Sutent Dose Information: Forms, Strengths, Administering, and Additional Details
Sutent, an oral capsule medication, is often prescribed for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in adults. This medication should be swallowed whole and taken once daily for four consecutive weeks, followed by a two-week rest period, forming a six-week cycle.
This dosage remains consistent for both advanced GIST and metastatic RCC. Dose modifications can be made based on individual patient safety and tolerability, with adjustments in 12.5 mg increments. However, the daily dose should not exceed 75 mg or be reduced below 25 mg.
Sutent can be taken with or without food, and treatment should be initiated by a healthcare provider experienced in managing these conditions. It's essential to follow the prescribed dosage, as the medication can be harmful if divided, crushed, chewed, or placed in water.
If you're having trouble opening Sutent medication bottles, it's worth asking your pharmacist about putting it in an easy-open container. Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech, which can help those with visual or reading impairments.
It's important to note that the dosing schedule for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) differs from that for GIST and RCC.
Sutent begins working after the first dose, and your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is effectively treating your condition. If you believe you've taken too much Sutent, call your doctor right away. Taking Sutent around the same time of day can help maintain a steady level of the drug in the body.
If you miss a dose of Sutent, take it as soon as you remember, but if it's been more than 12 hours since your missed dose, skip it and take your next scheduled dose. Never take two doses to make up for a missed one.
Overdose effects of Sutent can include difficulty with muscle coordination, involuntary head shaking, drainage from the eyes, decrease in physical activity, goose bumps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
The dosage of Sutent prescribed by your doctor is specific to you, and it's crucial to always follow their advice. If you need to change your dosage, always consult your doctor first.
Finally, while Sutent and Votrient (pazopanib) are both medications that are taken by mouth once per day, the dose in milligrams for each drug differs because they have different active ingredients.
Always consult your healthcare provider for accurate and personalised information about your treatment.
