Inlyta and Food

Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with axitinib unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of axitinib. This may increase the risk and/or severity of side effects such as high blood pressure, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, decreased appetite, weight loss, and rash, itching or peeling of skin on the hands and feet. You may also be more likely to experience less common but more severe side effects such as blood clots (depending on location, can lead to complications such as stroke, heart attack, breathing difficulties, and vision abnormalities); bleeding; liver problems; thyroid problems; tearing (perforation) in the stomach or intestinal wall; and a rare nervous system condition known as reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS). You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs and symptoms of these conditions including chest pain or pressure; pain in the arms, back, neck or jaw; swelling; shortness of breath; numbness or weakness on one side of the body; headache; vision changes; seizures, unusual bleeding or bruising; red or black stools; coughing up or vomiting blood or blood clots; and severe stomach or abdominal pain. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of axitinib. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit.

MANAGEMENT: Patients treated with axitinib should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and any supplement containing grapefruit extract. Axitinib may be administered with or without food.