Diabetes Living

Fatigue
Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Heartburn
Taste changes
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Low blood counts . Your white and red blood cells and platelets may temporarily decrease. This can put you at increased risk for infection, anemia and/or bleeding.
Skin discoloration (possibly due to the drug color - yellow)

The following side effects are less common (occurring in 29-10%) for patients receiving Sutent:

Poor Appetite
Headache
Increased liver enzymes
Weakness
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Bleeding
Fever
Dry skin
Swelling of ankles and feet
Dizziness
Increased amylase and lipase levels
Shortness of breath
Generalized aches and pains
Rash
Flatulence
Hand –foot syndrome (Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia or PPE) –skin rash, swelling, redness, pain and/or peeling of the skin on the palms of hands and soles of feet.
Dehydration
Low potassium levels
Increased bilirubin levels
Hair color changes
Cough
Hair loss

Rare (2-3%) but serious side effects may include problems with blood clots. Blood clots can lead to pulmonary embolus or stroke �?potentially life-threatening conditions.

This list includes common and less common side effects for those taking Sutent. Side effects that are very rare -- occurring in less than about 10 percent of patients -- are not listed here. But you should always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.

When To Contact Your Doctor or Health Care Provider:

Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:

Fever of 100.5º F (38º C) or higher, chills (possible signs of infection)

The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not an emergency. Contact your health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following:

Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medication).
Vomiting (vomiting more than 4-5 times in a 24 hour period).
Diarrhea (4-6 episodes in a 24-hour period).
Unable to eat or drink for 24 hours or have signs of dehydration: tiredness, thirst, dry mouth, dark and decreased amount of urine, or dizziness.
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Black or tarry stools, or blood in your stools.
Blood in the urine.
Pain or burning with urination.
Extreme fatigue (unable to carry on self-care activities).
Mouth sores (painful redness, swelling or ulcers).
Swelling, redness and/or pain in one leg or arm and not the other (may be signs and symptoms of blood clot)

Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Sutent Precautions:

Before starting Sutent treatment, make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal remedies, etc.). Do not take aspirin, products containing aspirin unless your doctor specifically permits this.
Avoid the herbal preparation St. John's wort (may increase metabolism and decrease Sutent concentrations).
Do not receive any kind of immunization or vaccination without your doctor’s approval while taking Sutent.
Inform your health care professional if you are pregnant or may be pregnant prior to starting this treatment. Pregnancy category D (may be hazardous to the fetus. Women who are pregnant or become pregnant must be advised of the potential hazard to the fetus.)
For both men and women: Use contraceptives, and do not conceive a child (get pregnant) while taking Sutent. Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, are recommended.
Do not breast feed while taking Sutent.

Sutent Self Care Tips:

Drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.
You may be at risk of infection so try to avoid crowds or people with colds, and report fever or any other signs of infection immediately to your health care provider.
Wash your hands often.
To help treat/prevent mouth sores, use a soft toothbrush, and rinse three times a day with 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 8 ounces of water.
Use an electric razor and a soft toothbrush to minimize bleeding.
Avoid contact sports or activities that could cause injury.
To reduce nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals.
Prevention of hand-foot syndrome. Modification of normal activities of daily living to reduce friction and heat exposure to hands and feet, for about a week after treatment. (for more information see - Managing side effects: hand foot syndrome)
Keep palms of hands and soles of feet moist using emollients.
Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 15 (or higher) sunblock and protective clothing.
In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely. You should discuss this with your doctor.
Get plenty of rest.
Maintain good nutrition.
If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.

Important Announcement The MSN Groups service will close in February 2009. You can move your group to Multiply, MSN’s partner for online groups. Learn More
Diabetes Living	[email protected]