| Common Brands | Inlyta |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Axitinib is a targeted therapy drug primarily used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, particularly advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is a form of kidney cancer. It belongs to a class of medications known as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors. By inhibiting specific pathways that promote tumor blood vessel growth, axitinib helps to slow down or halt the progression of cancer.
Axitinib is marketed under the brand name Inlyta and is used when treatments that have been tried up until this point (such as immunotherapy or other kinase inhibitors) have failed. Inlyta is most commonly used in patients with advanced RCC after failure of the first line of treatment or as part of a combination treatment strategy.
Axitinib is usually administered orally in tablet form. The dosing and timing of axitinib use may be adjusted according to individual conditions, prior treatments, and response to therapy. Among the general guidelines for using axitinib are the following:
Administration: Axitinib has to be administered twice daily, in the morning and in the evening. It can be taken with or without food. Maintaining a consistent blood level of the drug is important as axitinib has to be administered at the same time daily.
Tablets: tablets should be taken orally with some water, swallowing them whole. It’s not allowed to break, chew, or crush them, as that would alter the potency of the drugs.
Dosage: The initial dose of axitinib is usually 5 mg administered twice daily, however it should be adjusted based on side effects or patient’s tolerance. Dose could be reduced or increased as per requirement, however any alteration should be done under proper medical supervision.
Missed Dose: A missed dose must be taken as soon as possible if it is almost time to have the next dose. The missed dose should be skipped if it is almost time for the next dose. Then return to a regular dosing schedule. Double dosing should be avoided.
Regular Follow-Up: Patients on axitinib should have regular blood tests to check on their kidney function, liver function, and blood pressure among others. The blood pressure should be checked regularly since axitinib can cause high blood pressure in some patients.
Axitinib is known as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), meaning it works by interfering with the actions of several enzymes involved in signaling pathways in cells, particularly the ones involved in promoting tumor growth and blood vessel formation.
A significant mechanism by which axitinib is known to work is through blocking the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR). VEGF is a protein that promotes new blood vessel formation, an essential element in tumor growth and metastasis. Growth of such tumors requires continuous intake of nutrients and oxygen, and it can only be maintained by the generation of new blood vessels, that is, angiogenesis.
Axitinib inhibits VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 on endothelial cells (cells lining the blood vessels). Inhibiting these receptors prevents the tumor from getting the blood supply it needs to grow – which slows the growth of the tumor and reduces its potential for metastasis. This is why axitinib is very targeted in cancers where the blood vessel angiogenesis plays a key role: renal cell carcinoma.
Axitinib may be effective in the treatment of cancer but at the same time produces side effects. Among the most prevalent and severe side effects are:
Common Side Effects:
High Blood Pressure/A hypertension: Axitinib increases blood pressure; a regular check will be very essential in the treatment.
Diarrhea is common because it may vary from mild to severe.
Fatigue: One of the predominant symptoms reported by many patients receiving this medication.
Loss of appetite: This brings about weight loss in some patients.
Nausea and vomiting: These also occur, mainly as a result of initial treatment.
Hand-foot syndrome: This is described by redness, pain, and swelling of the hands and/or feet which may occur on combination with axitinib therapy.
Serious Side Effects:
Hemorrhage: Axitinib can increase the risk of bleeding, sometimes serious, and potentially life-threatening, with or without open trauma.
Blood Clotting: Axitinib could increase the possibility of blood clotting, leading to DVT or PE.
Gastrointestinal Perforations: Gastrointestinal perforation (the creation of holes in the stomach or intestines) was found and is a severe complication of axitinib intake.
Heart Problems: Axitinib is known to affect heart function and heart failure may occur in some people, especially those who have pre-existing heart conditions.
Hypertension: Patients taking axitinib must be closely monitored for high blood pressure and could be treated with antihypertensive drugs.
Bleeding: Axitinib can cause bleeding in patients as it interferes with the blood clotting. Therefore, a patient should be cautious while participating in activities that can cause injury or bleeding. Patients with a bleeding disorder should use axitinib with caution.
Gastrointestinal: In case of symptoms of gastrointestinal perforation – severe abdominal pain, vomiting, fever – a patient should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Impaired Liver and Kidney Function: Liver metabolism of axitinib could impair kidney function. Dose adjustment may be necessary if the patient has a pre-existing disease condition in the liver or kidney.
CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Drugs like ketoconazole or ritonavir can increase axitinib levels, leading to heightened risk of side effects. Dose adjustments may be needed.
CYP3A4 Inducers: Medications such as rifampin can decrease axitinib levels, reducing its efficacy. Alternative treatments or dose modifications might be necessary.
Anticoagulants: Axitinib may enhance the bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin, requiring monitoring of clotting parameters.
Antihypertensives: Axitinib can elevate blood pressure, so careful monitoring is needed when combined with antihypertensive drugs.
The usual prescribed dose for axitinib is 5 mg twice daily. The dose could be increased or decreased according to the patient’s response and tolerance. The recommended maximum dose is 10 mg twice daily.
Axitinib is a prescription medicine that must be used only under the guidance of an experienced oncologist or healthcare provider in cancer treatment. Follow-up appointments should be regular, due to monitoring side effects, response to treatment, and adjustments of dosage.
What is Axitinib?
How does Axitinib work?
What types of cancer is Axitinib used to treat?
How is Axitinib administered?
What are the common side effects of Axitinib?
Are there serious side effects associated with Axitinib?
Can Axitinib be taken with other medications?
What should I do if I miss a dose of Axitinib?
Is there a specific diet I should follow while on Axitinib?
How long will I need to take Axitinib?
Can Axitinib be used in combination with immunotherapy?
What monitoring is required while on Axitinib?
Is Axitinib safe for long-term use?
Can pregnant or breastfeeding women use Axitinib?
What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
Are there any lifestyle changes recommended while taking Axitinib?
Is Axitinib effective for everyone?
How does Axitinib compare to other cancer treatments?
What resources are available for patients taking Axitinib?
Where can I find more information about ongoing studies involving Axitinib?
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