pazopanib

Votrient (pazopanib) can cause liver damage that can sometimes lead to life-threatening liver failure. Your risk for liver damage is higher if you take the cholesterol medication simvastatin (Zocor) with Votrient (pazopanib).

Some people taking Votrient (pazopanib) had heart problems, like a lowering of the heart’s ability to pump blood and heart failure. Some also had changes in the electrical activity of the heart called QT prolongation, which raises the risk for life-threatening, irregular heartbeats. To monitor your risk for heart problems, your provider might check your heart’s ability to pump using an echocardiogram (echo), check your electrolyte levels through blood testing, and check your heart’s electrical activity using an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Some people who took Votrient (pazopanib) had unusual bleeding, such as nosebleeds and rectal bleeding (blood on toilet paper after you wipe). Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you have any unusual bleeding, especially bleeding that’s hard to stop.

Votrient (pazopanib) can raise your risk for blood clots in your body. Sometimes, blood clots can be life-threatening and lead to stroke or heart attack. Symptoms of a blood clot might be different depending on the location of the clot. They can include trouble walking, blurry vision, breathing problems, chest pain, and swelling in the leg. Get medical attention as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms. You’ll need to stop stop treatment with Votrient (pazopanib).

Though uncommon, some people who took Votrient (pazopanib) developed tears and fistulas (an abnormal connection from one part of the body to another) in the gut. These problems are serious and can sometimes be life-threatening. Notify your provider if you have symptoms of gut injuries or fistulas, like high fever, shivering, vomiting, severe constipation, pain in the anal area, or severe stomach pain (especially if it doesn’t go away). Your provider might permanently stop your Votrient (pazopanib) treatment.

Though rare, a few people who took Votrient (pazopanib) had serious lung problems, like lung inflammation and interstitial lung disease, which can be fatal. Tell your provider if you have any new or worsening breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, dry cough, and faster breathing. You might need to stop taking Votrient (pazopanib) if you develop lung inflammation or interstitial lung disease.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a very rare, but sometimes fatal side effect of Votrient (pazopanib) that affects your nervous system. Let your provider know if you have any symptoms of PRES, like headache, feeling sluggish, confusion, and vision loss. If you develop symptoms, your provider will check for PRES by ordering a brain scan called an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for you. Your provider will stop your treatment if it’s confirmed that you have PRES.

Votrient (pazopanib) can raise your blood pressure, most commonly within the first 4 months of treatment. Don’t start taking this medication until your blood pressure gets under control (with guidance from your provider).

Votrient (pazopanib) can make it harder for wounds to heal. Tell your provider if you’re planning to have a surgery or procedure. You shouldn’t take Votrient (pazopanib) a week before and at least 2 weeks after surgery and until your surgical wounds fully heal.

Votrient (pazopanib) can cause thyroid gland problems like hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels). Symptoms of thyroid gland problems can include weight loss or weight gain, feeling nervous or anxious, depression, eye or neck swelling, feeling hot or cold, sweating, or changes in menstruation. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms. Your provider will check your thyroid hormone levels during treatment and start thyroid replacement therapy if needed.

It’s possible for Votrient (pazopanib) to cause kidney problems, sometimes causing more proteins than usual to seep into the urine. Your provider will regularly monitor your kidney health through blood tests and urine samples while you’re taking this medication.

Some people treated with Votrient (pazopanib) have had a serious and sometimes fatal reaction called tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). This reaction happens when many cancer cells quickly die and suddenly break down in your body. In the process, these cells release their inner contents, like uric acid, potassium, and phosphorus, into your blood.

Votrient (pazopanib) can raise your risk of getting a serious infection, which can be fatal. To prevent getting sick, stay away from people who are sick and practice good hand hygiene (wash your hands often with soap and water). Tell your provider if you have any signs or symptoms of a new infection, like fever, chills, stuffy nose, cough, ear or sinus pain, pain while urinating, or wounds that won’t heal. If you have an infection, your provider might pause your treatment with Votrient (pazopanib) until you recover from it.