Product Introduction

Votrient 400mg tablet, generically known as pazopanib, is a targeted therapy used in the treatment of certain types of cancer. It belongs to a class of drug known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which are pivotal in managing cancer by inhibiting various protein kinases. These kinases are involved in the pathways that regulate cell division, growth, and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), which are essential processes for tumor growth and metastasis.

Pazopanib was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009. It is manufactured and marketed under the brand name Votrient by GlaxoSmithKline. The drug is presented in a pale orange, oval-shaped, film-coated tablet, each containing 400 mg of pazopanib hydrochloride.

Uses of Votrient 400mg Tablet

Votrient is primarily used for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common type of kidney cancer. It is also indicated for the treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in patients who have received prior chemotherapy. The efficacy of Votrient in these applications stems from its ability to inhibit angiogenesis, thereby depriving the tumor of the necessary nutrients and oxygen needed for growth.

The drug targets several receptor tyrosine kinases, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3), platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR-alpha and PDGFR-beta), and c-kit. By blocking these receptors, Votrient interferes with the pathological angiogenesis and proliferation that cancer cells require to expand and survive.

Benefits of Votrient 400mg Tablet

The primary benefit of Votrient lies in its capability to manage and control the progression of renal cell carcinoma and certain types of soft tissue sarcomas. For patients with these cancers, Votrient offers a targeted approach that can lead to a stabilization of the disease, potentially leading to prolonged survival and an improved quality of life. Clinical trials have demonstrated significant efficacy in slowing the progression of disease, particularly in renal cell carcinoma, compared to placebo.

Another notable benefit of Votrient is its oral route of administration, which allows patients to take the medication at home rather than requiring hospital visits for intravenous treatment. This convenience can significantly enhance a patient’s comfort and adherence to the treatment plan.

Side Effects of Votrient 400mg Tablet

As with any cancer therapy, Votrient can cause a range of side effects, which vary in severity among individuals. Common side effects include hypertension, diarrhea, hair color changes, nausea, and fatigue. These are generally manageable with appropriate medical intervention and do not necessarily require discontinuation of therapy.

More serious adverse effects of Votrient include hepatotoxicity, which can be severe and may result in liver failure or death. Regular liver function tests are recommended to monitor for signs of liver damage. Other severe side effects include thrombotic events, such as heart attack or stroke, hemorrhage, gastrointestinal perforation, and reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS), a rare condition that affects the brain.