Being a caregiver for someone with cancer doesn’t come with a how-to book. Every cancer situation has its own unique challenges, especially when starting a new treatment. But there are several ways that you can help your loved one during treatment, like reminding them when to take their medicine, watching for side effects, and helping them prepare for upcoming appointments ahead of time.
It’s important that your loved one follows their healthcare provider’s instructions for how to take INLYTA (axitinib). This includes remembering when to take treatment. Here are some ways you can help:
Calling, texting, or emailing when it’s time for the next dose |
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Setting up reminders in their calendar or mobile device |
Placing sticky notes or other reminders around the home |
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Asking others to pitch in and send reminders too |
This list should contain all of the medicines that your loved one is taking, including INLYTA, any other prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Be sure to include the medication name, dose, and time each is taken. And keep it handy to help save time during appointments.
It is against the law for a healthcare provider to share a patient’s health information with others without that patient’s prior written permission. Remind your loved one to ask their healthcare provider for a Caregiver Release if they would like you to have access. This gives the healthcare provider permission to discuss your loved one’s health information with you.
Keep track of all the things to bring to each appointment. Some examples include:
It is against the law for a healthcare provider to share a patient’s health information with others without that patient’s prior written permission. Remind your loved one to ask their healthcare provider for a Caregiver Release if they would like you to have access. This gives the healthcare provider permission to discuss your loved one’s health information with you.
Whether you’re new at this or have been doing it for a while, it’s always good to remind yourself how important self-care is. In addition to maintaining your physical health, connecting with other cancer caregivers may help you cope with the emotional stress of caring for a loved one. Pfizer Oncology Together can connect you with local, community, and patient outreach programs that offer comfort and support. To learn more, call 1-877-744-5675 (Monday–Friday 8 AM–8 PM ET).
Tips to help manage certain side effects. |
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Before taking INLYTA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
For females, tell your healthcare provider if you:
For males with female partners who are able to become pregnant:
INLYTA may cause fertility problems in males and females, which may affect your ability to have a child. Talk to your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. INLYTA and certain other medicines can affect each other causing serious side effects.
Talk with your healthcare provider before you start taking any new medicine. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit. Grapefruit may increase the amount of INLYTA in your blood.
INLYTA may cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of INLYTA with pembrolizumab include:
Important information: If your healthcare provider prescribes INLYTA for you to be taken with pembrolizumab, also read the Medication Guide for pembrolizumab.
The most common side effects of INLYTA when used alone include:
These are not all of the possible side effects of INLYTA. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see full Prescribing Information and Patient Information, which includes a complete discussion of the risks of INLYTA.
INLYTA is a prescription medicine used to treat kidney cancer that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced renal cell carcinoma or RCC):
It is not known if INLYTA is safe and effective in children.
INLYTA is a prescription medicine used to treat kidney cancer that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced renal cell carcinoma or RCC):
It is not known if INLYTA is safe and effective in children.
A mass of cancer cells.
A disease of the arteries (commonly called high blood pressure).
Located throughout the body, lymph nodes filter lymph fluid. They store special cells that can trap cancer cells or bacteria that are traveling through the body in the lymph.
One of a pair of organs that removes waste products from the blood. In the process, they make urine to help carry waste products out of the body. One is on the left side of the abdomen. The other is on the right side.
INLYTA (axitinib) is a prescription medicine used to treat kidney cancer that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced renal cell carcinoma or RCC):
It is not known if INLYTA is safe and effective in children.
Cancer that has spread from one part of the body to another through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.