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Axitinib
Axitinib is a prescription drug given to help slow the progression of advanced renal cell carcinoma after at least one other kidney cancer medication has been tried without success. It comes as a tablet that is taken twice a day, with 12 hours between doses. Most people who take this medication will develop some type of side effect, such as diarrhea, nausea, or fatigue.
Axitinib (Inlyta®) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) that has not responded to one or more other kidney cancer medications. It belongs to a group of medicines called kinase inhibitors.
(Click What Is Axitinib Used For? for more information on what this medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Just like any medicine, axitinib can cause side effects. In fact, most people who take this medication will develop some sort of side effect.
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.
The most common side effects of axitinib include but are not limited to:
- Diarrhea
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea.
(Click Axitinib 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