Axitinib is a targeted cancer medicine you take by mouth. It helps slow or stop cancer growth by blocking signals that tumors use to make new blood vessels. Your care team may use it alone or with other cancer medicines.
Brand Name(s)
- United States: Inlyta
- Canada: Inlyta
Warning(s)
Serious side effects can happen with axitinib. Read these warnings and talk with your care team about your risks.
- Tell your care team about all allergies to medicines, foods, or substances.
- Share a full list of everything you take (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs). Some drugs for HIV, infections, or seizures must not be taken with axitinib.
- High blood pressure can happen or get worse. You may need frequent blood pressure checks.
- Serious bleeding can occur. Know the signs and call right away if they happen.
- Axitinib may affect thyroid, liver, blood sugar, and electrolytes. You may need regular blood and urine tests.
- Wound healing can be slowed. You may need to pause treatment around surgery, as directed by your care team.
- Blood clots, heart attack, stroke, and rarely heart failure have happened.
- Holes (perforations) or abnormal connections (fistulas) in the stomach or intestines have happened.
- A rare brain problem called PRES can occur.
- Do not breastfeed while taking axitinib and for 2 weeks after your last dose.
- Axitinib may harm an unborn baby. Use birth control while taking it and for 1 week after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, call your care team right away.
- Fertility may be reduced in some people.
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
- Tell all of your health care providers, including dentists, that you take axitinib.
Call your care team if you have:
- Allergic reaction signs: rash; hives; itching; swelling of the face, mouth, or throat; wheezing; trouble breathing or swallowing; or severe skin redness or peeling.
- Bleeding signs: vomiting or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; black or bloody stools; blood in urine; unusual bruising; bleeding you cannot stop.
- Very high blood pressure signs: severe headache, dizziness, fainting, or vision changes.
- Thyroid problem signs: weight changes, nervousness, weakness, hair thinning, depression, trouble focusing, feeling hot or cold, menstrual changes, shakiness, or sweating.
- Fluid/electrolyte problem signs: confusion, mood changes, muscle pain or weakness, fast or abnormal heartbeat, severe dizziness or fainting, extreme thirst, seizures, very low energy, dry mouth or eyes, or big changes in urination.
- High or low blood sugar signs: fruity breath, fast breathing or heartbeat, confusion, unusual tiredness, shaking, sweating, or unusual thirst or hunger.
- Liver problem signs: yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
- Hand-foot skin reaction: painful redness, swelling, or irritation on the palms or soles.
- Voice changes that are new or worsening.
- Fever, chills, or sore throat.
- Heart failure signs: shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, swelling in legs or arms, or bulging neck veins.
- Blood clot signs: chest pain or pressure; pain in the arm, back, neck, or jaw; coughing up blood; sudden weakness or numbness on one side; trouble speaking; balance or vision changes; shortness of breath; or swelling, warmth, or pain in a leg or arm.
- Stomach or bowel injury signs: severe belly pain or swelling, black or bloody stools, or high fever.
- PRES signs: severe headache, confusion, seizures, or sudden vision changes.
Kind of Cancers It Is Used For (not a complete list)
- Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma), often when it has spread or is advanced. It may be used alone or with other cancer medicines.
Your oncology team decides how and when axitinib is used based on your specific cancer and overall health.
Mechanism of Action
Axitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It blocks vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR-1, -2, and -3). These receptors help tumors grow new blood vessels. By blocking them, axitinib cuts off the blood supply tumors need. This may slow tumor growth or help shrink the cancer.
Common Side Effects
- Stomach and bowel problems: constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, stomach pain, or heartburn.
- Mouth problems: mouth irritation or sores; change in taste.
- Energy changes: feeling tired, weak, or dizzy; headache.
- Appetite and weight: decreased appetite; weight loss.
- Skin and hands/feet: dry skin; redness or irritation on the palms and soles.
- Muscles and joints: muscle or joint pain.
- Respiratory: cough.
- Extremities: pain in arms or legs.
These are not all the possible side effects. Some side effects are common and mild; others can be serious. If side effects bother you, do not go away, or feel severe, contact your care team. You may need tests to check blood pressure, thyroid, liver, kidneys, electrolytes, and urine while on this medicine. In some cases, your team may adjust treatment.
Learn more: MedlinePlus: Axitinib
Last reviewed: 2025-12-15
