Why is this medication prescribed?

Fotivda is a prescription medication primarily used for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is a type of kidney cancer. It is specifically indicated for adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who have received two or more prior systemic therapies.

Tivozanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), which means it works by blocking the action of certain enzymes called tyrosine kinases. These enzymes are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. By inhibiting these enzymes, Fotivda helps to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells, thereby helping to control the progression of renal cell carcinoma.

How should this medicine be used?

Fotivda (tivozanib) is typically used as a treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a type of kidney cancer, in adult patients who have received two or more prior systemic therapies. Here’s how Fotivda is typically used:

• Dosage: The dosage of Fotivda prescribed to a patient will be determined by their healthcare provider based on various factors such as the patient’s overall health, the severity of the cancer, and any other medications the patient may be taking. It’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage exactly as instructed by the healthcare provider.
• Administration: Fotivda comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily with or without food for the first 21 days of a 28-day cycle. The cycle may be repeated as recommended by your doctor.
• Frequency: Fotivda is typically taken once daily, at around the same time each day. It’s important to maintain a consistent dosing schedule to ensure the medication’s effectiveness.
• Duration of Treatment: Patients should continue taking Fotivda for as long as their healthcare provider recommends, even if they start to feel better. Stopping the medication without consulting a healthcare provider can lead to the cancer progressing or worsening.
• Missed Dose: If a dose of Fotivda is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be resumed. It’s important not to take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
• Monitoring: Patients should be closely monitored by their healthcare provider for any potential side effects or adverse reactions while taking Fotivda. It’s essential to report any unusual symptoms or concerns to the healthcare provider promptly.
• Adjustments: The healthcare provider may adjust the dosage of Fotivda or temporarily interrupt treatment if necessary to manage side effects or other health concerns.

It’s crucial for patients to adhere to their prescribed treatment plan and communicate regularly with their healthcare provider regarding their progress and any concerns they may have.

Other uses for this medicine

Fotivda (tivozanib) is primarily indicated for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in patients who have received two or more prior systemic therapies. However, like many medications, there may be off-label or investigational uses for Fotivda, but these should only be pursued under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare provider.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions to follow when taking Fotivda, here are some important points to consider:

• Medical History: Before starting Fotivda, patients should inform their healthcare provider about their complete medical history, including any existing medical conditions, allergies, or previous treatments. Fotivda may not be suitable for individuals with certain pre-existing conditions, so it’s essential to discuss these with the healthcare provider.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Fotivda can cause harm to an unborn baby, so it’s crucial to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication. Patients should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one month after the last dose. Additionally, Fotivda may pass into breast milk, so breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment.
• Liver Function: Fotivda may affect liver function, so patients should undergo regular monitoring of liver function tests during treatment. Dose adjustments or discontinuation of treatment may be necessary if liver function abnormalities occur.
• Blood Pressure: Fotivda can cause high blood pressure (hypertension) as a side effect. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly during treatment, and antihypertensive medications may be prescribed to manage hypertension as needed.
• Cardiac Function: Fotivda may also affect cardiac function, leading to conditions such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decline. Cardiac function should be assessed before starting treatment and monitored periodically during treatment.
• Gastrointestinal Perforation and Fistula: Fotivda may increase the risk of gastrointestinal perforation and fistula formation. Patients should report any symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal bleeding promptly to their healthcare provider.
• Wound Healing: Fotivda may impair wound healing, so caution should be exercised in patients undergoing surgery or dental procedures while taking this medication. Fotivda may need to be temporarily discontinued before elective surgery, and the decision to resume treatment should be made based on the individual patient’s clinical circumstances.
• Interactions: Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins they are taking, as these may interact with Fotivda and affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.

It’s essential for patients to adhere to their prescribed treatment plan and follow their healthcare provider’s instructions closely while taking Fotivda. Any questions or concerns about Fotivda or its use should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Fotivda. However, it’s essential to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet to support overall health and well-being during cancer treatment. Patients should stay hydrated and consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Additionally, if Fotivda causes gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea or vomiting, patients may benefit from eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding spicy, greasy, or heavy foods that may exacerbate these symptoms.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If a dose of Fotivda is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be resumed. It’s important not to take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If there are any concerns or questions about missed doses, patients should consult their healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Fotivda (tivozanib) can cause various side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Not all individuals will experience these side effects, and their severity can vary from person to person. Some common side effects of Fotivda include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension): Fotivda can cause an increase in blood pressure. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential during treatment, and antihypertensive medications may be prescribed to manage hypertension as needed.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued is a common side effect of Fotivda. Patients should rest as needed and discuss any persistent fatigue with their healthcare provider.
• Diarrhea: Fotivda can cause diarrhea, which may be mild to moderate in severity. Maintaining adequate hydration and avoiding foods that may exacerbate diarrhea can help manage this side effect.
• Nausea and vomiting: Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting while taking Fotivda. Eating small, frequent meals and avoiding spicy, greasy, or heavy foods may help alleviate these symptoms.
• Decreased appetite: Fotivda may cause a decrease in appetite, leading to weight loss or malnutrition in some cases. It’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated during treatment.
• Hand-foot syndrome: Fotivda can cause hand-foot syndrome, characterized by redness, swelling, pain, and/or blistering on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Keeping the hands and feet clean, moisturized, and protected from friction and pressure can help manage this side effect.
• Proteinuria: Fotivda may lead to an increased level of protein in the urine (proteinuria). Regular monitoring of urine protein levels may be necessary during treatment.
• Dysphonia: Some patients may experience changes in voice quality (dysphonia) while taking Fotivda. This side effect is usually mild and resolves once treatment is discontinued.
• Headache: Headaches are a common side effect of Fotivda. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate mild headaches, but patients should consult their healthcare provider if headaches persist or worsen.
• Other side effects: Other less common side effects of Fotivda may include abdominal pain, constipation, cough, back pain, joint pain, and skin rash.

It’s essential for patients to report any side effects or adverse reactions to their healthcare provider promptly. In some cases, dose adjustments or changes in treatment may be necessary to manage side effects effectively.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of Fotivda:

• Fotivda capsule should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
• Keep Fotivda in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not use Fotivda if the packaging is damaged or if the capsule appear discolored or show signs of deterioration.
• Unused or expired Fotivda capsule should be disposed of properly. Consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance on safe disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of emergency/overdose of Fotivda:

• If an overdose of Fotivda is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center.
• Symptoms of Fotivda overdose may include severe hypertension (high blood pressure), severe diarrhea, and other side effects mentioned earlier.
• It’s important to inform healthcare providers about the exact dosage of Fotivda taken and any symptoms experienced to receive appropriate medical treatment.

What other information should I know?

• Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins they are taking, as these may interact with Fotivda.
• Fotivda may impair wound healing, so patients should inform healthcare providers about any planned surgeries or dental procedures.
• Patients should avoid becoming pregnant while taking Fotivda, and effective contraception should be used during treatment and for at least one month after the last dose.
• Fotivda can cause fatigue, dizziness, and other side effects that may impair the ability to perform certain tasks safely, such as driving or operating heavy machinery. Patients should use caution when engaging in such activities.
• Regular monitoring of blood pressure, liver function, and cardiac function may be necessary during treatment with Fotivda.
• Patients should keep all appointments with healthcare providers for monitoring and follow-up during treatment with Fotivda.
• It’s important to discuss any questions, concerns, or new symptoms with healthcare providers promptly to ensure safe and effective use of Fotivda.