Axitinib

Generic name: axitinib [ axIT-i-nib ]
Brand name: Inlyta
Dosage form: oral tablet (1 mg; 5 mg)
Drug classes: Multikinase inhibitors, VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 27, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is axitinib?

Axitinib is used to treat advanced kidney cancer.

Axitinib is sometimes given after at least one other cancer treatment did not work or has stopped working.

Axitinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Axitinib side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some people taking axitinib have developed a perforation (a hole or tear) or a fistula (an abnormal passageway) within the stomach or intestines. Call your doctor if you have severe stomach pain, or if you feel like you are choking and gagging when you eat or drink.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, trouble breathing;

• sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech;

• headache, confusion, thinking problems, seizure (convulsions);

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;

• heavy menstrual bleeding;

• any bleeding that will not stop;

• liver problems--severe nausea or vomiting, right-sided upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;

• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or

• signs of a thyroid problem--sudden weight gain or loss, feeling very weak or tired, muscle pain, feeling hot or cold, hair loss, hoarse or deepened voice.

Common side effects of axitinib may include:

• liver problems;

• stomach pain;

• muscle and bone pain;

• abnormal blood tests;

• mouth sores or swelling of the lining of the mouth, nose, eyes, throat, intestines, or vagina;

• cough, shortness of breath;

• headache;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;

• rash, itching, redness, and peeling skin on your hands or feet;

• feeling weak or tired;

• increased blood pressure;

• decreased appetite, weight loss; or

• hoarse voice.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use axitinib if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a perforation (a hole or tear) in your stomach or intestines;

• bleeding problems, or a wound that has not healed;

• a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, or blood clot;

• high blood pressure;

• liver disease; or

• a thyroid disorder.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Both men and women using axitinib should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Axitinib can cause harm an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine.

Keep using birth control for at least 1 week after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using axitinib.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because axitinib can harm an unborn baby.

It is not safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Also do not breast-feed for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

How should I take axitinib?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Axitinib should be taken at evenly spaced intervals, usually once every 12 hours.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water. You may take axitinib with or without food.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

If you vomit shortly after taking axitinib, do not take another dose. Wait until your next scheduled dose time to take the medicine again.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. You may also need frequent medical tests.

If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use axitinib. You will need to stop using the medicine at least 24 hours before a planned surgery.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Axitinib dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Renal Cell Carcinoma:

Initial dose: 5 mg orally twice a day
Maintenance dose: Increase or decrease dose based on individual safety and tolerability
Dose range: 2 to 10 mg twice a day

Comments: Doses should be taken approximately 12 hours apart.

Use: For the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma after the failure of 1 prior systemic therapy.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking axitinib?

Grapefruit may interact with axitinib and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

What other drugs will affect axitinib?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may affect axitinib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Popular FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2025 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 7.01.