What is pazopanib?
Pazopanib is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their spread in the body.
Pazopanib is used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer).
Pazopanib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about pazopanib?
Do not use pazopanib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
Before you take pazopanib, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, underactive thyroid, an ulcer or other stomach disorder, or a history of Long QT syndrome, blood clot, or bleeding (stomach, intestinal, or brain).
There are many other drugs that can interact with pazopanib. Tell your doctor about all medications you use.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using pazopanib. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Stop using pazopanib and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), sudden numbness or weakness, problems with speech or balance, chest pain, or vision and hearing problems.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking pazopanib?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to it.
To make sure you can safely take pazopanib, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
liver disease;
heart disease;
high blood pressure;
a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome;
a history of blood clot;
underactive thyroid;
an ulcer or other stomach disorder;
a head injury or bleeding in your brain within the past 6 months; or
stomach or intestinal bleeding within the past 6 months.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use pazopanib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether pazopanib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.