Sunitinib Combinations
Pronunciation: (soo-NIH-tih-nib KAHM-bohz).
- Generic name
- Sunitinib combinations
- Brand names
- Sunitinib Plus, Suninat, Sunitinib ComboPak, Sutent Combo, Sutent, Sutinat
- Drug class
- Multikinase inhibitor (Antineoplastic agent)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country:
Australia: · Full directory
What Sunitinib combinations is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Sunitinib combinations works
Sunitinib is a multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor. It blocks several RTKs, including VEGFR, PDGFR, KIT, FLT3, and RET, which are involved in tumor angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and survival. In combination regimens, sunitinib may be paired with agents that target complementary pathways, enhancing antitumor efficacy. (1)
What Sunitinib combinations is used for
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (1)
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) (1)
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET)
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) (1)
Before taking Sunitinib combinations
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to sunitinib or combo components, severe hepatic impairment, and uncontrolled hypertension. (Contraindication) (1)
Tell your clinician about
(1)How to take Sunitinib combinations
- General Instructions: Take sunitinib combos exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily, with or without food.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult dose varies by indication and combination, but often starts at 50 mg orally once daily for 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off (6-week cycle). Dosing may be adjusted based on tolerability and side effects.. Pediatric Dosing: Safety and efficacy in children have not been established; use only if specifically prescribed by a pediatric oncologist.. Administration: Swallow capsules or tablets whole with water. Do not crush or chew. Take at the same time each day.. When To Seek Review: Do not stop taking sunitinib combos without consulting your doctor. Treatment may be stopped if you experience severe side effects or if your doctor determines it is no longer effective.. Storage: Store at room temperature (20–25°C/68–77°F), away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If it is almost time for your next dose, contact your prescriber or pharmacist for guidance on the missed dose. Do not take two doses at once.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or call your local poison control center immediately. Symptoms may include severe fatigue, confusion, high blood pressure, or heart problems. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment. (1)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Fatigue
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Diarrhea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Vomiting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hand-foot syndrome
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hypertension
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Stomatitis
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Neutropenia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
US FDA BOXED WARNING — Hepatotoxicity — serious
Symptoms: US FDA BOXED WARNING — Hepatotoxicity: sunitinib (Sutent) has been associated with hepatotoxicity, which may result in liver failure or death. Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin) should be monitored at baseline and during each treatment cycle. Your oncology team will interrupt sunitinib for Grade 3-4 hepatotoxicity, and will permanently stop it if there is no resolution or if signs of liver failure appear — this is a decision made and carried out by your care team, not something to self-manage.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to sunitinib or combo components, severe hepatic impairment, and uncontrolled hypertension. Use with caution in patients with cardiac disease, bleeding disorders, or recent major surgery. Monitor for QT prolongation, heart failure, and hepatotoxicity.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Can increase blood pressure — monitor regularly and manage with standard antihypertensive therapy — serious
Symptoms: Can increase blood pressure — monitor regularly and manage with standard antihypertensive therapy; the treating team may decide to temporarily pause treatment for severe hypertension and to restart it after blood pressure is back under control. Risk of heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction, and QT-interval prolongation. May impair wound healing — treatment is typically interrupted before elective major surgery and resumed only after adequate wound healing. Can cause severe bleeding events, including tumor-related bleeding, and gastrointestinal perforation in some patients.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Sunitinib combos can interact with CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin), CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin), anticoagulants, and certain antihypertensives. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Sunitinib can cause fetal harm based on its mechanism (angiogenesis inhibition) and animal data; the FDA label reviewed for this page advises females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 4 weeks after the final dose (males with female partners of reproductive potential: 7 weeks after). Discuss any pregnancy or plan for pregnancy with the oncology team before starting or continuing treatment. (1)
Breastfeeding
The FDA label reviewed for this page states there is no data on the presence of sunitinib in human milk; because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a nursing infant, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for at least 4 weeks after the final dose. (1)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. (1)
Renal_impairment
Per the FDA label reviewed for this page: hepatic impairment — no starting-dose adjustment is required for mild or moderate (Child-Pugh A or B) hepatic impairment; sunitinib has not been studied in severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment and use is not recommended. Renal impairment — no starting-dose adjustment is required for mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment not requiring dialysis; because exposure is somewhat lower with reduced renal function, subsequent doses may be increased gradually (up to 2-fold) based on individual safety and tolerability. (1)
Hepatic_impairment
Per the FDA label reviewed for this page: hepatic impairment — no starting-dose adjustment is required for mild or moderate (Child-Pugh A or B) hepatic impairment; sunitinib has not been studied in severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment and use is not recommended. Renal impairment — no starting-dose adjustment is required for mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment not requiring dialysis; because exposure is somewhat lower with reduced renal function, subsequent doses may be increased gradually (up to 2-fold) based on individual safety and tolerability. (1)
Monitoring
(1)Storage
Per the FDA label, store sunitinib capsules at 20-25 degrees C (68-77 degrees F), with excursions permitted to 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F); keep in the original container, out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
Dose summary: For renal cell carcinoma and GIST: 50 mg orally once daily, 4 weeks on treatment followed by 2 weeks off (Schedule 4/2). For pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: 37.5 mg orally once daily on a continuous dosing schedule (no scheduled break). Dose adjustments (up or down in 12.5 mg increments) are made based on individual safety and tolerability. When used as part of a combination regimen with another cancer therapy, follow the specific published/prescribed protocol for that combination — this is not a fixed, separately FDA-approved combination dose.
Renal context: Per the FDA label, no starting-dose adjustment is required for mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment not requiring dialysis (CrCl as low as <30 mL/min was studied); because exposure is somewhat lower with reduced renal function, subsequent doses may be increased gradually up to 2-fold based on individual safety and tolerability. Sunitinib has not been extensively studied in patients on dialysis. (1)
Frequently asked questions
What cancers are treated with sunitinib combos?
Sunitinib combos are used to treat advanced kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and sometimes pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
How long do I need to take sunitinib combos?
Treatment duration depends on your response, side effects, and your doctor's recommendation. Some patients take it for several months or longer.
Can I take sunitinib combos with food?
Yes, sunitinib combos can be taken with or without food. Take them at the same time each day for best results.
What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe or unusual symptoms, such as chest pain, severe headache, or signs of liver problems.
Are there any special monitoring requirements?
Yes, regular blood tests to monitor liver function, blood pressure checks, and heart monitoring may be required.
Can pregnant or breastfeeding women use sunitinib combos?
No, sunitinib combos are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential harm to the baby.
Do sunitinib combos cure cancer?
Sunitinib combos do not cure cancer but can help control its growth and symptoms, improving quality of life and survival in some patients.
What happens if I take too much Sunitinib combos?
Taking too much Sunitinib can lead to increased severity of side effects such as fatigue, diarrhea, and hand-foot syndrome. In cases of suspected overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention. Your healthcare provider will guide you on appropriate management, which may include supportive care and monitoring of vital signs.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Sunitinib combos?
It is generally advisable to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Sunitinib. Alcohol can exacerbate certain side effects of multikinase inhibitors, such as liver toxicity and gastrointestinal issues. Discuss your alcohol intake with your healthcare provider, as they can provide personalized advice based on your specific health condition and treatment plan.
Is Sunitinib combos safe during pregnancy?
Sunitinib is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus. It falls under a pregnancy category that advises caution. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is imperative to consult your doctor immediately. They can discuss the potential risks and benefits and explore alternative treatment options if necessary.
What is the mechanism of action of Sunitinib combinations?
Sunitinib is a multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor. It blocks several RTKs, including VEGFR, PDGFR, KIT, FLT3, and RET, which are involved in tumor angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and survival. In combination regimens, sunitinib may be paired with agents that target complementary pathways, enhancing antitumor efficacy. (1)
What is the generic name of Sunitinib Combinations?
The generic name is Sunitinib combinations. It is sold under brand names including Sunitinib Plus, Suninat, Sunitinib ComboPak, Sutent Combo, Sutent, Sutinat.
What class of drug is Sunitinib combinations?
Sunitinib Combinations is classed as: Multikinase inhibitor (Antineoplastic agent).
References
- Sunitinib Combos for Advanced Cancer Treatment — Prescribing InformationDailyMed · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 1
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Sunitinib combinations names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.