INLYTA 3mg
AXITINIB
What it does
Axitinib is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer by blocking signals that allow cancer cells to grow.
Commonly used for: kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-15 21:20:59 · updated 2026-09-16 04:00:43
Drug Interactions
31Pharmacodynamic Warnings
Axitinib appears in TABLE 4: Drugs with antiplatelet effects
Axitinib appears in TABLE 15: Drugs that cause myelosuppression
Moderate (6)
Axitinib - increases exposure
Cobicistat is predicted to increase the exposure to axitinib. Avoid or adjust dose.
Axitinib - increases exposure
Idelalisib is predicted to increase the exposure to axitinib. Avoid or adjust dose.
Axitinib - decreases exposure
Mitotane is predicted to decrease the exposure to axitinib. Avoid or adjust dose. Also see TABLE 15 p. 1520
Axitinib - decreases exposure
St John’s wort is predicted to decrease the exposure to axitinib. Avoid or adjust dose.
Axitinib - increases exposure
Clarithromycin is predicted to increase the exposure to axitinib. Avoid or adjust dose.
Axitinib - decreases exposure
Rifampicin is predicted to decrease the exposure to axitinib. Avoid or adjust dose.
Unknown (25)
Agomelatine - increases exposure
Axitinibispredictedtoincreasetheexposuretoagomelatine. oTheoretical
Aminophylline - increases exposure
Axitinibispredictedtoincreasetheexposuretoaminophylline. oTheoretical
Anaesthetics,local - increases exposure
Axitinib is predicted to increase the exposure to anaesthetics, local (ropivacaine).
Antipsychotics, Second Generation - increases exposure
Axitinib is predicted to increase the exposure to antipsychotics, second generation (clozapine, olanzapine).
Axitinib - increases exposure
Dronedarone is predicted to increase the exposure to axitinib.
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: exact
About this medicine
Axitinib is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer by blocking signals that allow cancer cells to grow.
What it treats
- kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
How it works
Axitinib works by blocking specific proteins that help tumors grow and survive.
Who it's for
This medicine is usually prescribed for adults with advanced kidney cancer.
Cautions
- • Be careful if you are taking medications that prevent blood clotting.
- • Avoid drugs that may reduce bone marrow function.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Axitinib
BNF-referencedAxitinib is a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor that primarily targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3). It is utilized in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma, particularly after prior systemic treatment failure. Axitinib acts by inhibiting angiogenesis, which is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis.
Indications
- Advanced renal cell carcinoma after failure of prior systemic treatment
Dosage
Adults: Consult product literature for specific dosing information.
Mechanism of action
Axitinib selectively blocks the tyrosine kinase receptors VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3, leading to reduced angiogenesis and tumor growth.
Pharmacodynamics
Axitinib prevents cancer progression by inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) that tumors require for growth and survival. This action effectively restricts the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the tumor, thereby impeding its growth.
Pharmacokinetics
Axitinib is well absorbed following oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations typically reached within 2 to 6 hours. It is extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by cytochrome P450 enzymes, and has a half-life of approximately 2 to 5 hours. The drug is excreted mainly in feces, with a smaller percentage eliminated through urine.
Contra-indications
- History of retinal vein occlusion
- Left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction below 50%)
- Severe hypersensitivity to axitinib or any component of the formulation
Adverse effects
- Hypertension
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Proteinuria
- Alopecia
- Anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Leukopenia
- Dizziness
- Dysphonia
- Dyspnea
- Gastrointestinal perforation
- Fistula formation
- Heart failure
- Embolism and thrombosis
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
- Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
Interactions
- cobicistat+axitinib: Moderate (increases exposure)
- idelalisib+axitinib: Moderate (increases exposure)
- mitotane+axitinib: Moderate (decreases exposure)
- stjohn’swort+axitinib: Moderate (decreases exposure)
- clarithromycin+axitinib: Moderate (increases exposure)
- rifampicin+axitinib: Moderate (decreases exposure)
- axitinib+agomelatine: Unknown (increases exposure)
- axitinib+aminophylline: Unknown (increases exposure)
- axitinib+ropivacaine: Unknown (increases exposure)
- dronedarone+axitinib: Unknown (increases exposure)
Precautions
- Monitor for hypertension and manage as necessary
- Monitor for symptoms of gastrointestinal perforation
- Monitor for symptoms of fistula
- Monitor for proteinuria before and during treatment
- Monitor liver function tests before and during treatment
- Patients should be advised to reduce modifiable risk factors for aneurysm and arterial dissection
Pregnancy
Axitinib should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is classified as a Category D agent.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether axitinib is excreted in human milk
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Axitinib
PubChem CID 6450551Molecular formula: C22H18N4OS
Mechanism of action
Axitinib selectively blocks the tyrosine kinase receptors VEGFR-1 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor), VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3.
Pharmacodynamics
Axitinib prevents the progression of cancer by inhibiting angiogenesis and blocking tumor growth.
Biological pathways
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.