What is Pazopanib: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Pazopanib is a targeted cancer medication that works by blocking specific proteins that help cancer cells grow and spread. It's part of a group of medicines called tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which essentially act like precise roadblocks against cancer's growth signals.

This medication represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment because it can slow down tumor growth while often allowing you to maintain a better quality of life compared to traditional chemotherapy. Your doctor prescribes pazopanib when they want to target your cancer with a more focused approach.

What is Pazopanib Used For?

Pazopanib is primarily prescribed to treat advanced kidney cancer, also called renal cell carcinoma. It's specifically used when the cancer has spread beyond the kidney or when surgery isn't an option.

Your doctor might also recommend pazopanib for certain types of soft tissue sarcomas, which are cancers that develop in muscles, fat, blood vessels, or other supportive tissues throughout your body. These are less common cancers, but pazopanib has shown promising results in slowing their progression.

The medication works best for advanced stages of these cancers where the goal is to control the disease and help you maintain your quality of life. It's not typically a first-line treatment for early-stage cancers that can be surgically removed.

How Does Pazopanib Work?

Pazopanib works by blocking several key proteins that cancer cells need to grow and create new blood vessels. Think of it as cutting off the cancer's supply lines rather than directly attacking the cancer cells themselves.

The medication specifically targets proteins called VEGFR, PDGFR, and c-Kit, which are like switches that tell cancer cells to multiply and form new blood vessels. By blocking these switches, pazopanib starves the tumor of the nutrients and oxygen it needs to grow.

This makes pazopanib a moderately strong cancer medication that's generally easier to tolerate than traditional chemotherapy. While it's powerful enough to slow cancer progression, it typically causes fewer severe side effects than older cancer treatments.

How Should I Take Pazopanib?

Take pazopanib exactly as your doctor prescribes, usually once daily on an empty stomach. This means taking it at least one hour before eating or two hours after your last meal.

Swallow the tablets whole with water - don't crush, chew, or break them. The medication needs to be absorbed properly, and breaking the tablets can affect how much gets into your system.

Try to take your dose at the same time each day to maintain steady levels in your body. Many people find it helpful to take it first thing in the morning, then wait at least an hour before breakfast.

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking pazopanib, as these can increase the medication's levels in your blood and potentially cause more side effects.

How Long Should I Take Pazopanib For?

You'll typically continue taking pazopanib for as long as it's helping control your cancer and you're tolerating it well. This could be months or even years, depending on how your body responds.

Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular scans and blood tests to see how well the medication is working. They'll also watch for any side effects that might require adjusting your dose or stopping treatment.

The decision to continue or stop pazopanib depends on several factors: whether your cancer is stable or progressing, how you're feeling overall, and whether the benefits outweigh any side effects you're experiencing.

What Are the Side Effects of Pazopanib?

Most people taking pazopanib experience some side effects, but they're usually manageable with proper care and monitoring. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare and know when to contact your healthcare team.

Here are the most common side effects you might experience:

• Diarrhea and stomach upset
• Fatigue and feeling tired
• Nausea and decreased appetite
• High blood pressure
• Hair color changes (often turning white or gray)
• Skin rash or dry skin
• Muscle and joint pain

These side effects often improve as your body adjusts to the medication, and your doctor can help manage them with supportive treatments.

Less common but more serious side effects require immediate medical attention. While these don't happen to everyone, it's important to be aware of them:

• Severe liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine)
• Heart rhythm changes or chest pain
• Severe bleeding or unusual bruising
• Signs of blood clots (sudden shortness of breath, leg swelling)
• Severe skin reactions or mouth sores
• Thyroid problems (extreme fatigue, weight changes)

Your medical team will monitor you closely for these effects through regular blood tests and check-ups. Most side effects are manageable when caught early.

Who Should Not Take Pazopanib?

Pazopanib isn't suitable for everyone, and your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing it. Certain conditions can make this medication unsafe or less effective.

You should not take pazopanib if you have severe liver disease, as the medication can worsen liver function. People with certain heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or recent bleeding problems may also need to avoid this treatment.

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, pazopanib can harm your baby and isn't recommended. Women of childbearing age should use effective birth control during treatment and for several weeks after stopping the medication.

Your doctor will also consider any other medications you're taking, as pazopanib can interact with many drugs, including some blood thinners, heart medications, and even some herbal supplements.

Pazopanib Brand Names

Pazopanib is sold under the brand name Votrient in most countries, including the United States. This is the most common form you'll encounter in pharmacies.

Some countries may have different brand names or generic versions available. Always make sure you're getting the correct medication by checking with your pharmacist if you have any questions about the name or appearance of your pills.

Pazopanib Alternatives

Several other targeted therapy medications work similarly to pazopanib for treating kidney cancer and soft tissue sarcomas. Your doctor might consider these alternatives if pazopanib isn't suitable for you or stops working effectively.

For kidney cancer, alternatives include sunitinib (Sutent), sorafenib (Nexavar), and newer medications like cabozantinib (Cabometyx) or nivolumab (Opdivo). Each has its own benefits and side effect profile.

For soft tissue sarcomas, options might include doxorubicin-based chemotherapy, ifosfamide, or other targeted therapies like trabectedin. The best choice depends on your specific type of sarcoma and overall health.

Your oncologist will help you understand why they're recommending pazopanib over these alternatives, taking into account your cancer type, medical history, and personal preferences.

Is Pazopanib Better Than Sunitinib?

Pazopanib and sunitinib are both effective treatments for advanced kidney cancer, but they work slightly differently and have different side effect profiles. Neither is definitively "better" than the other - it depends on your individual situation.

Studies have shown that pazopanib and sunitinib have similar effectiveness in slowing cancer progression and extending survival. However, many people find pazopanib easier to tolerate day-to-day, with less fatigue and fewer mouth sores.

Sunitinib is taken in cycles with breaks, while pazopanib is taken continuously. Some people prefer the continuous approach, while others like having treatment breaks. Your doctor will consider your lifestyle, other health conditions, and personal preferences when choosing between them.

The decision often comes down to which medication fits better with your life and which side effects you're more comfortable managing.