a specific area of skin, and changes in hair color. Heartburn, depression, and an inability to tolerate cold may also occur. Pregnant women should not use Votrient™, as it may cause birth defects. Patients should use a barrier method of birth control while taking this drug. It is unknown whether it passes into breast milk.

In addition, Votrient™ should not be used by patients with certain medical conditions. These include liver disease, high blood pressure, and heart disease, as well as stomach disorders, such as ulcers. Those with an underactive thyroid, tendency toward blood clots, or a family or personal history of Long QT Syndrome should also not take it. Votrient™ may be dangerous for people who have had intestinal or stomach bleeding in the last six months, as well as bleeding in the brain or any other head injury in the same time period.

Patients should notify the prescribing doctor about any other drugs or supplements they take. Votrient™ may interact with antibiotics, allergy or asthma medications, and oral diabetes drugs. It may also interact with other cancer drugs and medications that help prevent nausea.