Clinical drug

sunitinib 25 MG Oral Capsule [Sutent]

25 MG · Oral Capsule · oral

A form of sunitinib

sunitinib 25 MG Oral Capsule [Sutent] — Other protein kinase inhibitors. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Sunitinib malate capsules are a kinase inhibitor indicated for: • treatment of adult patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumo

sunitinib 25 MG Oral Capsule [Sutent]

Boxed warning

BOXED WARNING SECTION WARNING: HEPATOTOXICITY Hepatotoxicity may be severe, and in some cases, fatal. Monitor hepatic function and interrupt, dose reduce, or discontinue sunitinib malate as recommended [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. WARNING: HEPATOTOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Hepatotoxicity may be severe, and in some cases fatal. Monitor hepatic function and interrupt, dose reduce, or discontinue sunitinib malate as recommended [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .

Active ingredient

Classification

Other protein kinase inhibitorsKinase Inhibitor

Drug interactions

Sunitinib has several drug interactions that may affect its plasma concentrations and QT interval.

  • moderatestrong CYP3A4 inhibitors — may increase sunitinib plasma concentrations
  • moderatestrong CYP3A4 inducers — may decrease sunitinib plasma concentrations
  • majordrugs that prolong QT interval — associated with QTc interval prolongation

Indications

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Sunitinib malate capsules are a kinase inhibitor indicated for: • treatment of adult patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) after disease progression on or intolerance to imatinib mesylate. ( 1.1 ) • treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). ( 1.2 ) • adjuvant treatment of adult patients at high risk of recurrent RCC following nephrectomy. ( 1.3 ) • treatment of progressive, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) in adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic disease. ( 1.4 ) 1.1 Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Sunitinib malate capsules are indicated for the treatment of adult patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) after disease progression on or intolerance to imatinib mesylate. 1.2 Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma Sunitinib malate capsules are indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). 1.3 Adjuvant Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma Sunitinib malate capsules are indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients at high risk of recurrent RCC following nephrectomy. 1.4 Advanced Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Sunitinib malate capsules are indicated for the treatment of progressive, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) in adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic disease.

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION GIST and Advanced RCC : • The recommended dosage is 50 mg orally once daily for the first 4 weeks of each 6-week cycle (Schedule 4/2). ( 2.1 ) Adjuvant Treatment of RCC : • The recommended dosage is 50 mg orally once daily for the first 4 weeks of a 6-week cycle (Schedule 4/2) for a maximum of 9 cycles. ( 2.2 ) pNET : • The recommended dosage is 37.5 mg orally once daily. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage for GIST and Advanced RCC The recommended dosage of sunitinib malate capsules for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is 50 mg taken orally once daily, on a schedule of 4 weeks on treatment followed by 2 weeks off (Schedule 4/2) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Sunitinib malate capsules may be taken with or without food. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Adjuvant Treatment of RCC The recommended dosage of sunitinib malate capsules for the adjuvant treatment of RCC is 50 mg taken orally once daily, on a schedule of 4 weeks on treatment followed by 2 weeks off (Schedule 4/2), for nine 6-week cycles. Sunitinib malate capsules may be taken with or without food. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for pNET The recommended dosage of sunitinib malate capsules for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) is 37.5 mg taken orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Sunitinib malate capsules may be taken with or without food. 2.4 Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions To manage adverse reactions, the recommended dosage modifications are provided in Table 1. Table 2 provides the recommended dosage reductions of sunitinib malate capsules for adverse reactions . Table 1. Recommended Dosage Reductions of Sunitinib Malate Capsules for Adverse Reactions Indications GIST RCC pNET Advanced RCC Adjuvant RCC First dose reduction 37.5 mg once daily 37.5 mg once daily 37.5 mg once daily 25 mg once daily Second dose reduction 25 mg once daily 25 mg once daily NA NA Table 2. Recommended Dosage Modifications for Sunitinib Malate Capsules for Adverse Reactions Adverse Reaction Severity Dosage Modifications for Sunitinib Malate Capsules Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Grade 3 • Withhold until resolution to Grade 0 to 1 or baseline. • Resume at a reduced dose. • For recurring Grade 3 permanently discontinue. Grade 4 • Permanently discontinue. Cardiovascular events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Asymptomatic cardiomyopathy (left ventricular ejection fraction greater than 20% but less than 50% below baseline or below the lower limit of normal if baseline was not obtained) • Withhold until resolution to Grade 0 to 1 or baseline. • Resume at reduced dose. Clinically manifested congestive heart failure (CHF) • Permanently discontinue. Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Grade 3 • Withhold until resolution to Grade 0 to 1 or baseline. • Resume at a reduced dose. Grade 4 • Permanently discontinue. Hemorrhagic events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Grade 3 or 4 • Withhold until resolution to Grade 0 to 1 or baseline. • Either resume at a reduced dose or discontinue depending on the severity and persistence of adverse reaction. Thrombotic microangiopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Any Grade • Permanently discontinue. Proteinuria or Nephrotic syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] 3 or more grams proteinuria in 24 hours in the absence of nephrotic syndrome • Withhold until resolution to Grade 0 to 1 or baseline. • Resume at a reduced dose. Nephrotic syndrome or recurrent proteinuria of 3 or more grams per 24 hours despite dose reductions • Permanently discontinue. Dermatological toxicities Erythema multiforme (EM), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Necrotizing fasciitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Any Grade • Permanently discontinue. Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Any Grade • Permanently discontinue. Osteonecrosis of the jaw [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] Any Grade • The safety of resumption of sunitinib malate capsules after osteonecrosis has not been established. • Either resume at a reduced dose or discontinue depending on the severity and persistence of the adverse reaction. Impaired wound healing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ] Any Grade • The safety of resumption of sunitinib malate capsules after resolution of wound healing has not been established. • Either resume at a reduced dose or discontinue depending on the severity and persistence of the adverse reaction. 2.5 Dosage Modification for Drug Interactions Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors Select an alternate concomitant medication with no or minimal enzyme inhibition potential. If coadministration of sunitinib malate capsules with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor cannot be avoided, consider a dose reduction for sunitinib malate capsules to a minimum dosage as follows [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ]: • GIST and RCC: 37.5 mg orally once daily, on a schedule of 4 weeks on treatment followed by 2 weeks off (Schedule 4/2) • pNET: 25 mg orally once daily Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Select an alternate concomitant medication with no or minimal enzyme induction potential. If coadministration of sunitinib malate capsules with a strong CYP3A4 inducer cannot be avoided, consider a dose increase for sunitinib malate capsules to a maximum dosage as follows: • GIST and RCC: 87.5 mg orally once daily, on a schedule of 4 weeks on treatment followed by 2 weeks off (Schedule 4/2) • pNET: 62.5 mg orally once daily If the dose of sunitinib malate capsules is increased, monitor patients carefully for adverse reactions [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . 2.6 Dosage Modification for End-Stage Renal Disease Patients on Hemodialysis No starting dose adjustment is required in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis. However, given the decreased exposure compared to patients with normal renal function, subsequent doses may be increased gradually up to 2-fold based on safety and tolerability [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

Warnings

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hepatotoxicity : Fatal liver failure has been observed. Monitor liver function tests at baseline, during each cycle, and as clinically indicated. Interrupt sunitinib malate for Grade 3 hepatotoxicity until resolution to Grade ≤1 or baseline and resume sunitinib malate at a reduced dose; discontinue if no resolution. Discontinue sunitinib malate in patients with Grade 4 hepatoxicity, in patients who have subsequent severe changes in liver function tests or other signs and symptoms of liver failure. ( 2.4 , 5.1 ) Cardiovascular Events : Myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to below the lower limit of normal including death have occurred. Monitor for signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure and consider monitoring LVEF at baseline and periodically during treatment. Discontinue sunitinib malate for clinical manifestations of congestive heart failure. Interrupt and/or dose reduce for decreased LVEF. ( 5.2 ) QT Interval Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes : Monitor patients at higher risk for developing QT interval prolongation. Consider monitoring of electrocardiograms and electrolytes. ( 5.3 ) Hypertension : Monitor blood pressure at baseline and as clinically indicated. Initiate and/or adjust antihypertensive therapy as appropriate. Interrupt sunitinib malate for Grade 3 hypertension until resolution to Grade ≤1 or baseline, then resume sunitinib malate at a reduced dose. Discontinue sunitinib malate in patients who develop Grade 4 hypertension. ( 5.4 ) Hemorrhagic Events : Tumor-related hemorrhage and viscus perforation (both with fatal events) have occurred. Perform serial complete blood counts and physical examinations. Interrupt sunitinib malate for Grade 3 or 4 hemorrhagic events until resolution to Grade ≤1 or baseline, then resume at a reduced dose; discontinue if no resolution. ( 5.5 ) Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS) : TLS (some fatal) has been reported primarily in patients with RCC and GIST. Monitor these patients and treat as clinically indicated. ( 5.6 ) Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) : TMA, including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome, sometimes leading to renal failure or a fatal outcome, has been reported. Discontinue sunitinib malate for TMA. ( 5.7 ) Proteinuria : Renal failure or a fatal outcome has occurred. Monitor urine protein. Interrupt treatment for 24-hour urine protein of 3 or more grams. Discontinue for repeat episodes of 24-hour urine protein of 3 or more grams despite dose reductions or nephrotic syndrome. ( 5.8 ) Dermatologic Toxicities : Necrotizing fasciitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) (some fatal) have occurred. Discontinue sunitinib malate for these events. ( 5.9 ) Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS) : RPLS (some fatal) has been reported. Monitor for signs and symptoms of RPLS. Withhold sunitinib malate until resolution. ( 5.10 ) Thyroid Dysfunction : Monitor thyroid function at baseline, periodically during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Initiate and/or adjust therapy for thyroid dysfunction as appropriate. ( 5.11 ) Hypoglycemia : Check blood glucose levels regularly and assess if antidiabetic drug dose modifications are required. ( 5.12 ) Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) : Withhold sunitinib malate for at least 3 weeks prior to invasive dental procedure and for development of ONJ until complete resolution. ( 5.13 ) Impaired Wound Healing : Withhold sunitinib malate for at least 3 weeks prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of sunitinib malate after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established. ( 5.14 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.15 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Hepatotoxicity Sunitinib malate can cause severe hepatotoxicity, resulting in liver failure or death. In the pooled safety population, liver failure occurred in <1% of patients in clinical trials. Liver failure include jaundiced, elevated transaminases and/or hyperbilirubinemia in conjunction with encephalopathy, coagulopathy, and/or renal failure. Monitor liver function tests (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], and bilirubin) at baseline, during each cycle, and as clinically indicated. Interrupt sunitinib malate for Grade 3 hepatotoxicity until resolution to Grade ≤1 or baseline, then resume sunitinib malate at a reduced dose. Discontinue sunitinib malate in patients with Grade 4 hepatotoxicity, in patients without resolution of Grade 3 hepatotoxicity, in patients who subsequently experience severe changes in liver function tests and in patients who have other signs and symptoms of liver failure. Safety in patients with ALT or AST >2.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) or with >5 x ULN and liver metastases has not been established. 5.2 Cardiovascular Events Cardiovascular events, including heart failure, cardiomyopathy, myocardial ischemia, and myocardial infarction, some of which were fatal, have been reported. In pooled safety population, 3% of patients experienced heart failure; 71% of the patients with heart failure were reported as recovered. Fatal cardiac failure was reported in <1% of patients. In the adjuvant treatment of RCC study, 11 patients experienced Grade 2 decreased ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 40% to 50% and a 10% to 19% decrease from baseline). In 3 of these 11 patients, the ejection fractions arm did not return to ≥50% or baseline by the time of last measurement. No patients who received sunitinib malate were diagnosed with CHF. Patients who presented with cardiac events within 12 months prior to sunitinib malate administration, such as myocardial infarction (including severe/unstable angina), coronary/peripheral artery bypass graft, symptomatic CHF, cerebrovascular accident or transient ischemic attack, or pulmonary embolism were excluded from sunitinib malate clinical studies. Patients with prior anthracycline use or cardiac radiation were also excluded from some studies. It is unknown whether patients with these concomitant conditions may be at a higher risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. Consider monitoring LVEF at baseline and periodically as clinically indicated. Carefully monitor patients for clinical signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF). Discontinue sunitinib malate in patients who experience clinical manifestations of CHF. Interrupt sunitinib malate and/or reduce the dose in patients without clinical evidence of CHF who have an ejection fraction of greater than 20% but less than 50% below baseline or below the lower limit of normal if baseline ejection fraction was not obtained. 5.3 QT Interval Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes Sunitinib malate can cause QT interval prolongation in a dose-dependent manner, which may lead to an increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias including Torsade de Pointes. Torsade de Pointes was observed in <0.1% of patients. Monitor patients who are at higher risk of developing QT interval prolongation, including patients with a history of QT interval prolongation, patients who are taking antiarrhythmics, or patients with relevant pre-existing cardiac disease, bradycardia, or electrolyte disturbances. Consider periodic monitoring of electrocardiograms and electrolytes (i.e., magnesium, potassium) during treatment with sunitinib malate. Monitor QT interval more frequently when sunitinib malate is concomitantly administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or drugs known to prolong QT interval. Consider dose reducing sunitinib malate [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )] . 5.4 Hypertension In the pooled safety population, 29% of pati

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS None. • None ( 4 )

Mechanism of action

Mechanism of Action Sunitinib is a small molecule that inhibits multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), some of which are implicated in tumor growth, pathologic angiogenesis, and metastatic progression of cancer. Sunitinib was evaluated for its inhibitory activity against a variety of kinases (> 80 kinases) and was identified as an inhibitor of platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRα and PDGFRβ), vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3), stem cell factor receptor (KIT), Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3), colony stimulating factor receptor Type 1 (CSF-1R), and the glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor receptor (RET). Sunitinib inhibition of the activity of these RTKs has been demonstrated in biochemical and cellular assays, and inhibition of function has been demonstrated in cell proliferation assays. The primary metabolite exhibits similar potency compared to sunitinib in biochemical and cellular assays. Sunitinib inhibited the phosphorylation of multiple RTKs (PDGFRβ, VEGFR2, KIT) in tumor xenografts expressing RTK targets in vivo and demonstrated inhibition of tumor growth or tumor regression and/or inhibited metastases in some experimental models of cancer. Sunitinib demonstrated the ability to inhibit growth of tumor cells expressing dysregulated target RTKs (PDGFR, RET, or KIT) in vitro and to inhibit PDGFRβ- and VEGFR2-dependent tumor angiogenesis in vivo .

Indicated ICD-10 codes

Source: RxNorm + openFDA + RxClass + FAERS · 2026

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