Description

Votrient 400mg Tablets (Pazopanib) – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price

Votrient 400mg tablets (Pazopanib hydrochloride) are prescription anti-cancer medicines used for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and certain types of advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Marketed by Novartis, Votrient is a targeted therapy that slows cancer growth by blocking multiple enzymes (tyrosine kinases) responsible for tumor development and blood vessel formation.

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What is Votrient Used For?

• Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC):
  First-line treatment for advanced kidney cancer and for patients previously treated with cytokine therapy.

• Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS):
  Indicated for adults with selected subtypes of advanced STS who have received prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease or relapsed within 12 months of (neo)adjuvant therapy.

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How Votrient Works (Mechanism of Action)

Votrient contains pazopanib, a multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that:

• Inhibits angiogenesis: Blocks VEGFR-2 signaling, reducing the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors.

• Slows tumor growth: Targets PDGFR-α, PDGFR-β, and FGFR pathways, which are involved in tumor cell proliferation.

• Targeted therapy benefits: Specifically attacks cancer cells with less damage to healthy tissues compared to traditional chemotherapy.

Key receptors blocked by Votrient include:

• VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3

• PDGFR-α and PDGFR-β

• FGFR-1 and FGFR-3

• c-Kit, Itk, Lck, and c-Fms

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Votrient Dosage and Administration

• Recommended dose: 800 mg once daily.

• Administration: Take on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food).

• Swallow whole: Do not crush or break the tablets.

• Dose adjustments: In 200 mg increments/decrements depending on tolerability and side effects.

• Hepatic impairment: Reduced dose (200 mg daily) recommended for moderate liver dysfunction. Not advised in severe liver impairment.

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Side Effects of Votrient

Common Side Effects:

• Fatigue

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Decreased appetite, weight loss

• Hair color changes

• Headache, muscle pain, abdominal pain

Serious Side Effects:

• Liver toxicity (increased ALT, AST, bilirubin)

• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)

• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)

• Blood disorders: neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia

• Electrolyte imbalance (low sodium, albumin; high potassium, glucose)

Important: Regular monitoring of liver function, blood pressure, and blood counts is required.

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Drug Interactions

Avoid taking Votrient with:

• CYP3A4 inhibitors & inducers (e.g., ketoconazole, rifampin, clarithromycin, ritonavir).

• Grapefruit juice – increases side effects.

• Blood thinners, NSAIDs, aspirin – higher bleeding risk.

• Certain cholesterol & stomach acid medicines (e.g., simvastatin, esomeprazole).

Always inform your doctor about all prescription drugs, OTC medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

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Warnings and Precautions

• Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Not recommended. Effective contraception required during treatment.

• Liver impairment: Dose modification required.

• Kidney impairment: Use with caution.

• Physician supervision: Should only be prescribed by oncologists experienced in anti-cancer therapy.

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Storage & Packaging

• Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

• Protect from light and moisture.

• Available in bottles of 30 or 60 tablets.

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Votrient Price

• The cost of Votrient 400mg tablets varies. Some sources list the price at around $560.93 per tablet. Prices differ depending on location, pharmacy, and insurance coverage.

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Key Highlights

• Brand Name: Votrient

• Generic Name: Pazopanib (hydrochloride)

• Class: Anti-cancer medication, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI)

• Indications: Advanced RCC, advanced STS

• Dosage: 800mg daily (on empty stomach)

• Mechanism: Blocks tumor growth & blood vessel formation