INLYTA (axitinib)
Side effect tips
Tips to help manage certain side effects
The tips in this section are based on published general guidelines for managing certain side effects that are common among patients with advanced kidney cancer (advanced RCC) or other cancers. You can find a list of possible serious side effects in the Important Safety Information.
Studies show that treatment can have both benefits and risks. Keep in mind that while taking INLYTA, whether alone or in combination with pembrolizumab, side effects are expected. Not all side effects are manageable. Dose interruptions and/or reductions may be needed during treatment with INLYTA, pembrolizumab, or both. Be sure to pay attention to all your side effects. They can be important signs that let you and your healthcare provider know what is happening in your body.
Before starting INLYTA, tell your healthcare provider how you are feeling and about any side effects you have had from other medications and treatments. As you start taking INLYTA, let your healthcare provider know if you notice any side effects or a change in how you feel. Also tell your healthcare provider if you notice any side effects that are not listed below.
High blood pressure
INLYTA may cause your blood pressure to rise. In the clinical trial, hypertension occurred as early as 4 days into treatment. On average, this increase was seen within the first month of treatment.
Your healthcare provider should check your blood pressure regularly while you are being treated with INLYTA. If you develop blood pressure problems, your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine to treat your high blood pressure, lower your dose, or stop your treatment with INLYTA. Tell your healthcare provider if you have high blood pressure or a history of heart disease.
If you have high blood pressure, your healthcare provider’s recommendations may include:
Monitoring severe headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds
Exercising regularly, controlling your weight, or limiting alcohol and sodium consumption
If you are already being treated for high blood pressure, your healthcare provider may change your blood pressure medicine when you start taking INLYTA. Your healthcare provider may also ask you to track your blood pressure regularly. Follow the advice of your healthcare provider—talk to them if you have any questions or concerns.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is defined as 3 or more loose or watery stools/bowel movements in 1 day. If you have these symptoms, call your healthcare provider. It is important for you and your healthcare provider to try to manage diarrhea as soon as it begins.
If you experience diarrhea, your healthcare provider’s recommendations may include:
Trying yogurt containing probiotics
Avoiding spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, and fruit
Eating small, frequent meals and foods containing soluble fiber
Drinking fluids, such as water, diluted cranberry juice, or broth
Ask your healthcare provider if you can be treated with over-the-counter medications or prescriptions.
Tiredness or feeling weak
While you are taking INLYTA, you may feel tired or weak. Call your healthcare provider if you have these symptoms.
If tiredness or feeling weak is a recurring problem, your healthcare provider’s recommendations may include:
Taking short naps and breaks instead of long ones
Staying as active as possible
Eating well and drinking plenty of fluids
Trying to maintain normal work and social schedules
Ask your healthcare provider if there are over-the-counter or prescription medicines that may help you manage your condition.
Decreased appetite or weight
During treatment, you may have less desire to eat. But maintaining good nutrition and a healthy weight are important to your overall health. Protein and calories are especially vital to someone with cancer.
If you have decreased appetite, you can discuss the following diet ideas with your healthcare provider:
Eating several small meals a day, including nutritious snacks that are high in calories and protein
If taste changes cause you to eat less, try cold or frozen foods to minimize taste
Drinking fluids between meals rather than filling up with beverages during meals
Consulting with a registered dietitian (RD) for more ideas
Flavoring foods with herbs, sugar, or sauces to maximize taste
Ask your healthcare provider if there are over-the-counter or prescription medicines that may help you manage your condition.
Nausea or vomiting
It is best to call your healthcare provider at the first sign of nausea or vomiting. This is especially important if these symptoms keep you from taking your oral medications or keeping them down. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine for these symptoms.
If you experience nausea or vomiting, your healthcare provider’s recommendations may include:
Eating smaller, more frequent meals
Eating bland foods at room temperature and drinking clear liquids
Avoiding fatty, fried, spicy, or highly sweet foods
If you vomit, start with small amounts of water, broth, or other clear liquids when you are ready to eat again. If that stays down, then try soft foods. Some examples include gelatin, pudding, yogurt, strained soup, or strained cooked cereal. Slowly work up to eating solid food. Make sure that you do not eat any food that you are allergic to.
Hoarseness
Also called dysphonia, this is when you have a weak, rough, or harsh voice.
If you have trouble speaking, your healthcare provider’s recommendations may include:
Writing things down to give your voice a break
Remembering to avoid shouting or whispering
Drinking plenty of water and avoiding irritants (eg, dust, smoke, alcohol, industrial chemicals)
Skin conditions
Skin conditions, such as rash, redness, itching, or peeling of the skin are other side effects that may occur. You may notice dryness, thickening, calluses, blisters, or cracking of the skin on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. This is called hand-foot syndrome. Tell your healthcare provider if you start to develop skin problems. He or she may give you specific treatments, which may include lotions, moisturizers, or pain medicines.
To help manage the effects of hand-foot syndrome, your healthcare provider’s recommendations may include:
Wearing loose, cotton clothes
Avoiding tight-fitting shoes and jewelry that rub or chafe the hands and feet
Cleaning hands and feet with lukewarm water and gently patting dry
Constipation
Some patients taking INLYTA experience constipation. This has the potential to become a serious side effect. Left untreated, constipation can cause a blockage in your intestines, leading to dehydration and even internal damage.
If you experience constipation, speak to your healthcare provider. He or she may recommend any of the following:
Drinking more fluids
Increasing physical activity
Taking a stool softener
Changing your dose of INLYTA
Adding fiber to your diet
Before starting INLYTA, tell your healthcare provider how you are feeling and about any side effects you have had from other medications and treatments. As you start INLYTA, let your healthcare provider know if you notice any side effects or a change in how you feel. Also tell your healthcare provider if you notice any side effects that are not listed in the Important Safety Information.
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