Pazopanib

Say it: puh-ZOH-puh-nib · Brand names: Votrient

Pazopanib is a targeted pill that blocks several growth signals and cuts off the blood supply tumors need.

What it is

Tumors need new blood vessels to grow. Pazopanib blocks signals, such as VEGF, that tell new blood vessels to form. This can slow tumor growth.

Often used for

• kidney cancer
• soft tissue sarcoma after chemotherapy

How you get it

It is a pill you take by mouth once a day on an empty stomach. Take it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. People usually take it for as long as it works. 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.
• Hair turning lighter or white. This comes from the medicine and is not harmful.
• Nausea or vomiting. Eat small, bland meals.
• Feeling tired. Rest when you need to and take short walks when you can.
• Less appetite or changes in taste. Try small, frequent meals.

Call your care team right away if you have

• Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain on the right side of your belly
• 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
• A fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat, or feeling like you might faint
• New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

Before you start, tell your team

• If you have liver problems
• If you have heart problems, high blood pressure, or have had a blood clot or stroke
• If you take medicines for heartburn or stomach acid
• 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

• This medicine has a serious warning for liver damage, which can be deadly. You will have liver blood tests often, especially in the first months.
• It can change heart rhythm or weaken the heart. You may have ECGs (heart tracings) and other heart tests.
• It often raises blood pressure. Check it at home if your team asks and bring your numbers to visits.
• You will have urine tests for protein and blood tests for thyroid.
• It can slow wound healing. Your team will stop it for a while before and after surgery or dental work.

At home

• Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
• 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
• Taste changes

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.