SUTENT is used to treat GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor). This is a rare cancer of the stomach, bowel, or esophagus. SUTENT is used when the medicine Gleevec® (imatinib mesylate) did not stop the cancer from growing or when you cannot take Gleevec.
Gleevec is a registered trademark of Novartis AG.
You may have side effects or reactions to SUTENT. For many patients, the side effects
of SUTENT may be managed. For others, the doctor may change the dose or stop treatment
with SUTENT.
Be sure to talk to your doctor or nurse about any side effects or concerns you have.
There are also steps you can take on your own to ease some of these problems.
Managing fatigue.
If you feel tired or weak, these tips may help:
- Take short naps or breaks
- Eat well and drink plenty of fluids
- Take short walks or do light exercise
- Do things that are relaxing, such as listening to music or reading
Managing diarrhea or bowel movement changes. These
symptoms may be treated with over-the-counter medicines. Ask your doctor or nurse
which product may be best for you.
If you have diarrhea, these tips may also help:
- Avoid spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, and fruit
- Eat only mild foods
- Drink water often-but only in small sips
Managing nausea or vomiting. If you have these problems,
tell your doctor or nurse. He or she may prescribe a medicine for these symptoms.
If you have nausea or vomiting, these tips may also help:
- Eat small meals
- Avoid foods that are sweet, fried, or fatty
- Drink lots of fluids, but in small amounts
Managing mouth sores/stomatitis
If you have stomatitis, these tips may help:
- Avoid hot, spicy, or acidic foods
- Eat foods that are soft
- Use a straw for drinking liquids
- Use an alcohol-free mouthwash, and rinse your mouth often with water
- Avoid toothpastes with whiteners (ie, peroxide)
Managing upset stomach.
If you have an upset stomach, these tips may help:
- Avoid heavy meals, coffee, and alcohol
- Reduce your stress
- Sleep in a more upright position, propped up on a pillow
- Take an antacid
Managing skin problems. Tell your doctor or nurse if
you develop skin problems. He or she may give you specific treatments.
These could include:
- Specific lotions or moisturizers
- Pain medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Managing taste changes.
If you have taste changes, these tips may help:
- Cold or frozen foods may taste better than hot foods
- Flavor your food with herbs, spices, sugar, lemon, or sauces
- Keep a clean and healthy mouth by brushing and flossing often
Other side effects.
Patients have also had other less common side effects when taking SUTENT. For a
more complete list of all these side effects, ask your cancer specialist, nurse,
or doctor.