What is Sutent: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Sutent overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Sutent

Generic Names:

  • Sutent

Uses:

  • Treats cancer, including kidney cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic Agent, Antiproliferative Agent

Forms:

  • Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Sutent used for?

Sutent works by preventing the cancer cells from spreading throughout the body. This medication also treats aggressive tumors in the stomach, esophagus, kidneys, intestines, or pancreas.

What form(s) does Sutent come in

  • Capsule

What are common Sutent doses?

  • Capsule 12.5MG

  • Capsule 25MG

  • Capsule 37.5MG

  • Capsule 50MG

Common Sutent prescriptions

  • Sutent
    12.5mg capsule

  • Sutent
    25mg capsule

  • Sutent
    37.5mg capsule

  • Sutent
    50mg capsule

How to take Sutent

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or open it.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose and it is less than 12 hoursfrom your regular time, take it as soon as possible. If you miss a dose and it is more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose and it is less than 12 hoursfrom your regular time, take it as soon as possible. If you miss a dose and it is more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or open it.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

What to do if you miss a dose of Sutent

Sutent contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to sunitinib, or if you are pregnant.

Sutent warnings

  • Oral routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting treatment. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose. Males who are taking this medicine, with female partners who can become pregnant must use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 7 weeks after the last dose.

  • Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding problems, dental problems, diabetes, thyroid problems, or a history of seizures. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, or a history of heart attack. Tell your doctor if you recently had any severe infection, trauma, or surgery, including dental surgery.

  • Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsHeart problems (including heart attack, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy)Increased risk of bleedingTumor lysis syndrome (electrolyte and metabolic problems that can be life-threatening)Thrombotic microangiopathy (blood vessel damage)Serious skin reactions (including erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis, and toxic epidermal necrolysis)Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (brain problem)Thyroid problems (including hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism)Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)Jaw problems

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests. This medicine can cause slow wound healing.

  • Oral routeThis medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, pain in your lower leg, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion

Sutent interactions

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how sunitinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Ketoconazole, rifampinBisphosphonate medicine for bone problemsDiabetes medicineMedicine that may cause heart rhythm problems

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsHeart attack, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressureIncreased risk of bleedingJaw problemsTumor lysis syndrome (electrolyte and metabolic problems that can be life-threatening)Thrombotic microangiopathy (blood vessel damage)Serious skin reactions

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests. This medicine can cause slow wound healing.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Sutent side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate, cloudy urine

  • Heavy feeling, swelling, numbness, or pain in your jaw, or a loose tooth

  • Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, pain in your lower leg, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

  • Blood in your vomit or stools, nosebleeds, or other unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, coughing up blood

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow eyes or skin

  • Fever, confusion, seizures

  • Shaking, trembling, sweating, hunger, confusion

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Back, muscle, or joint pain, weakness, tiredness

  • Dry skin, changes in skin or hair color

  • Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

  • Changes in sense of taste

  • Diarrhea, constipation, gas, stomach upset

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