Votrient (Pazopanib) for Kidney Cancer

Overview
Votrient is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a form of kidney cancer. It is typically prescribed to adults whose cancer has spread beyond the kidney or cannot be surgically removed. Votrient is also known by its drug name, pazopanib.

Pazopanib is a kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking proteins that help cancer cells grow and form new blood vessels. By targeting these pathways, Votrient may slow or stop the growth of kidney cancer.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Votrient is taken orally (by mouth) as a tablet once daily without food. The drug should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Votrient include diarrhea, hypertension (high blood pressure), depigmentation (changes in hair color), nausea, anorexia (loss of appetite), and vomiting.

Rare but serious side effects may include hepatotoxicity (severe liver damage), QT prolongation (abnormal heart rhythms), congestive heart failure, serious bleeding events, blood clots in arteries or veins (which can be fatal), a condition called thrombotic microangiopathy (including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome), gastrointestinal perforation) (holes in the stomach or intestines), lung inflammation (interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis), a brain condition called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), impaired wound healing, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), proteinuria (protein in the urine), tumor lysis syndrome (a complication from rapid tumor breakdown), and severe infections. Votrient may also cause harm to an unborn baby and should not be used during pregnancy.

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Label: Votrient — Pazopanib Hydrochloride Tablet, Film Coated — DailyMed