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Sunitinib
Sunitinib is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of cancer. By blocking an enzyme within the body, this chemotherapy medication slows the growth of cancer cells. However, it should be noted that it is not a cure for cancer. Fatigue, weakness, fever, and nausea are some of the most commonly reported reactions to this drug.
Sunitinib (SUTENT®) is a prescription chemotherapy medication approved to treat certain cancers of the kidney, pancreas, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It belongs to a group of medicines called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Sunitinib slows the growth of cancer cells; however, it is not a cancer cure.
(Click What Is Sunitinib Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Just like any medicine, sunitinib can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the drug will experience problems. Most people tolerate it quite well. If reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of sunitinib include but are not limited to:
- Fatigue
- Weakness or lack of energy
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Nausea.
(Click Sunitinib Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD