Axitinib

Say it: ak-SIH-tih-nib · Brand names: Inlyta

Axitinib is a targeted pill that cuts off the blood supply tumors need to grow.

What it is

Tumors need new blood vessels to grow. Axitinib blocks the VEGF signals that tell new blood vessels to form. This can slow or shrink kidney cancer.

Often used for

• kidney cancer, alone or with pembrolizumab or avelumab

How you get it

It is a pill you take by mouth twice a day, about 12 hours apart, with or without food. Your team may raise or lower the dose over time. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

• Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids and ask your team which diarrhea medicine to keep at home.
• High blood pressure. Your team will check it often.
• Feeling tired. Rest when you need to and take short walks when you can.
• Less appetite and weight loss. Try small, frequent meals.
• Hoarse voice. This usually is not harmful.
• Red, sore, or peeling skin on the palms and soles. Use thick moisturizer, wear soft shoes, and avoid hot water.
• Nausea. Eat small, bland meals.
• Low thyroid hormone, which can make you feel tired or cold. Your team will check it.

Call your care team right away if you have

• Bad headache, or blood pressure higher than your team told you to expect
• Bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or coughing up blood
• Chest pain, or numbness or weakness on one side, or trouble speaking
• Bad belly pain
• Confusion, seizures, or sudden vision changes
• Pain, swelling, or redness in one leg or arm
• Swelling in your legs or trouble breathing when lying down

Before you start, tell your team

• If you have high blood pressure, heart problems, or have had a blood clot or stroke
• If you have liver problems
• If you have surgery planned
• If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take, since some can change how this medicine works

Good to know

• It often raises blood pressure. Check it at home if your team asks and bring your numbers to visits.
• You will have blood tests for thyroid and liver, and urine tests for protein.
• It can slow wound healing. Your team will stop it for a while before and after surgery or dental work.
• Blood clots and bleeding can happen. Tell your team about any signs.
• This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Ask your team about birth control during treatment and for a while after.

At home

• Take it at about the same times each day, about 12 hours apart.
• Swallow the pills whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or split them unless your team says it is OK.
• If you miss a dose or throw up after a dose, ask your team what to do. Do not take an extra dose on your own.
• Store the pills at room temperature in their original container, away from children and pets.
• Wash your hands after touching the pills. Ask your team if others in your home should take special care.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, since it can raise the amount of medicine in your blood.

Questions to ask

• How long will I take this medicine?
• Should I check my blood pressure at home?
• Are any of my other medicines, foods, or supplements a problem with this medicine?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• Which side effects should I call you about right away, and which can wait?

Side effect guides

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Appetite loss and weight loss
• Hand-foot syndrome

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.