Sunitinib

Say it: soo-NIH-tih-nib · Brand names: Sutent

Sunitinib 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. Sunitinib blocks signals, such as VEGF, that make new blood vessels. It also blocks KIT, a signal that drives stomach tumors called GIST.

Often used for

• kidney cancer, including after surgery in some people
• gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
• neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas

How you get it

It is a capsule you take by mouth once a day, with or without food. It is often taken for 4 weeks, then stopped for 2 weeks, but some people take it every day. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

• Feeling tired. Rest when you need to and take short walks when you can.
• Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids.
• Mouth sores or changes in taste. Use a soft toothbrush and a mild salt water rinse.
• Red, sore, or peeling skin on the palms and soles. Use thick moisturizer, wear soft shoes, and avoid hot water.
• High blood pressure. Your team will check it often.
• Yellow color of the skin or lighter hair color. This comes from the medicine and is not harmful.
• Nausea or less appetite. Eat small, frequent 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

• 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
• Shakiness, sweating, or confusion, which can be signs of low blood sugar

Before you start, tell your team

• If you have heart problems or high blood pressure
• If you have liver, kidney, or thyroid problems
• If you have diabetes
• If you have surgery or dental work 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. You will have liver blood tests often.
• It can weaken the heart or change its rhythm. You may have heart tests.
• 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, blood counts, and blood sugar.
• It can slow wound healing. Your team will stop it for a while before and after surgery or dental work.

At home

• Take it at about the same time each day.
• 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
• Mouth sores
• Appetite loss and weight loss
• Taste changes
• 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.