Pazokast (Pazopanib 400 mg)

Pazopanib 400 mg

Pazopanib 400 mg (Pazokast) is an effective medicine used to treat a few kinds of cancer, specifically soft tissue sarcoma and kidney cancer. It treats the cancer tumor by slowing its growth and supplying less blood to the tumor.

Uses of Pazopanib 400 mg (Pazokast)

It is one of the targeted cancer drugs known as TKI (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) and is used to treat advanced cancer (kidney and soft tissue sarcoma). The other name of this tablet is Votrient.

Proteins called Tyrosine kinase performs the function of chemical enzymes in cells and cause more growth of cancerous cells. Pazopanib 400 mg (Pazokast)  works by blocking these cancerous cells to form blood vessels.

Directions of use

It is advisable to take this medicine orally without food once daily. It is necessary to be on an empty stomach to take this medication. You can take this medication at least two hours after having food or one hour before food. You shouldn’t break, crush or chew the tablet. Just swallow the whole tablet.

If you don’t follow these instructions, you will increase the chances of having side effects. Pazopanib 400 mg (Pazokast) rapidly destroys cancer cells so that side effects can be common. You should drink plenty of fluids if you want to lower the risk of having side effects.

It is advisable to check blood pressure regularly as this tablet can increase your blood pressure. Consult your doctor right away if you notice any allergic reaction after consuming this tablet.

Things to avoid 

• Avoid grapefruit and juice while you take this tablet since grapefruit tends to raise the level of this medicine in your blood.
• Avoid taking antacids such as Proton pump inhibitor -PPIs or H2 blockers while taking this medicine since the absorption will tend to reduce and won’t work well.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption while you take this tablet.

Warnings

Pazopanib 400 mg (Pazokast) should be kept out of the reach of children (less than 2 years) as it may cause serious harm and side effects. Your doctor will prescribe you to go for liver treatments frequently.

It is rare to witness fatal diseases in the liver after consuming Pazopanib. It is better to go for blood tests to check the liver condition before testing. If you develop any serious side effects or liver disease, consult your doctor immediately.

Things to remember

The dosage of this medicine is based on your medical condition and other lab tests. You should tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription drugs. It is advised not to overdose on this medication or take this tablet more than prescribed.

Since this will increase your risk of having side effects. Take this medicine regularly to derive the best benefit out of it. Pregnant ladies or those planning to become pregnant should avoid taking this tablet as it gets absorbed through the lungs and skin and harms the unborn baby.

Side effects 

Taking Pazopanib 400 mg (Pazokast) often causes some mild or serious side effects in your body. They are as follows –

• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Numbness
• Change of skin and hair color
• Temporary hair loss

Consult your doctor if you notice any serious symptoms like unusual bleeding, swelling feet, slow heartbeat, signs of infection, etc.

Missed dose 

If you have missed a disease, take it as soon as you remember. However, don’t try to take a double dose. You should skip the missed dose if it is less than twelve hours before the time of your next dose.