List of adverse effects of axitinib

Axitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a type of kidney cancer. Like all medications, axitinib can cause a range of adverse effects, which can vary in severity from mild to life-threatening. This article provides a detailed list of known adverse effects associated with axitinib, categorized by their frequency and severity. It is important for patients and healthcare providers to be aware of these potential risks to manage them effectively.

Common Adverse Effects

Common adverse effects are those that occur more frequently and are generally mild to moderate in severity. Patients may experience these effects but can often continue treatment with axitinib with or without supportive care.

• Hypertension: High blood pressure is a common side effect of axitinib, requiring monitoring and management during treatment.
• Diarrhea: This can range from mild to severe and may require medical intervention to prevent dehydration.
• Fatigue: A common and often debilitating effect that can affect quality of life.
• Appetite loss: Including weight loss and changes in taste, which can impact nutritional status.
• Nausea and vomiting: These gastrointestinal symptoms can usually be managed with antiemetic medications.
• Dysphonia: Changes in voice or hoarseness have been reported.
• Hand-foot syndrome: Also known as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, this involves redness, swelling, and pain on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Less Common but Severe Adverse Effects

These adverse effects are less common but may be more severe, requiring close monitoring, dose adjustments, or discontinuation of axitinib.

• Liver toxicity: Elevations in liver enzymes and bilirubin can indicate liver damage, necessitating regular liver function tests.
• Thyroid dysfunction: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can occur, requiring thyroid function monitoring.
• Hemorrhage: Axitinib can increase the risk of bleeding, which can be serious or life-threatening.
• Cardiac failure: Heart problems, including heart failure, can occur and may require discontinuation of axitinib.
• Thromboembolic events: Including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening.
• Fistula formation: Abnormal connections between organs can develop, requiring surgical intervention.
• Gastrointestinal perforation: A rare but serious condition where a hole forms in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract.

Rare and Very Serious Adverse Effects

These effects are rare but represent potentially life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention.

• Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS): A rare condition that affects the brain and can lead to seizures, high blood pressure, and headaches.
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic epidermal necrolysis: Severe skin reactions characterized by blistering and peeling of the skin.

Monitoring and Management

Effective management of adverse effects involves regular monitoring, dose adjustments, symptomatic treatment, and, in some cases, discontinuation of axitinib. Patients should be educated on the signs and symptoms of severe adverse effects and advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience them.

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