Tivozanib (Fotivda)

The basics

Tivozanib (brand name-Fotivda) is an FDA-approved treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC; cancer that begins in the kidneys) that has returned or did not respond to at least two other medications.

Tivozanib falls in a class of kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.

let us walk you through the key things you need to know about tivozanib.

How should I take tivozanib (Fotivda)?

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Tivozanib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. Take once daily with or without food for the first 21 days of a 28-day cycle. Repeat the cycle as per your doctor’s advice. Take tivozanib at around the same time every day.

Take tivozanib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water; do not open them.

Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with tivozanib. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.

What are the side effects of tivozanib (Fotivda)?

Serious side effects

  • unusual bruising or bleeding
  • bloody or black and tarry stools
  • blood in urine
  • vomiting or coughing up blood
  • bleeding from gums
  • seizures, headaches, vision changes, or confusion
  • redness, swelling, and pain on hands and/or feet
  • dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath
  • numbness or weakness on one side of body; pain in arms, back, neck or jaw; difficulty talking; sudden severe headache

Tivozanib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking tivozanib (Fotivda)

  • tell your doctor about
  • tell your doctor about other intakes
  • tell your doctor if you have or ever had any disease, symptom, or treatment
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you plan to father a child. You or your partner should not become pregnant while you are taking tivozanib. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that you can use during your treatment. It may also impair fertility.

While you are on tivozanib (Fotivda)

  • if you or your partner become pregnant while taking tivozanib, call your doctor. Tivozanib may harm the fetus.
  • tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed during your treatment with tivozanib and for 1 month after your final dose.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking tivozanib.
  • you should know that tivozanib may cause high blood pressure.

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses on the same day to make up for a missed one.

In case of an emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

How should I safely store and dispose of tivozanib?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

You should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Brand names

  • Fotivda®

Last Revised – 12/26/2023, FDA-updated- 08/18/2022, SG

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DISCLAIMER: No part of this content constitutes medical advice, opinion, or should be used for medical decision making without consultation with a licenced medical practitioner and under a patient-provider relationship. All information on the website is provided without any claims of accuracy. For full terms and conditions, visit this link. Content curated by the Ankr team.

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