Sutent’s side effects and how to manage them
Many patients who are taking sutent ask questions about Sutent’s side-effects, such as mouth sores, vomiting, taste changes. I suggest all the patients who are taking this targeted cancer drug, read its instruction book, or go to Sutent official site to read the “About SUTENT” categories on the left of the web page. But of course, if you ask in some kidney cancer patients groups or forums, you may find better answers, for example, they may tell you to use Biotene to manage mouth sores, and “ask your nurse for the special sponge sticks to use for cleaning your teeth. They are more gentle than even the softest toothbrush.Chemo can leave your tongue, teeth and gums very sensitive.” So you benefit from asking questions in patients forums or blogs, but still, FIRST thing you should do is read the instruction books or official websites of whatever you are going to take.
Since some friends asked, I post the side effect part of SUTENT hand-book below. and also the SAFTY NOTES. They are all excerpted from SUTENT OFFICIAL SITE.
Also, I will recommend a few books here: (click to see details)
Davis’s Pocket Clinical Drug Reference
Super reference well structured and well written as a handy reference. Good for those at all levels who need rapid answers. Find all the details of drugs you are taking.
Review
“Dr. Frank writes in a clear and compassionate manner, presenting a well organized framework for understanding cancer and participating in care. His use of patient cases helps personalize the information and offers guidance for managing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Fighting Cancer with Knowledge and Hope is a book that will provide confidence and direction to people with cancer and their loved ones.”-Diane Blum, Executive Director, CancerCare (Diane Blum )
“This is a terrific book and will be a valuable tool for readers who really want to understand the pathophysiology of cancer.”-Julie K. Silver, M.D., author of What Helped Get Me Through: Cancer Survivors Share Wisdom and Hope (Julie K. Silver )
“Since reading this book, I understand cancer in a completely different way. . . .it is a `must have’ for people who are newly diagnosed as well as people who have been living with cancer for many years. It can be used by doctors, nurses, and therapists to explain the simple and complex realities of cancer. . . .This resource is of huge value.”-Elizabeth April-Fritz, three time breast cancer survivor (Elizabeth April-Fritz )
“I found this book unique. It takes complex concepts, pares them down and allows the lay reader to enter a world previously reserved for physicians, scientists, and researchers. This special privilege is offered to the lay reader, enabling one to walk away with a better understanding of cancer and all its ramifications. Adding to its uniqueness is the fact that the book accomplishes its goal without sounding `text-bookish’ or overly pedantic.”-Carol T. Avery, Ed.D., R.N., C., co-author of Quick Look Nursing: Obstetric and Pediatric Pathophysiology (Carol T. Avery )
“Here is a resource no cancer patient should be without. Simply written and easy to understand, Fighting Cancer answers most questions a cancer patient may have and, most important, offers hope.”-Christine Horner, M.D., F.A.C.S., author Waking the Warrior Goddess: Dr. Christine Horner’s Program to Protect against and Fight Breast Cancer (Christine Horner )
Product Description
Anyone who is diagnosed with cancer receives a frightening blow, and in many cases the diagnosis is accompanied by a bewildering array of treatment choices. In this invaluable book, Dr. Richard C. Frank offers comfort and help to cancer patients, their families, and their caretakers. Dr. Frank empowers patients by unlocking the mysteries of the disease and explaining in plain language the ways to confront and combat it.
An award-winning medical oncologist recognized for his humanitarian approach as well as his research accomplishments, Dr. Frank understands that cancer patients and their families need insight into the disease along with a sense of control. He therefore addresses these vital topics:
–what cancer is and how it spreads
–how cancer treatment strategies are chosen
–how cancer-fighting drugs work to shut down the growth of the disease
–which factors affect a patient’s prognosis
–how patients can visualize cancer treatments at work in the body and why this is helpful
–how to deal with “uncurable” cancer
–and more.
With a wealth of patient case histories, helpful coping strategies from cancer survivors, and up-to-date information on useful resources, Fighting Cancer is the book cancer patients and their loved ones can turn to with confidence and hope.
and also, the book I have already recommended in another post:
100 Questions & Answers About Kidney Cancer (100 Questions & Answers about)
These books are cheap and informative, every cancer patient should have one.
OK,here are all the possible side effects of SUTENT and how to manage them.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
You may have side effects or reactions to SUTENT®. Most patients have moderate side effects that can be managed. Some side effects can be serious. Your doctor may change your dose of SUTENT or stop treatment.
Be sure to talk to your doctor or nurse about any side effects or concerns you have.
Possible serious side effects
Some side effects are more serious than others. It is important that you know the signs of these side effects so you can tell your doctor if any of these problems occur.
- Heart problems
- Rare, life-threatening events
- Hole in stomach or bowel wall (perforation)
- Bleeding from the tumor
- Increased blood pressure
Common side effects
Patients who take SUTENT have these side effects more often than other side effects.
- Feeling tired/fatigue
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Mouth sores/stomatitis
- Upset stomach
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Skin or hair changes
- Taste changes
- Swelling
- Loss of appetite
- High blood pressure
- Bleeding (such as nosebleeds or bleeding from cuts)
You may have had some of these side effects before starting treatment with SUTENT. Be sure to tell your doctor or nurse if there is any change or increase in your side effects.
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
You may have side effects or reactions to SUTENT®. For most patients, the side effects of SUTENT are moderate and may be managed. For others, the doctor may change the dose or stop treatment with SUTENT.
Make sure to talk to your doctor or nurse about any side effects or concerns you have. There are also steps you can take on your own to ease some of these problems.
- Take short naps or breaks
- Eat well and drink plenty of fluids
- Take short walks or do light exercise
- Do things that are relaxing, such as listening to music or reading
Managing diarrhea or bowel movement changes. These symptoms may be treated with over-the-counter medicines. Ask your doctor or nurse which product may be best for you.
- Avoid spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, and fruit
- Eat only mild foods
- Drink water often—but only in small sips
Managing nausea or vomiting. If you have these problems, tell your doctor or nurse. He or she 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
Managing mouth sores/stomatitis.
- 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
- Avoid toothpastes with whiteners (ie, peroxide)
Managing upset stomach.
- Avoid heavy meals, coffee, and alcohol
- Reduce your stress
- Sleep in a more upright position, propped up on a pillow
- Take an antacid
Managing skin problems. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop skin problems. He or she may give you specific treatments.
- Specific lotions or moisturizers
- Specific pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Managing taste changes.
- Cold or frozen foods may taste better than hot foods
- Flavor your food with herbs, spices, sugar, lemon, or sauces
- Keep a clean and healthy mouth by brushing and flossing often
Bleeding.
Other side effects.
When cells divide and multiply quickly. Tumors form when cancer cells proliferate.
The growth of new blood vessels from existing ones. Tumors use this process to receive nutrients from the bloodstream and to metastasize.
