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SUTENT

Sunitinib malate · Capsule

Prescription NDA TE AB RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
SUTENT
Generic name
Sunitinib malate
Dosage form
Capsule
Route
Oral
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
4
NDC product codes
4
Packages
4
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Sunitinib Malate 12.5 mg/1 616279 View
Sunitinib Malate 25 mg/1 616279 View
Sunitinib Malate 37.5 mg/1 616279 View
Sunitinib Malate 50 mg/1 616279 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Capsule
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
8

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Kinase Inhibitor [EPC] EPC All 89 members
Protein Kinase Inhibitors [MoA] MoA All 41 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
021938
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
January 26, 2006
Sponsor
CPPI CV
Products on application
4
Submissions recorded
36
Products approved under application 021938.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
021938-001 SUTENT CAPSULE SUNITINIB MALATE Prescription AB RLD
021938-002 SUTENT CAPSULE SUNITINIB MALATE Prescription AB RLD
021938-003 SUTENT CAPSULE SUNITINIB MALATE Prescription AB RLD RS
021938-004 SUTENT CAPSULE SUNITINIB MALATE Prescription AB RLD

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 021938.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 39 Efficacy Approved August 30, 2021 Standard
Supplement 37 Labeling Approved August 14, 2020 Standard
Supplement 38 Labeling Approved July 10, 2020 Standard
Supplement 36 Efficacy Approved May 7, 2019 Priority
Supplement 35 Labeling Approved December 13, 2018 Standard
Supplement 33 Efficacy Approved November 16, 2017 Standard
Supplement 31 Labeling Approved November 16, 2015 Standard
Supplement 30 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 8, 2015 Priority
Supplement 29 Labeling Approved April 24, 2015 Standard
Supplement 28 Labeling Approved April 24, 2015 Standard
Supplement 27 Labeling Approved December 19, 2014 Standard
Supplement 26 Labeling Approved June 11, 2014 Standard
Supplement 25 Labeling Approved August 30, 2013 Standard
Supplement 24 Labeling Approved August 30, 2013 Standard
Supplement 23 Labeling Approved November 16, 2012 Standard
Supplement 22 Labeling Approved November 16, 2012 Standard
Supplement 21 Labeling Approved November 16, 2012 Standard
Supplement 20 Labeling Approved April 20, 2012 Unknown
Supplement 19 Labeling Approved April 20, 2012 Unknown
Supplement 18 Labeling Approved May 20, 2011 Unknown
Supplement 17 Labeling Approved May 20, 2011 Standard
Supplement 13 Efficacy Approved May 20, 2011 Priority
Supplement 15 Labeling Approved July 1, 2010 901 Required
Supplement 14 Labeling Approved July 1, 2010 Unknown
Supplement 11 Labeling Approved July 1, 2010 Unknown
Supplement 10 Efficacy Approved July 1, 2010 Standard
Supplement 9 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 31, 2009 N/A
Supplement 8 Labeling Approved November 7, 2008 Standard
Supplement 7 Labeling Approved November 7, 2008 Standard
Supplement 6 Labeling Approved November 7, 2008 Standard
Supplement 5 Efficacy Approved February 2, 2007 Priority
Supplement 4 Efficacy Approved February 2, 2007 Priority
Supplement 3 Efficacy Approved February 2, 2007 Unknown
Supplement 2 Labeling Approved February 2, 2007 Standard
Supplement 1 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved May 10, 2006 N/A
Original application 1 Type 1 - New Molecular Entity Approved January 26, 2006 Priority

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · September 9, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · September 2, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · September 2, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · August 17, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · August 17, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · July 13, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · July 13, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · May 13, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · May 8, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · January 9, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · December 20, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · November 17, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · November 16, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · November 19, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · November 17, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · April 28, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · April 28, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · April 27, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · April 27, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · December 23, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · December 23, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · June 12, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · September 9, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · September 9, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · September 4, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · September 4, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · November 19, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · November 19, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · November 19, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · November 19, 2012

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260220). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260220

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

WARNING: HEPATOTOXICITY Hepatotoxicity may be severe, and in some cases, fatal. Monitor hepatic function and interrupt, dose reduce, or discontinue SUTENT as recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . WARNING: HEPATOTOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Hepatotoxicity may be severe, and in some cases fatal. Monitor hepatic function and interrupt, dose reduce, or discontinue SUTENT as recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SUTENT is a kinase inhibitor indicated for: • treatment of adult patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) after disease progression on or intolerance to imatinib mesylate. ( 1.1 ) • treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). ( 1.2 ) • adjuvant treatment of adult patients at high risk of recurrent RCC following nephrectomy. ( 1.3 ) • treatment of progressive, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) in adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic disease. ( 1.4 ) 1.1 Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor SUTENT is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) after disease progression on or intolerance to imatinib mesylate. 1.2 Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma SUTENT is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). 1.3 Adjuvant Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma SUTENT is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients at high risk of recurrent RCC following nephrectomy. 1.4 Advanced Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors SUTENT is indicated for the treatment of progressive, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) in adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic disease.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION GIST and Advanced RCC : • The recommended dosage is 50 mg orally once daily for the first 4 weeks of each 6-week cycle (Schedule 4/2). ( 2.1 ) Adjuvant Treatment of RCC : • The recommended dosage is 50 mg orally once daily for the first 4 weeks of a 6-week cycle (Schedule 4/2) for a maximum of 9 cycles. ( 2.2 ) pNET : • The recommended dosage is 37.5 mg orally once daily. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage for GIST and Advanced RCC The recommended dosage of SUTENT for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is 50 mg taken orally once daily, on a schedule of 4 weeks on treatment followed by 2 weeks off (Schedule 4/2) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. SUTENT may be taken with or without food. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Adjuvant Treatment of RCC The recommended dosage of SUTENT for the adjuvant treatment of RCC is 50 mg taken orally once daily, on a schedule of 4 weeks on treatment followed by 2 weeks off (Schedule 4/2), for nine 6-week cycles. SUTENT may be taken with or without food. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for pNET The recommended dosage of SUTENT for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) is 37.5 mg taken orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. SUTENT may be taken with or without food. 2.4 Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions To manage adverse reactions, the recommended dosage modifications are provided in Table 1. Table 2 provides the recommended dosage reductions of SUTENT for adverse reactions. Table 1. Recommended Dosage Reductions of SUTENT for Adverse Reactions Indications GIST RCC pNET Advanced RCC Adjuvant RCC First dose reduction 37.5 mg once daily 37.5 mg once daily 37.5 mg once daily 25 mg once daily Second dose reduction 25 mg once daily 25 mg once daily NA NA Table 2. Recommended Dosage Modifications for SUTENT for Adverse Reactions Adverse Reaction Severity Dosage Modifications for SUTENT Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Grade 3 • Withhold until resolution to Grade 0 to 1 or baseline. • Resume at a reduced dose. • For recurring Grade 3 permanently discontinue. Grade 4 • Permanently discontinue. Cardiovascular events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Asymptomatic cardiomyopathy (left ventricular ejection fraction greater than 20% but less than 50% below baseline or below the lower limit of normal if baseline was not obtained) • Withhold until resolution to Grade 0 to 1 or baseline. • Resume at reduced dose. Clinically manifested congestive heart failure (CHF) • Permanently discontinue. Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Grade 3 • Withhold until resolution to Grade 0 to 1 or baseline. • Resume at a reduced dose. Grade 4 • Permanently discontinue. Hemorrhagic events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Grade 3 or 4 • Withhold until resolution to Grade 0 to 1 or baseline. • Either resume at a reduced dose or discontinue depending on the severity and persistence of adverse reaction. Thrombotic microangiopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Any Grade • Permanently discontinue. Proteinuria or Nephrotic syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] 3 or more grams proteinuria in 24 hours in the absence of nephrotic syndrome • Withhold until resolution to Grade 0 to 1 or baseline. • Resume at a reduced dose. Nephrotic syndrome or recurrent proteinuria of 3 or more grams per 24 hours despite dose reductions • Permanently discontinue. Dermatological toxicities Erythema multiforme (EM), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Necrotizing fasciitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Any Grade • Permanently discontinue. Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Any Grade • Permanently discontinue. Osteonecrosis of the jaw [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] Any Grade • The safety of resumption of SUTENT after osteonecrosis has not been established. • Either resume at a reduced dose or d …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Capsules, hard gelatin: • 12.5 mg sunitinib: orange cap and orange body, printed with white ink “Pfizer” on the cap and “STN 12.5 mg” on the body. • 25 mg sunitinib: caramel cap and orange body, printed with white ink “Pfizer” on the cap and “STN 25 mg” on the body. • 37.5 mg sunitinib: yellow cap and yellow body, printed with black ink “Pfizer” on the cap and “STN 37.5 mg” on the body. • 50 mg sunitinib: caramel top and caramel body, printed with white ink “Pfizer” on the cap and “STN 50 mg” on the body. Capsules: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg sunitinib ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Hepatotoxicity : Fatal liver failure has been observed. Monitor liver function tests at baseline, during each cycle, and as clinically indicated. Interrupt SUTENT for Grade 3 hepatotoxicity until resolution to Grade ≤1 or baseline and resume SUTENT at a reduced dose; discontinue if no resolution. Discontinue SUTENT in patients with Grade 4 hepatoxicity, in patients who have subsequent severe changes in liver function tests or other signs and symptoms of liver failure. ( 2.4 , 5.1 ) • Cardiovascular Events : Myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to below the lower limit of normal including death have occurred. Monitor for signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure and consider monitoring LVEF at baseline and periodically during treatment. Discontinue SUTENT for clinical manifestations of congestive heart failure. Interrupt and/or dose reduce for decreased LVEF. ( 5.2 ) • QT Interval Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes : Monitor patients at higher risk for developing QT interval prolongation. Consider monitoring of electrocardiograms and electrolytes. ( 5.3 ) • Hypertension : Monitor blood pressure at baseline and as clinically indicated. Initiate and/or adjust antihypertensive therapy as appropriate. Interrupt SUTENT for Grade 3 hypertension until resolution to Grade ≤1 or baseline, then resume SUTENT at a reduced dose. Discontinue SUTENT in patients who develop Grade 4 hypertension. ( 5.4 ) • Hemorrhagic Events : Tumor-related hemorrhage and viscus perforation (both with fatal events) have occurred. Perform serial complete blood counts and physical examinations. Interrupt SUTENT for Grade 3 or 4 hemorrhagic events until resolution to Grade ≤1 or baseline, then resume at a reduced dose; discontinue if no resolution. ( 5.5 ) • Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS) : TLS (some fatal) has been reported primarily in patients with RCC and GIST. Monitor these patients and treat as clinically indicated. ( 5.6 ) • Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) : TMA, including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome, sometimes leading to renal failure or a fatal outcome, has been reported. Discontinue SUTENT for TMA. ( 5.7 ) • Proteinuria : Renal failure or a fatal outcome has occurred. Monitor urine protein. Interrupt treatment for 24-hour urine protein of 3 or more grams. Discontinue for repeat episodes of 24-hour urine protein of 3 or more grams despite dose reductions or nephrotic syndrome. ( 5.8 ) • Dermatologic Toxicities : Necrotizing fasciitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) (some fatal) have occurred. Discontinue SUTENT for these events. ( 5.9 ) • Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS) : RPLS (some fatal) has been reported. Monitor for signs and symptoms of RPLS. Withhold SUTENT until resolution. ( 5.10 ) • Thyroid Dysfunction : Monitor thyroid function at baseline, periodically during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Initiate and/or adjust therapy for thyroid dysfunction as appropriate. ( 5.11 ) • Hypoglycemia : Check blood glucose levels regularly and assess if antidiabetic drug dose modifications are required. ( 5.12 ) • Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) : Withhold SUTENT for at least 3 weeks prior to invasive dental procedure and for development of ONJ until complete resolution. ( 5.13 ) • Impaired Wound Healing : Withhold SUTENT for at least 3 weeks prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of SUTENT after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established. ( 5.14 ) • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.15 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Hepatotoxicity SUTENT can cause severe hepatotoxicity, resulting in liver failure …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling. • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Cardiovascular Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • QT Interval Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Hemorrhagic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Thrombotic Microangiopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Proteinuria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] • Dermatologic Toxicities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] • Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] • Thyroid Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] • Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] • Osteonecrosis of the Jaw [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] • Impaired Wound Healing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ] • The most common adverse reactions (≥25%) are fatigue/asthenia, diarrhea, mucositis/stomatitis, nausea, decreased appetite/anorexia, vomiting, abdominal pain, hand-foot syndrome, hypertension, bleeding events, dysgeusia/altered taste, dyspepsia, and thrombocytopenia. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer Inc. at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The pooled safety population described in the Warnings and Precautions reflect exposure to SUTENT in 7527 patients with GIST, RCC (advanced and adjuvant), or pNET. In this pooled safety population, the most common adverse reactions (≥25%) were fatigue/asthenia, diarrhea, mucositis/stomatitis, nausea, decreased appetite/anorexia, vomiting, abdominal pain, hand-foot syndrome, hypertension, bleeding events, dysgeusia/altered taste, dyspepsia, and thrombocytopenia. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor The safety of SUTENT was evaluated in Study 1, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which previously treated patients with GIST received SUTENT 50 mg daily on Schedule 4/2 (n=202) or placebo (n=102). Median duration of blinded study treatment was 2 cycles for patients on SUTENT (mean: 3.0; range: 1–9) and 1 cycle (mean; 1.8; range: 1–6) for patients on placebo at the time of the interim analysis. Permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 7% of patients in the SUTENT arm. Dose reductions occurred in 11% and dose interruptions occurred in 29% of patients who received SUTENT. Table 3 summarizes the adverse reactions for Study 1. Table 3. Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥10% of GIST Patients Who Received SUTENT in the Double-Blind Treatment Phase and More Commonly Than in Patients Given Placebo Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 3.0. in Study 1 Adverse Reaction GIST SUTENT (N=202) Placebo (N=102) All Grades % Grade 3–4 % All Grades % Grade 3–4 % Abbreviations: GIST=gastrointestinal stromal tumor; N=number of patients. Any Adverse Reaction 94 56 97 51 Gastrointestinal Diarrhea 40 4 27 0 Mucositis/stomatitis 29 1 18 2 Constipation 20 0 14 2 Metabolism/Nutrition Anorexia Includes decreased appetite. 33 1 29 5 Asthenia 22 5 11 3 Dermatology Skin discoloration 30 0 23 0 Rash 14 1 9 0 Hand-foot syndrome 14 4 10 3 Neurology Altered taste 21 0 12 0 Cardiac Hypertension 15 4 11 0 Musculoskeletal Myalgia/limb pain 14 1 9 1 Other clinically relevant adverse reactions included oral pain other than mucositis/stomatitis in 6%; hair color changes in 7%; alopecia in 5% of patients who received SUTENT. Table 4 summarizes the laboratory abnormalities in Study 1. Table 4. Laboratory Abnormalities Reported in ≥10% of …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • CYP3A4 Inhibitors : Consider dose reduction of SUTENT when administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. ( 7.1 ) • CYP3A4 Inducers : Consider dose increase of SUTENT when administered with strong CYP3A4 inducers. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on SUTENT Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors Co-administration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase sunitinib plasma concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Select an alternate concomitant medication with no or minimal enzyme inhibition potential. Consider a dose reduction for SUTENT when it is co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Co-administration with strong CYP3A4 inducers may decrease sunitinib plasma concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Select an alternate concomitant medication with no or minimal enzyme induction potential. Consider a dose increase for SUTENT when it must be co-administered with CYP3A4 inducers [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . 7.2 Drugs that Prolong QT Interval SUTENT is associated with QTc interval prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Monitor the QT interval with ECGs more frequently in patients who require treatment with concomitant medications known to prolong the QT interval.

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Lactation : Advise not to breastfeed. ( 8.2 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on animal reproduction studies and its mechanism of action, SUTENT can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] . There are no available data in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk. In animal developmental and reproductive toxicology studies, oral administration of sunitinib to pregnant rats and rabbits throughout organogenesis resulted in teratogenicity (embryolethality, craniofacial and skeletal malformations) at 5.5 and 0.3 times the combined AUC (the combined systemic exposure of sunitinib plus its active metabolite) in patients administered the recommended daily doses (RDD) of 50 mg, respectively (see Data ). Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriages in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In a female fertility and early embryonic development study, female rats were administered oral sunitinib (0.5, 1.5, 5 mg/kg/day) for 21 days prior to mating and for 7 days after mating. Embryolethality was observed at 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 5 times the combined AUC in patients administered the RDD of 50 mg). In embryo-fetal developmental toxicity studies, oral sunitinib was administered to pregnant rats (0.3, 1.5, 3, 5 mg/kg/day) and rabbits (0.5, 1, 5, 20 mg/kg/day) during the period of organogenesis. In rats, embryolethality and skeletal malformations of the ribs and vertebrae were observed at the dose of 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 5.5 times the combined AUC in patients administered the RDD of 50 mg). No adverse fetal effects were observed in rats at doses ≤3 mg/kg/day (approximately 2 times the combined AUC in patients administered the RDD of 50 mg). In rabbits, embryolethality was observed at 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 3 times the combined AUC in patients administered the RDD of 50 mg), and craniofacial malformations (cleft lip and cleft palate) were observed at ≥1 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.3 times the combined AUC in patients administered the RDD of 50 mg). Sunitinib (0.3, 1, 3 mg/kg/day) was evaluated in a pre- and postnatal development study in pregnant rats. Maternal body weight gains were reduced during gestation and lactation at doses ≥1 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.5 times the combined AUC in patients administered the RDD of 50 mg). At 3 mg/kg/day (approximately 2 times the combined AUC in patients administered the RDD of 50 mg), reduced neonate body weights were observed at birth and persisted in the offspring of both sexes during the preweaning period and in males during postweaning period. No adverse developmental effects were observed at doses ≤1 mg/kg/day. 8.2 Lactation There is no information regarding the presence of sunitinib and its metabolites in human milk. Sunitinib and its metabolites were excreted in rat milk at concentrations up to 12-fold higher than in plasma (see Data ) . Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with SUTENT and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose. Data Animal Data In lactating female rats administered 15 mg/kg, sunitinib and its metabolites were excreted in milk at concentrations up to 12-fold higher than in plasma. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential SUTENT can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. Pregnancy Testing Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating treatment with SUTENT. Contraception Females Advise females of reproductive potenti …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Sunitinib is a small molecule that inhibits multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), some of which are implicated in tumor growth, pathologic angiogenesis, and metastatic progression of cancer. Sunitinib was evaluated for its inhibitory activity against a variety of kinases (>80 kinases) and was identified as an inhibitor of platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRα and PDGFRβ), vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3), stem cell factor receptor (KIT), Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3), colony stimulating factor receptor Type 1 (CSF-1R), and the glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor receptor (RET). Sunitinib inhibition of the activity of these RTKs has been demonstrated in biochemical and cellular assays, and inhibition of function has been demonstrated in cell proliferation assays. The primary metabolite exhibits similar potency compared to sunitinib in biochemical and cellular assays. Sunitinib inhibited the phosphorylation of multiple RTKs (PDGFRβ, VEGFR2, KIT) in tumor xenografts expressing RTK targets in vivo and demonstrated inhibition of tumor growth or tumor regression and/or inhibited metastases in some experimental models of cancer. Sunitinib demonstrated the ability to inhibit growth of tumor cells expressing dysregulated target RTKs (PDGFR, RET, or KIT) in vitro and to inhibit PDGFRβ- and VEGFR2-dependent tumor angiogenesis in vivo.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION Sunitinib is a kinase inhibitor present in SUTENT capsules as the malate salt. Sunitinib malate is described chemically as (2 S )-2-hydroxybutanedoic acid with N -[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-5-[( Z )-(5-fluoro-1,2-dihydro-2-oxo- 3H -indol-3-ylidine)methyl]-2,4-dimethyl- 1H -pyrrole-3-carboxamide (1:1). The molecular formula is C 22 H 27 FN 4 O 2 ∙ C 4 H 6 O 5 and the molecular weight is 532.6 Daltons. The chemical structure of sunitinib malate is: Sunitinib malate is a yellow to orange powder with a pKa of 8.95. The solubility of sunitinib malate in aqueous media over the range pH 1.2 to pH 6.8 is in excess of 25 mg/mL. The log of the distribution coefficient (octanol/water) at pH 7 is 5.2. SUTENT (sunitinib malate) capsules are supplied as printed hard shell capsules containing 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg or 50 mg of sunitinib (equivalent to 16.7 mg, 33.4 mg, 50.1 mg, or 66.8 mg of sunitinib malate, respectively). The capsules contain the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, mannitol, and povidone (K-25). The orange gelatin capsule shells contain titanium dioxide and red iron oxide; the caramel gelatin capsule shells contain titanium dioxide, red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, and black iron oxide; and the yellow gelatin capsule shells contain titanium dioxide and yellow iron oxide. The white printing ink contains shellac, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, povidone, and titanium dioxide and the black printing ink contains shellac, propylene glycol, potassium hydroxide, and black iron oxide. Chemical Structure

10 OVERDOSAGE Treatment of overdose with SUTENT should consist of general supportive measures. There is no specific antidote for overdosage with SUTENT. If indicated, elimination of unabsorbed drug should be achieved by emesis or gastric lavage. Cases of accidental overdose have been reported; these cases were associated with adverse reactions consistent with the known safety profile of SUTENT, or without adverse reactions. In nonclinical studies, mortality was observed following as few as 5 daily doses of 500 mg/kg (3000 mg/m 2 ) in rats. At this dose, signs of toxicity included impaired muscle coordination, head shakes, hypoactivity, ocular discharge, piloerection, and gastrointestinal distress. Mortality and similar signs of toxicity were observed at lower doses when administered for longer durations.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING SUTENT 12.5 mg capsules are supplied as hard gelatin capsule with orange cap and orange body, printed with white ink “Pfizer” on the cap, “STN 12.5 mg” on the body: Bottles of 28 capsules: NDC 0069-0550-38 SUTENT 25 mg capsules are supplied as hard gelatin capsule with caramel cap and orange body, printed with white ink “Pfizer” on the cap, “STN 25 mg” on the body: Bottles of 28 capsules: NDC 0069-0770-38 SUTENT 37.5 mg capsules are supplied as hard gelatin capsule with yellow cap and yellow body, printed with black ink “Pfizer” on the cap, “STN 37.5 mg” on the body: Bottles of 28 capsules: NDC 0069-0830-38 SUTENT 50 mg capsules are supplied as hard gelatin capsule with caramel cap and caramel body, printed with white ink “Pfizer” on the cap, “STN 50 mg” on the body: Bottles of 28 capsules: NDC 0069-0980-38 Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
39,092
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: SUNITINIB MALATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
0069-0550-38 0069-0550 Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc 28 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (0069-0550-38) January 26, 2006
0069-0770-38 0069-0770 Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc 28 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (0069-0770-38) January 26, 2006
0069-0830-38 0069-0830 Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc 28 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (0069-0830-38) July 12, 2014
0069-0980-38 0069-0980 Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc 28 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (0069-0980-38) January 26, 2006
0069-0550 0069-0550 Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc — January 26, 2006
0069-0770 0069-0770 Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc — January 26, 2006
0069-0830 0069-0830 Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc — July 12, 2014
0069-0980 0069-0980 Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc — January 26, 2006

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.