Axitinib Avansor: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
A selective VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) after failure of one prior systemic therapy
Axitinib Avansor contains the active substance axitinib, a potent and selective second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3). By blocking these receptors, axitinib inhibits the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) that tumors require to grow and spread. Axitinib Avansor is indicated for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in adult patients after failure of prior treatment with sunitinib or a cytokine. It is taken orally as a film-coated tablet and requires a prescription. Axitinib represents an important therapeutic option in the sequencing of targeted therapies for metastatic kidney cancer.
Quick Facts: Axitinib Avansor
Key Takeaways
- Axitinib Avansor is a targeted oral therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) that works by blocking VEGF receptors, cutting off the blood supply that tumors need to grow and spread.
- The standard starting dose is 5 mg taken twice daily approximately 12 hours apart; your doctor may increase the dose to 7 mg or 10 mg twice daily if tolerated, or decrease it to manage side effects.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the most common and clinically significant side effects – blood pressure must be well-controlled before starting treatment and monitored regularly throughout therapy.
- Axitinib is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4/5; strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) and inducers (e.g., rifampicin) can significantly alter drug levels, requiring dose adjustments or avoidance of co-administration.
- Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one week after the last dose, as axitinib can cause fetal harm based on its mechanism of action and preclinical data.
What Is Axitinib Avansor and What Is It Used For?
Axitinib Avansor contains the active substance axitinib, which belongs to a class of medicines known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). More specifically, axitinib is a second-generation, potent and selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3. These receptors play a central role in angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels form from existing ones. Tumors require a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients delivered through blood vessels to sustain their growth and spread. By blocking VEGF receptors, axitinib effectively starves tumors of their blood supply, inhibiting tumor growth and potentially causing tumor shrinkage.
The VEGF signaling pathway is particularly important in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. Clear cell RCC, which accounts for approximately 70–80% of all kidney cancers, is frequently associated with inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene. Loss of VHL function leads to constitutive upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and their downstream targets, including VEGF. This makes VEGF receptor-targeted therapies especially relevant for the treatment of advanced RCC. Axitinib inhibits VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 at subnanomolar concentrations, and at clinically relevant doses it also has inhibitory activity against platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-beta) and c-KIT.
Axitinib Avansor is indicated for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in adult patients after failure of prior treatment with sunitinib or a cytokine-based therapy. The approval of axitinib for second-line RCC treatment was supported by the pivotal AXIS trial, a large phase III randomized controlled trial comparing axitinib with sorafenib in patients with advanced RCC who had progressed on or after one prior systemic therapy. The AXIS trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) with axitinib compared to sorafenib (median 6.7 months versus 4.7 months; hazard ratio 0.665, p < 0.0001). The benefit was particularly pronounced in patients who had received prior sunitinib therapy.
In addition to its established role in second-line monotherapy, axitinib has also been evaluated in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors for first-line treatment of advanced RCC. The combination of axitinib with pembrolizumab (KEYNOTE-426 trial) and the combination of axitinib with avelumab (JAVELIN Renal 101 trial) have both demonstrated superior outcomes compared with sunitinib monotherapy in treatment-naive patients. However, these combination regimens are typically prescribed under the brand name of the original axitinib product, and the specific indications approved for Axitinib Avansor should be confirmed with your prescribing physician and the local product information.
Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, accounting for approximately 90% of all kidney malignancies. According to the World Health Organization, kidney cancer represents about 2.2% of all cancers worldwide, with an estimated 431,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Advanced or metastatic RCC carries a poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 15% for patients with distant metastases. The availability of targeted therapies such as axitinib has significantly improved outcomes for these patients over the past two decades.
Axitinib works by selectively blocking the VEGF receptors on the surface of blood vessel cells. When VEGF (a growth factor released by tumors) binds to these receptors, it signals the body to create new blood vessels toward the tumor. By blocking this signal, axitinib prevents the formation of new blood vessels and may cause existing tumor blood vessels to regress. This deprives the tumor of oxygen and nutrients, slowing or halting its growth. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, axitinib does not directly kill cancer cells but rather targets the blood supply infrastructure they depend on.
What Should You Know Before Taking Axitinib Avansor?
Contraindications
Axitinib Avansor must not be used if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to axitinib or to any of the other ingredients contained in the tablet. Hypersensitivity reactions to axitinib, while uncommon, have been reported and may include symptoms such as rash, swelling, breathing difficulties, or anaphylaxis. If you have previously experienced an allergic reaction to axitinib or to any other VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inform your doctor before starting treatment.
There are no other absolute contraindications listed in the approved prescribing information; however, certain medical conditions require particular caution and may represent relative contraindications depending on severity. These are discussed in the warnings and precautions section below.
Warnings and Precautions
Hypertension is one of the most common and clinically significant side effects of axitinib. Blood pressure must be well-controlled before starting treatment. Monitor blood pressure regularly (at least weekly during the first month, then periodically). Hypertensive crisis has been reported in rare cases. Anti-hypertensive medication should be initiated or adjusted as needed. If blood pressure becomes severely elevated and cannot be controlled with medication, axitinib may need to be temporarily or permanently discontinued.
Before and during treatment with Axitinib Avansor, inform your doctor about all of the following conditions:
- Heart problems: Axitinib may cause cardiac events including heart failure and cardiac ischaemic events. Patients with a history of heart disease, heart failure, coronary artery disease, or reduced cardiac function should be monitored closely. Report any new chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling of the legs to your doctor immediately.
- Blood clots (thromboembolic events): Both arterial thromboembolic events (such as heart attack, stroke, or transient ischaemic attack) and venous thromboembolic events (such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) have been reported with axitinib. Patients with a history of blood clots or risk factors for clotting should be treated with caution.
- Bleeding (haemorrhage): Axitinib may increase the risk of bleeding events, including gastrointestinal bleeding, haemoptysis (coughing up blood), cerebral haemorrhage, and other haemorrhagic events. Some of these have been fatal. If you take blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, your bleeding risk may be further increased. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any signs of unexpected or severe bleeding.
- Gastrointestinal perforation and fistula formation: Cases of gastrointestinal perforation (a hole in the stomach or intestinal wall) and fistula formation have been reported in patients receiving axitinib. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. These events can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
- Thyroid dysfunction: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is very common with axitinib treatment. Thyroid function tests should be performed before starting treatment and monitored regularly throughout. If hypothyroidism develops, thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be initiated.
- Wound healing: As an anti-angiogenic agent, axitinib may impair wound healing. Treatment should be stopped at least 24 hours before planned surgery. The decision to resume axitinib after surgery should be based on clinical judgement regarding adequate wound healing.
- Proteinuria: Protein in the urine (proteinuria) has been reported with axitinib. Urine protein levels should be monitored before and during treatment. If moderate to severe proteinuria develops, the dose may be reduced or treatment temporarily interrupted.
- Liver impairment: Axitinib is extensively metabolized in the liver. Patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B) may require a dose reduction. Axitinib has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) and its use in this population is not recommended.
- Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES): This rare but serious neurological condition has been reported with axitinib. Symptoms may include headache, seizures, visual disturbances, confusion, and altered mental status. If PRES is suspected, axitinib should be discontinued and appropriate medical management initiated.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Axitinib Avansor should not be used during pregnancy. Based on its mechanism of action (inhibition of angiogenesis, which is critical for embryo-fetal development) and findings from animal studies, axitinib is expected to cause fetal harm, including malformations and embryo-fetal death. Women of childbearing potential must be advised to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one week after the last dose of axitinib. If pregnancy occurs during treatment, the patient should be informed of the potential risk to the fetus.
It is not known whether axitinib or its metabolites are excreted in human breast milk. A risk to the breastfed infant cannot be excluded. Breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment with axitinib and for at least two weeks after the last dose.
Male patients with female partners of childbearing potential should also be advised to use effective contraception during treatment with axitinib. Based on animal findings, axitinib may impair male fertility. Men concerned about fertility should discuss sperm preservation with their doctor before starting treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Axitinib Avansor may have a minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Side effects such as dizziness and fatigue have been reported. If you experience these or other symptoms that could affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, do not perform these activities until the symptoms have resolved.
How Does Axitinib Avansor Interact with Other Drugs?
Drug interactions with axitinib are primarily related to its metabolism by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, particularly CYP3A4/5, with minor contributions from CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and UGT1A1. Medications that affect these enzyme pathways can alter the blood levels of axitinib, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or decreasing the drug’s effectiveness. Additionally, due to its mechanism of action, axitinib may interact pharmacodynamically with other drugs that affect blood pressure, blood clotting, or thyroid function.
Major Interactions
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Ketoconazole and other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, nelfinavir) | Significantly increased axitinib plasma concentrations (AUC increased by approximately 2-fold) | If co-administration is unavoidable, reduce axitinib dose by approximately half (e.g., from 5 mg to 2–3 mg twice daily) |
| Rifampicin and other strong CYP3A4 inducers (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital) | Substantially decreased axitinib plasma concentrations (AUC decreased by approximately 79%) | Avoid co-administration if possible; if unavoidable, gradual dose increase of axitinib may be needed under close monitoring |
| St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) | Decreased axitinib plasma levels due to CYP3A4 induction | Avoid use during axitinib treatment; reduced efficacy expected |
| Grapefruit and grapefruit juice | Increased axitinib plasma levels due to CYP3A4 inhibition in the gut | Avoid consumption during treatment; may increase side effect risk |
Minor Interactions
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (erythromycin, fluconazole, verapamil, diltiazem) | Possible moderate increase in axitinib levels | Use with caution; monitor for increased toxicity |
| Warfarin and other anticoagulants | Potential additive bleeding risk; in vitro, axitinib inhibits CYP1A2 at supratherapeutic concentrations | Monitor INR more frequently; increased bleeding risk |
| Antihypertensive agents | Additive blood pressure-lowering effect | Often needed to manage axitinib-induced hypertension; adjust doses as required |
| Thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine) | Axitinib may cause hypothyroidism requiring thyroid supplementation | Monitor thyroid function regularly; adjust levothyroxine dose as needed |
In vitro studies suggest that at therapeutic plasma concentrations, axitinib has the potential to inhibit CYP1A2. Therefore, co-administration with CYP1A2 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., theophylline) should be done with caution. However, clinical studies have shown that axitinib does not significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of CYP3A4 substrates such as midazolam, indicating that axitinib is unlikely to significantly affect the metabolism of other drugs through CYP3A4.
Always inform your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse about all medicines you are taking, have recently taken, or might take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Your healthcare team will evaluate potential interactions and adjust your treatment accordingly.
What Is the Correct Dosage of Axitinib Avansor?
Always take Axitinib Avansor exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and must not be crushed, chewed, or broken. Axitinib can be taken with or without food. Try to take your doses at approximately the same times each day, with an interval of approximately 12 hours between doses.
Adults
Standard Starting Dose
Dose: 5 mg taken orally twice daily (total daily dose: 10 mg)
Schedule: Every 12 hours, with or without food
Duration: Treatment continues as long as clinical benefit is observed or until unacceptable toxicity
Dose Escalation
If you tolerate the 5 mg twice daily dose for at least two consecutive weeks with no adverse reactions above grade 2 (moderate severity), are normotensive (blood pressure not elevated), and are not requiring antihypertensive medication, your doctor may consider increasing the dose to:
Step 1: 7 mg twice daily
Step 2: 10 mg twice daily (maximum recommended dose)
The same tolerability criteria apply before each dose increase.
Dose Reduction for Side Effects
If side effects occur that require a dose reduction, your doctor may decrease the dose in steps:
Step 1: 3 mg twice daily
Step 2: 2 mg twice daily
Treatment may also be temporarily interrupted if needed to manage certain side effects, and resumed at the same or a lower dose once symptoms improve.
Children and Adolescents
The safety and efficacy of axitinib in children and adolescents below 18 years of age have not been established. Axitinib Avansor is not recommended for use in this age group.
Elderly Patients
No specific dose adjustment is required for elderly patients. However, older patients may be more susceptible to certain side effects, particularly hypertension, thyroid dysfunction, and fatigue. Dose adjustments should be made as clinically indicated based on individual tolerability. Clinical studies of axitinib included patients up to 86 years of age, and no overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed between younger and older adults.
Special Populations
- Hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment is required for patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A). For patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B), the starting dose should be reduced to approximately half (e.g., 2 mg twice daily). Axitinib has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) and should not be used in this population.
- Renal impairment: No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment. Axitinib has not been studied in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
- Co-administration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: If co-administration with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor is required, the axitinib dose should be reduced by approximately half. The dose may be increased back to the previous level after the strong inhibitor is discontinued.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose, or if you vomit after taking a dose, do not take an additional dose. Simply take the next scheduled dose at your regular time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.
Overdose
If you take more Axitinib Avansor than you should, contact your doctor, pharmacist, or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. In clinical trials, doses up to 20 mg twice daily have been administered. The dose-limiting toxicities at these higher doses were primarily hypertension, seizures associated with hypertension, and fatal haemoptysis (coughing up blood). In the event of overdose, supportive care should be provided, including monitoring of blood pressure and other vital signs. There is no specific antidote for axitinib. Due to its high protein binding (greater than 99%), axitinib is unlikely to be removed by haemodialysis.
Unlike many other medicines where the dose remains fixed, axitinib dosing is actively managed by your doctor. The dose may be increased if you are tolerating the medicine well and your blood pressure is controlled, or decreased if you experience side effects. This individualized approach helps to maximize the benefit you get from treatment while managing tolerability. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dose changes.
What Are the Side Effects of Axitinib Avansor?
Like all medicines, Axitinib Avansor can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. The side effects listed below are based on clinical trial data and post-marketing surveillance for axitinib. Many side effects are manageable with dose adjustments or supportive care, and your medical team will monitor you regularly for these effects.
Very Common
May affect more than 1 in 10 people
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue and asthenia (tiredness and weakness)
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dysphonia (hoarseness or voice changes)
- Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia (hand-foot syndrome: redness, swelling, tingling, peeling of palms and soles)
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Headache
- Proteinuria (protein in urine)
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Stomatitis (mouth sores)
- Rash and dry skin
- Arthralgia (joint pain) and pain in extremities
- Cough and dyspnoea (shortness of breath)
- Anaemia (low red blood cells)
Common
May affect up to 1 in 10 people
- Dehydration
- Hyperkalaemia (high potassium) or hypokalaemia (low potassium)
- Hypercalcaemia (high calcium)
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Dizziness
- Dysgeusia (taste changes)
- Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
- Venous thromboembolic events (blood clots in veins, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism)
- Haemorrhage (bleeding events including haematuria, rectal bleeding, haemoptysis)
- Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, bilirubin)
- Erythema (skin redness) and pruritus (itching)
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
- Increased serum creatinine
- Mucosal inflammation
- Haemorrhoids
- Glossodynia (tongue pain)
- Flatulence
Uncommon
May affect up to 1 in 100 people
- Arterial thromboembolic events (heart attack, stroke, transient ischaemic attack)
- Gastrointestinal perforation (hole in the stomach or intestinal wall)
- Gastrointestinal fistula formation
- Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
- Polycythaemia (increased red blood cells)
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- Hypertensive crisis
- Cardiac failure
- Pancreatitis
Rare
May affect up to 1 in 1,000 people
- Hepatotoxicity (serious liver damage)
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw
Hand-Foot Syndrome (Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysaesthesia)
Hand-foot syndrome is one of the most characteristic side effects of axitinib and other VEGFR inhibitors. It typically presents as redness, swelling, pain, tingling, or peeling of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. In mild cases, symptoms may be managed with moisturizing creams, avoidance of pressure on affected areas, and wearing comfortable shoes. More severe cases may require dose reduction or temporary treatment interruption. Your doctor can provide specific advice on how to manage and prevent this condition.
Hypertension Management
Hypertension is among the most common side effects of axitinib and paradoxically may also be an indicator of drug efficacy. Studies have suggested that patients who develop hypertension on axitinib may have better clinical outcomes, possibly reflecting adequate VEGF pathway inhibition. Regardless, hypertension must be actively managed to prevent cardiovascular complications. Your doctor will prescribe antihypertensive medications as needed and monitor your blood pressure regularly. Home blood pressure monitoring may also be recommended.
Contact your doctor or seek emergency care immediately if you experience: severe or sudden headache, visual disturbances or seizures (possible PRES), severe chest pain (possible heart or clotting event), sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body or difficulty speaking (possible stroke), coughing up blood, severe abdominal pain (possible gastrointestinal perforation), or blood pressure readings consistently above 180/120 mmHg.
If you experience any side effects, including those not listed here, tell your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report suspected side effects to your national pharmacovigilance authority (e.g., the EMA in Europe, the FDA MedWatch program in the United States, or the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme in the United Kingdom).
How Should You Store Axitinib Avansor?
Proper storage of Axitinib Avansor is important to ensure the medicine retains its effectiveness and safety throughout its shelf life. Follow these storage guidelines:
- Temperature: Store below 25°C (77°F). Do not refrigerate or freeze.
- Light and moisture protection: Keep the tablets in the original blister pack or bottle until you are ready to take them. This protects the medicine from moisture and light, which can degrade the active substance.
- Keep out of reach of children: Store the medicine in a safe place where children cannot access it. Axitinib is a cytotoxic agent and can be harmful if ingested accidentally.
- Expiry date: Do not use Axitinib Avansor after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister/bottle after “EXP.” The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Damaged tablets: Do not use tablets that appear damaged, discoloured, or show signs of deterioration.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. If you have any questions about the storage or handling of your medicine, ask your pharmacist for advice.
What Does Axitinib Avansor Contain?
Active Substance
The active substance is axitinib. Each film-coated tablet contains 5 mg of axitinib. Axitinib is a small molecule with the chemical name N-methyl-2-[[3-[(E)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethenyl]-1H-indazol-6-yl]sulfanyl]benzamide. It has a molecular formula of C22H18N4OS and a molecular weight of 386.47 g/mol. Axitinib is practically insoluble in water and freely soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide.
Inactive Ingredients (Excipients)
The film-coated tablets contain the following inactive ingredients, which are standard pharmaceutical excipients used to ensure proper tablet formation, stability, and dissolution:
- Tablet core: Microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate
- Film coating: Hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), lactose monohydrate, macrogol/polyethylene glycol, triacetin, iron oxide red (E172)
If you have known allergies or intolerances to any of these ingredients (for example, lactose intolerance), inform your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.
Appearance
Axitinib Avansor 5 mg film-coated tablets are typically red, oval-shaped tablets. The exact appearance may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and the specific formulation. Each tablet is debossed or printed with identifying markings for product identification.
Frequently Asked Questions About Axitinib Avansor
Axitinib Avansor is used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) in adult patients who have already received one prior systemic treatment, typically sunitinib or a cytokine-based therapy. It works by blocking VEGF receptors that drive the growth of blood vessels feeding the tumor. Your oncologist will determine whether axitinib is appropriate for your specific situation based on your previous treatment history and current condition.
Take one tablet twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water – do not crush, chew, or break it. You can take axitinib with or without food. Try to maintain a consistent schedule, taking your doses at roughly the same times each day. If you miss a dose or vomit after taking one, do not take an extra dose; simply take the next dose at your usual time.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the most common side effects of axitinib, occurring in more than half of all patients. It is caused by the drug’s mechanism of action – by inhibiting VEGF signaling, axitinib reduces the production of nitric oxide in blood vessels, leading to vasoconstriction and elevated blood pressure. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious complications including heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage. Your doctor will ensure your blood pressure is well-controlled before starting treatment and will monitor it regularly, adjusting antihypertensive medications as needed.
No, you should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking axitinib. Grapefruit contains compounds that inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme in the gut, which is responsible for metabolizing axitinib. This can lead to significantly higher blood levels of the drug, increasing the risk of side effects. Similarly, Seville oranges (bitter oranges) can have the same effect and should also be avoided. If you have questions about specific foods or beverages, consult your pharmacist or doctor.
Hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia) is a common side effect of axitinib that causes redness, swelling, pain, tingling, or peeling on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. To help manage and prevent it: apply moisturizing cream regularly (especially urea-based creams), wear comfortable shoes and cotton socks, avoid prolonged pressure or friction on hands and feet, use lukewarm (not hot) water when washing, and avoid strenuous exercise or activities that put excessive pressure on your hands and feet. If symptoms become severe, your doctor may reduce your dose or temporarily pause treatment.
Axitinib Avansor is a generic formulation that contains the same active substance (axitinib) at the same strength as the original branded product (Inlyta). Generic medicines must meet rigorous quality and bioequivalence standards set by regulatory authorities, demonstrating that they deliver the same amount of active ingredient into the body at the same rate as the reference product. This means Axitinib Avansor is expected to have the same clinical effects, side effect profile, and safety as the original branded axitinib.
References
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- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Inlyta (axitinib) Prescribing Information. Revised 2024. Available from: FDA Drug Label.
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- Motzer RJ, Escudier B, Tomczak P, et al. Axitinib versus sorafenib as second-line treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma: overall survival analysis and updated results from a randomised phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2013;14(6):552–562. doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(13)70093-7.
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- Motzer RJ, Penkov K, Haanen J, et al. Avelumab plus Axitinib versus Sunitinib for Advanced Renal-Cell Carcinoma (JAVELIN Renal 101). N Engl J Med. 2019;380(12):1103–1115. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1816047.
- Powles T, Albiges L, Bex A, et al. ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline update on the use of immunotherapy in early stage and advanced renal cell carcinoma. Ann Oncol. 2024;35(12):1025–1044.
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Kidney Cancer. Version 2.2025.
- World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Model List of Essential Medicines – 23rd List. Geneva: WHO; 2023.
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This article was written and reviewed by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team, comprising licensed specialist physicians with expertise in oncology, nephrology, and clinical pharmacology.
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