Chinese instructions for Axitinib

Axitinib (Axitinib) is an oral targeted therapy drug used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). It is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

1. Indications:

Axitinib is indicated for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), especially in patients with unresectable or metastatic disease. The drug blocks tumor growth and spread by inhibiting the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and slowing down the blood supply to tumors.

2. Mechanism of action:

Axitinib is a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks angiogenesis and tumor blood supply mainly by inhibiting VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. In addition, it may also have certain inhibitory effects on other related receptors such as PDGFR (platelet-derived growth factor receptor) and c-KIT (a tyrosine kinase receptor).

3. Pharmacology:

The pharmacological characteristics of axitinib include its highly selective inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor and its effects on multiple kinase receptors. Through these effects, axitinib can interfere with the blood supply of tumors, thereby inhibiting tumor growth.

4. Dosage and usage:

The recommended dose of axitinib is 5 mg taken orally twice daily. The dosage adjustment may be based on the patient's specific condition and drug tolerance, and will be individually adjusted by the physician.

5. Side effects:

Common side effects of axitinib include hypertension, hand-foot syndrome, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, etc. These side effects are usually noticeable at the beginning of treatment, but as treatment progresses, patients may gradually adapt or their symptoms may lessen.

6. Warnings and Precautions:

Hypertension: Axitinib may cause high blood pressure. Patients need to monitor their blood pressure regularly during medication and make adjustments if necessary.

Hand-foot syndrome: Axitinib may cause redness, swelling, pain and other symptoms in the hands and feet. Patients need to take some relief measures, such as keeping the affected area clean and avoiding high-temperature water immersion.

Bleeding risk: Due to inhibition of angiogenesis, axitinib may increase the risk of bleeding, especially when used with anticoagulants.

Thyroid dysfunction: Using axitinib may cause thyroid dysfunction and thyroid hormone levels need to be monitored.

7. Contraindications:

Axitinib is contraindicated in the following circumstances:

Patients who are allergic to axitinib or other drug ingredients.

Patients who have had a serious cardiovascular event, such as myocardial infarction or stroke.

8. Drug interactions:

While taking axitinib, patients need to inform their doctor about all medications they are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. Axitinib may interact with some drugs, affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of adverse reactions.

9. Drugs for special groups:

Pregnant and lactating women: Axitinib may be harmful to the fetus. Pregnant and lactating women need to take effective contraceptive measures during use, or use it under the supervision of a doctor.

Geriatric patients: For elderly patients, dosage adjustments may be necessary based on renal function, hepatic function, and overall condition.

Patients with impaired liver function: For patients with impaired liver function, the dose of axitinib may need to be adjusted, and doctors will make judgments based on the specific circumstances.

Patients with Impaired Renal Function: Axitinib dose adjustment may also be required in patients with impaired renal function.

10. Listing and price situation:

Axitinib has been launched in China and has been included in medical insurance. Patients can purchase it domestically. The price of 5mg*28 tablets is about five to six thousand yuan. For specific prices, please consult the local hospital pharmacy. There are original and generic axitinib drugs abroad. The original drug is Pfizer's original drug, and the price is about 6,000 yuan; the generic drugs are mainly Bangladeshi generics and Indian generics. The price of Bangladeshi generics in 5mg*60 tablets is more than 1,000 yuan, and the price of Indian generics is around a few hundred yuan. The ingredients of original drugs and generic drugs are basically the same.

In any case, patients need to follow the doctor's advice while using axitinib and conduct regular examinations and follow-up visits so that the treatment plan can be adjusted in a timely manner to ensure the best treatment effect and the patient's overall health.