Indications 

Votrient is a prescribed medication indicated for adults with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC-kidney cancer). 

Votrient is also indicated for the treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in adults who have received prior chemotherapy. STS is a tumor that can develop in or around muscles, tendons, joints, organs, or blood vessels. 

Categorized as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Votrient works by disrupting the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Votrient and with every prescription refill, carefully review the available medication guide and patient information leaflet. Do not hesitate to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for any queries or concerns. 

The dosage of Votrient is determined based on the patient’s medical status, laboratory results, treatment response, and concurrent medications. 

Typically, Votrient is taken once daily on an empty stomach, as prescribed by the doctor, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. 

Ingest the tablet whole without crushing, chewing, or breaking it, as these actions can rapidly release the entire drug, raising the risk of side effects. 

To achieve optimal outcomes, take Votrient regularly, exactly as directed at a consistent time each day.  

Refrain from exceeding the prescribed dosage or frequency of intake of this medication as it does not guarantee faster recovery but increases the likelihood of severe side effects. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Votrient. If any of these symptoms last or worsen, promptly inform your doctor. 

Common Side Effects 

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain 
• Loss of appetite, weight loss 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Tumor, bone, or muscle pain  
• Headache, feeling tired 
• Changes in hair or skin color 
• Altered sense of taste 

Serious Side Effects 

• Headache, confusion, changes in mental status, vision changes, seizure 
• Sudden chest pain, wheezing, dry cough 
• Unusual bleeding or bruising 
• Non-healing wound or surgical incision 
• Fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in the chest, and sudden dizziness (with a potential of passing out)  
• Indications of heart problems: 
  • Swelling 
  • Rapid weight gain 
  • Feeling short of breath 
• Signs of liver problems: 
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Upper stomach pain 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Fatigue 
  • Dark urine 
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) 
• Signs of infection: 
  • Fever 
  • Runny nose 
  • Sore throat 
  • Body aches 
  • Skin sores 
  • Pain or burning sensation when urinating 
• Signs of stomach bleeding: 
  • Stomach pain or swelling 
  • Bloody or tarry stools 
  • Coughing up blood 
  • Vomit that resembles coffee grounds 
• Heart attack symptoms: 
  • Chest pain or pressure 
  • Pain radiating to the jaw or shoulder 
  • Nausea 
  • Sweating 
• Signs of a stroke or blood clot: 
  • Sudden numbness or weakness 
  • Severe headache 
  • Slurred speech 
  • Vision problems 
  • Chest pain 
  • Sudden shortness of breath 
  • Pain or cold feeling in an arm or leg 
• Signs of tumor cell breakdown: 
  • Tiredness 
  • Weakness 
  • Muscle cramps 
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Fast or slow heart rate 
  • Tingling in the hands and feet or around the mouth 

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects listed above. 

Promptly contact your doctor or seek immediate medical assistance if you experience symptoms indicative of significantly elevated blood pressure, such as: 

• Intense chest pain 
• Severe headache 
• Blurred vision 
• Pulsations in your neck or ears 
• Heightened anxiety 
• Breathlessness 
• A sensation of impending faintness 

Allergic Reactions 

In rare instances, Votrient may cause a severe allergic reaction. Seek prompt medical attention upon observing any indications of an allergic reaction, including: 

• Hives 
• Swelling face, lips, tongue, or throat  
• Difficulty breathing 

Not all side effects of Votrient are included in this list. Notify your doctor of any additional side effects that may occur. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Votrient, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to pazopanib. 

Ask your pharmacist for more details about Votrient, as it may contain inactive ingredients that may lead to allergic reactions or other complications. 

To ensure Votrient is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, especially if you have a history of: 

• Liver ailment 
• Chest pain or heart attack 
• Elevated blood pressure 
• Stroke 
• Recent surgery or injury 
• Bleeding or clotting disorders 
• Blood vessel issues (e.g., aneurysm or vascular tears) 
• Gastrointestinal or stomach conditions (e.g., ulcers, fistulas, pancreatitis) 
• Hypothyroidism 

Disclose to your healthcare providers all your medication usage, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products, to reduce the risk of drug interaction with Votrient. 

Some of the products that may interact with Votrient include: 

• Irinotecan 
• Other medications that can lead to bleeding or bruising, including: 
  • Antiplatelet drugs like clopidogrel 
  • NSAIDs such as ibuprofen 
  • Blood thinners like warfarin 

The efficacy of Votrient may be influenced by interactions with other medications that impact the elimination of pazopanib from the body. These may include: 

• Azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole) 
• Nefazodone 
• Rifamycins (e.g., rifabutin, rifampin) 
• Ritonavir 
• St. John’s wort 
• Anti-seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone) 

Refrain from consuming grapefruit products, as they can potentially interact with Votrient and result in undesirable side effects. 

Taking aspirin alongside Votrient can heighten the chances of bleeding. Nevertheless, if your healthcare provider has advised you to take a small dose of aspirin (typically 81-162 milligrams per day) to prevent heart attacks or strokes, continue taking it unless instructed otherwise. For further information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. 

The efficacy of Votrient may be compromised by medications that decrease stomach acid (e.g., antacids, H2 blockers such as famotidine and ranitidine, proton pump inhibitors-PPIs such as omeprazole and lansoprazole).  

Refrain from concurrent use of H2 blockers or PPIs with Votrient and seek guidance from your pharmacist on the appropriate timing for taking antacids with this medication. 

Before undergoing surgery, notify the surgeon about your Votrient usage. It may be necessary to halt the medication for at least 7 days before the procedure. 

The use of Votrient during pregnancy is contraindicated due to potential harm to the unborn child. Utilize effective birth control measures throughout the course of treatment and for a period of at least two weeks after discontinuation. 

Before initiating Votrient treatment, your physician will conduct a pregnancy test. 

Men with a pregnant or potentially pregnant sex partner should utilize condoms while on Votrient and for a minimum of 2 weeks after their final dose. This precautionary measure should still be taken even if a vasectomy has been performed. 

Breastfeeding is contraindicated during Votrient use and for a minimum of 2 weeks following the final dose.