Learn about possible side effects

You and your doctor may be able to manage some side effects. Others, however, may not be manageable. If you’re having some side effects, your doctor may decide to adjust or stop your treatment. That’s why it’s important to tell your healthcare team about ANY side effects you are experiencing.

Always talk to your doctor or nurse about any side effects you have as soon as you notice them. Do not wait until they become serious.

While on treatment, you may feel tired or weak. Fatigue is common during treatment for cancer. But it may also be a sign of a more serious medical problem. Call your doctor or nurse for a full evaluation if you feel tired or weak while on your treatment.

• Take short naps or breaks
• Eat well and drink plenty of fluids
• Take short walks or do light exercise if you feel up to it

You and your doctor may be able to manage some side effects. Others, however, may not be manageable. If you’re having some side effects, your doctor may decide to adjust or stop your treatment. That’s why it’s important to tell your healthcare team about ANY side effects you are experiencing.

Always talk to your doctor or nurse about any side effects you have as soon as you notice them. Do not wait until they become serious.

Diarrhea is defined as 3 or more loose or watery stools/bowel movements in one day. If you have these symptoms, call your doctor or nurse. It is important for you and your doctor to try to manage diarrhea as soon as it begins.

• Ask your doctor or nurse if you can be treated with over-the-counter medications
• Try yogurt containing probiotics
• Eat foods containing fiber–especially soluble fiber, which can be found in oatmeal, beans, and apples
• Eat small but frequent meals
• Avoid spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, and raw fruit
• Drink lots of fluids

You and your doctor may be able to manage some side effects. Others, however, may not be manageable. If you’re having some side effects, your doctor may decide to adjust or stop your treatment. That’s why it’s important to tell your healthcare team about ANY side effects you are experiencing.

Always talk to your doctor or nurse about any side effects you have as soon as you notice them. Do not wait until they become serious.

While on your treatment, you may develop mouth pain. Your symptoms may include mouth sores, redness, a white coating of the tongue, blood in the mouth, or trouble swallowing. Call your doctor or nurse if you experience any of these problems.

Mouth pain as a result of treatment does not usually pose a health risk. However, blistering and peeling on the inside of your mouth may be a sign of a more serious side effect. If you develop mouth pain, tell your doctor immediately. He or she may tell you to stop your treatment.

• Avoid hot, spicy, or acidic foods
• Eat foods that are soft
• Use a straw for drinking liquids
• Use an alcohol-free mouthwash, and rinse your mouth often with water mixed with baking soda or salt
• Avoid toothpastes with whiteners (ie, peroxide) and use a soft toothbrush
• Ask your doctor if there are over-the-counter or prescription medications that may help you manage your condition

You and your doctor may be able to manage some side effects. Others, however, may not be manageable. If you’re having some side effects, your doctor may decide to adjust or stop your treatment. That’s why it’s important to tell your healthcare team about ANY side effects you are experiencing.

Always talk to your doctor or nurse about any side effects you have as soon as you notice them. Do not wait until they become serious.

It is best to call your doctor or nurse at the first sign of nausea or vomiting. Nausea is defined as feeling as if you are about to throw up. It is especially important to speak with your doctor or nurse if these symptoms keep you from taking your oral medications. Your doctor may prescribe a medicine for these symptoms.

• Eat small meals
• Avoid foods that are sweet, fried, or fatty
• Drink lots of fluids, but in small amounts
• If you vomit, start with small amounts of water, broth, or other clear liquids when you are ready to eat again

You and your doctor may be able to manage some side effects. Others, however, may not be manageable. If you’re having some side effects, your doctor may decide to adjust or stop your treatment. That’s why it’s important to tell your healthcare team about ANY side effects you are experiencing.

Always talk to your doctor or nurse about any side effects you have as soon as you notice them. Do not wait until they become serious.

While on treatment, you may have less desire to eat. But maintaining good nutrition and a healthy weight are important to your treatment. Protein and calories are even more vital to someone with your condition.

• Eat several small meals a day—5 or 6 isn't out of the question
• Eat when you are hungry
• Enjoy snacks and try to make them nutritious. Find calories and protein in dried fruits, nuts, cheeses, and even milkshakes
• Add gravy, butter, or cheese to your favorite foods for added protein and calories
• Drink fluids between meals rather than filling up with them during meals
• If the smell of a certain food is bothering you, it may help to eat it cold or at room temperature
• If you're having trouble tasting your favorite foods, try adding herbs or condiments

You and your doctor may be able to manage some side effects. Others, however, may not be manageable. If you’re having some side effects, your doctor may decide to adjust or stop your treatment. That’s why it’s important to tell your healthcare team about ANY side effects you are experiencing.

Always talk to your doctor or nurse about any side effects you have as soon as you notice them. Do not wait until they become serious.

While on treatment, you may experience indigestion, also known as dyspepsia.

• Avoid talking while you chew, or eating too fast
• Drink beverages after, rather than during meals
• Avoid late-night eating
• Try to relax after meals
• Avoid spicy foods
• Avoid alcohol

You and your doctor may be able to manage some side effects. Others, however, may not be manageable. If you’re having some side effects, your doctor may decide to adjust or stop your treatment. That’s why it’s important to tell your healthcare team about ANY side effects you are experiencing.

Always talk to your doctor or nurse about any side effects you have as soon as you notice them. Do not wait until they become serious.

While on treatment, you may experience stomach-area pain. Stomach-area pain is common for patients who are being treated. Call your doctor or nurse if you have an upset stomach.

• Avoid heavy meals, coffee, and alcohol
• Sleep in a more upright position, propped up on a pillow
• Ask your doctor if there are over-the-counter or prescription medications that may help you manage your condition

You and your doctor may be able to manage some side effects. Others, however, may not be manageable. If you’re having some side effects, your doctor may decide to adjust or stop your treatment. That’s why it’s important to tell your healthcare team about ANY side effects you are experiencing.

Always talk to your doctor or nurse about any side effects you have as soon as you notice them. Do not wait until they become serious.

Some patients may have blisters or a rash on the palms of their hands or soles of their feet. This is called hand-foot syndrome. Tell your doctor or nurse if you start to develop skin problems. He or she may give you specific treatments, which may include lotions, moisturizers, or pain medicines.

• Wear loose clothes
• Use sunscreen
• Clean hands and feet with lukewarm water and gently pat dry
• Apply creams containing lanolin or urea to the hands and feet liberally and often
• Avoid tight-fitting shoes and jewelry or rubbing pressure on the hands and feet

You and your doctor may be able to manage some side effects. Others, however, may not be manageable. If you’re having some side effects, your doctor may decide to adjust or stop your treatment. That’s why it’s important to tell your healthcare team about ANY side effects you are experiencing.

Always talk to your doctor or nurse about any side effects you have as soon as you notice them. Do not wait until they become serious.

High blood pressure is common with SUTENT and may sometimes be severe. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about having your blood pressure checked regularly. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure is high or if you have any of the following signs or symptoms of high blood pressure:

• severe headache
• lightheadedness
• dizziness
• change in vision

Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine for you to treat high blood pressure, if needed. Your healthcare provider may temporarily stop your treatment with SUTENT until your high blood pressure is controlled.

If you have high blood pressure, here are some healthy lifestyle choices that may be able to help—but check with your healthcare provider first:

• Get regular exercise
• Keep your weight under control
• Lower your alcohol intake
• Lower the amount of sodium you eat in your food

You and your doctor may be able to manage some side effects. Others, however, may not be manageable. If you’re having some side effects, your doctor may decide to adjust or stop your treatment. That’s why it’s important to tell your healthcare team about ANY side effects you are experiencing.

Always talk to your doctor or nurse about any side effects you have as soon as you notice them. Do not wait until they become serious.

While on treatment, foods you usually enjoy may taste bland, different, or bad. Call your doctor or nurse if you experience taste changes.

• Try cold or frozen foods as they may taste better than hot foods
• Flavor your food with herbs, seasonings, sugar, or sauces
• Keep a clean and healthy mouth by brushing and flossing often

You and your doctor may be able to manage some side effects. Others, however, may not be manageable. If you’re having some side effects, your doctor may decide to adjust or stop your treatment. That’s why it’s important to tell your healthcare team about ANY side effects you are experiencing.

Always talk to your doctor or nurse about any side effects you have as soon as you notice them. Do not wait until they become serious.

While on treatment, you may experience low platelet counts. Platelets play a role in preventing bleeding and repairing damaged blood vessels.

Bleeding is common with SUTENT, but SUTENT can also cause severe bleeding problems that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms or a serious bleeding problem during treatment with SUTENT, including:

• painful, swollen stomach (abdomen)
• vomiting blood
• black, sticky stools
• bloody urine
• headache or change in your mental status
• coughing up blood

To help manage your bleeding, your doctor may prescribe:

• Vitamin K injections
• Blood plasma or platelet transfusions
• Medication for platelet problems

Here are a few tips to help you avoid bleeding:

• Ask your doctor before drinking alcohol or taking new medications. These can make bleeding problems worse
• Use an extra soft toothbrush, and don't floss if your gums bleed
• Blow your nose gently using a soft tissue
• Be careful using scissors, knives, needles, or other sharp tools
• Take steps to prevent burns while cooking
• Shave with an electric razor
• Avoid contact sports and other activities that might cause injury

You and your doctor may be able to manage some side effects. Others, however, may not be manageable. If you’re having some side effects, your doctor may decide to adjust or stop your treatment. That’s why it’s important to tell your healthcare team about ANY side effects you are experiencing.

Always talk to your doctor or nurse about any side effects you have as soon as you notice them. Do not wait until they become serious.

Skin conditions as a result of your treatment do not usually pose health risks. However, a rash, dry, thick, callusing, cracking, widespread blistering, or peeling or damage of the skin may be a sign of a more serious side effect. Call your doctor right away if you experience these symptoms.

Treatment with SUTENT may also cause changes in skin or hair color. Because your medicine inside the capsule is yellow, it may make your skin and hair look yellow or get lighter in color. While this side effect usually poses no health risks, yellow skin can be a sign of a more serious side effect. If you develop yellow skin, please call your doctor right away.

• Wear thick cotton gloves and/or socks in order to protect your skin
• Avoid tight footwear and excessive friction
• Avoid hot water when washing hands, bathing, or showering
• Your doctor or nurse may give you specific treatments, which may include lotions, moisturizers, or pain medicines
• Discuss this side effect with your doctor or nurse so he or she can perform a full evaluation