Fruquintinib
Say it: froo-KWIN-tih-nib · Brand names: Fruzaqla
Fruquintinib is a targeted therapy pill that blocks the signals tumors use to grow new blood vessels.
What it is
Tumors need new blood vessels to bring them food and oxygen. Fruquintinib blocks proteins called VEGF receptors that help make these vessels. This can slow the growth of the cancer.
Often used for
- colon or rectal cancer that has spread and has been treated with other medicines
How you get it
Fruquintinib is a capsule you take by mouth at home, once a day, with or without food. It is often taken for 3 weeks, followed by 1 week off, and then repeated. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- High blood pressure. Your team will check it often. You may be asked to check it at home.
- Redness, soreness, peeling, or blisters on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet. Use thick lotion, wear soft shoes, and avoid hot water.
- Protein in your urine, found on urine tests. Your team will check this.
- A hoarse or changed voice. This often gets better over time.
- Belly pain. Tell your team if it is new or gets worse.
- Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids. Tell your team early, since they may give you medicine to help.
- Feeling tired or weak. Rest when you need to, and try short walks.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A very bad headache, confusion, seizure, or changes in your eyesight
- Bleeding that will not stop, vomiting blood, or black or bloody stools
- Very bad belly pain that does not go away
- Chest pain or pressure, or a racing or pounding heartbeat
- Swelling, pain, or warmth in one leg, or sudden shortness of breath
- Hives, swelling of your face or throat, or trouble breathing after a dose
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have high blood pressure, heart problems, or bleeding problems
- If you are allergic to the yellow dye tartrazine (also called FD&C Yellow No. 5) or to aspirin
- If you have surgery or dental work planned, since this medicine can slow wound healing
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take, since some can change how this medicine works
Good to know
- Your blood pressure will be checked often, especially in the first month.
- You will have blood and urine tests to check your liver and for protein in your urine.
- It can raise the chance of bleeding, blood clots, infections, and a tear in the stomach or bowel.
- It is usually stopped before planned surgery because it can slow wound healing.
At home
- Take the capsules at about the same time each day.
- Swallow the capsules whole.
- If you miss a dose or throw up after taking it, ask your team what to do. Do not take extra pills to make up for it.
- Store the pills at room temperature in the original bottle, away from children and pets.
Questions to ask
- How long will I take this medicine?
- Should I check my blood pressure at home?
- What should I do if my hands or feet get sore?
- Which side effects should I call about right away, and which can wait until my next visit?
Side effect guides
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Fruquintinib?
- Fruquintinib is a targeted therapy pill that blocks the signals tumors use to grow new blood vessels. Brand names: Fruzaqla.
- What is Fruquintinib used for?
- colon or rectal cancer that has spread and has been treated with other medicines.
- How is Fruquintinib given?
- Fruquintinib is a capsule you take by mouth at home, once a day, with or without food. It is often taken for 3 weeks, followed by 1 week off, and then repeated. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Fruquintinib?
- High blood pressure. Redness, soreness, peeling, or blisters on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet. Protein in your urine, found on urine tests. A hoarse or changed voice. Belly pain. Diarrhea. Feeling tired or weak.
- When should I call my care team while taking Fruquintinib?
- A very bad headache, confusion, seizure, or changes in your eyesight; Bleeding that will not stop, vomiting blood, or black or bloody stools; Very bad belly pain that does not go away; Chest pain or pressure, or a racing or pounding heartbeat; Swelling, pain, or warmth in one leg, or sudden shortness of breath; Hives, swelling of your face or throat, or trouble breathing after a dose; A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills.
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.