Votrient User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Deb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2017

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "Out of the blue, diagnosed after CT scan, stage 4 renal cell carcinoma, spots on liver also, spot on lung, adrenal glands involved, was told should expect to live 1-5 years. Started Votrient 800 mg on April 13th and have not had a repeat scan yet. Side effects are horrendous to me. Scalp sore like a sunburn type feel, tender, have noticed hair thinning on top of scalp. Mouth is on fire to where I can eat few foods - puddings, water, ice cream mostly melted, soups. Some days mouth hurts so badly I cannot eat. Cannot taste salt. A few days did not take Votrient because I did not eat all day. Burning with urination, scalded. Burns with diarrhea also. Cracking of lips on each side of mouth. Keep telling myself it could be worse. God bless."

• Kid...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 28, 2016

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "My husband was diagnosed with right renal cell cancer in May 2014. A brain tumor was found on an MRI that same month, along with small spots on the lungs. Gamma Knife procedure done in May 2014. Right nephrectomy in June 2014. Brain tumor removed in September 2014. He didn't start Votrient 800 mg until December 2015 due to a small spot they found on the left kidney during a routine CT scan. Since taking the medication, his hair has turned from red to white. Other side effects include high blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea, and being tired. He was on blood pressure medication prior to taking Votrient. Now he is on three blood pressure meds, and now the blood pressures are within a normal range. Spots may or may not be cancer. So far, tolerating the med well."

• l59...
• January 28, 2018

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "My mum is soon to be 90 and had never been in the hospital, only to have her four children. Mum got pneumonia, and in November 2017, was in the hospital for 6 days. Diagnosed with pneumonia and an enlarged heart. Mid-December 2017, she came back to the hospital with labored breathing. Tests done showed a collapsed lung due to fluid and, to our shock, later diagnosed with RCC, gone into the renal artery and metastasized to the liver. By Wednesday, January 24, 2018, she started on Votrient, 2 a day. She already has white hair, so I don't think that will change, but she was taken off blood pressure tablets in the hospital (which she had been on for 50 years) as her blood pressure was perfect. On Votrient, it has gone up again, so I am taking her tomorrow to see if they want to put her back on them. Mum has 20 great-grandchildren and 12 grandchildren and wants desperately to be able to go to my son's wedding in March, and her birthday is May 1st. The oncologist is confident that she will make both... Here's hoping."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2020

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "I am a 72-year-old female. Diagnosed in 2010 with a large kidney tumor. Radical right-side nephrectomy. In 2014, recurrence of cancer in the left kidney and remaining adrenal gland. Tumors were progressing very slowly. Started on an 800 mg dose in January 2020. Reduced to 600 mg after blood pressure spikes. By mid-March, all tumors had shrunk by 5 mm. Due to Covid-19, treatment was put on hold until mid-July. I have a scan every three months and am due for my next one in October 2020. I am fortunate to be free from side effects up to now, and I feel I’m lucky to have the best care through our NHS in the United Kingdom."

• twh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2018

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "RCC Stage 4 - Dec 2015. Unfortunately, cannot comment on the efficacy of Votrient; was only on it for about a few weeks. Yeah, the gastro side effects started on about day 3, but it was the fevers that drove me to the hospital. Liver enzymes through the roof. Was taken off the med immediately, followed by a 3-week recovery period, then placed on Cabometyx (which Dr. wanted me on in the first place). Cabo has worked wonders for me - into the 15th month now - no side effects, dramatic reduction in tumors. Best luck to you all."

• Jef...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2020

For Soft Tissue Sarcoma "Stage 4 soft tissue sarcoma. I was on 800 mg of Votrient. After 3 weeks, the doctor took it down to 600 mg because the side effects were too much for me. On 600 mg, they were still bad, but he said he couldn't go lower. After 3 months, the cancer had grown and spread to my spine. Now I am having radiation on the spine, then chemo. I was told if I do nothing, I have 'weeks to months' left. If I do chemo, 'months to a year,' some choice, huh? I'll try the chemo, but if the side effects are not worth it, I'll stop."

• sre...
• April 14, 2017

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "My husband's left kidney was removed in March 2015. No signs of cancer for one and a half years. In October 2016, he had a cough and lower back pain. Did PET CT and found mets in lungs and spine. Started taking Votrient since December 2016. After 3 months, tumors in lungs are found shrinking. Major side effects are vomiting, muscle and bone pain. Nowadays he is full-time on bed due to muscle pain. Acid reflux is overcome with Pan D. We are hoping and praying for positive results."

• Tam...
• January 3, 2017

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "1/3/16. Was told I had cancer at the bottom of my kidney, and it got large, the doctor said, and is pressing into my spine. Was on Votrient about 2 1/2 months, and a scan showed the tumor size had not changed. After taking Votrient about 5 months, I got very sick and could not eat or drink for about 10 days. Did a lot of vomiting. My stomach hurt for many days. Need to ask the doctor if I should get back on it (the mass must shrink a lot, the doctor says, before they would consider surgery). This has been very scary as the mass is pressing and causing tightness and twisting of my left leg, but I'm doing a lot of praying for myself and all cancer patients. We desperately need cures. I get scans on Jan 16."

• Bos...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 5, 2017

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "I have undergone radical nephrectomy of my left kidney in November 2014 with staging T2 N0 M0. The doctor said that I am now okay. During 2015, I underwent quarterly check-ups by USG of the abdomen and chest X-ray. In November 2015, a CT scan of the thorax was done and found two suspicious small nodes in the left lung, but position-wise very small. The next scan done after six months showed no change in the size of those nodes or new growth. Pain started in the left shoulder joint and in the back since October 2016. I went for a CT scan followed by a bone scan, which detected tumors in the left shoulder and D4 spine, also an increase in the size of lung tumors. mRCC was confirmed by biopsy. I started Votrient 800 mg daily from December 14, 2016. No major side effect except testlessness."

• Fai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2019

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "Votrient nearly killed me by attacking my liver. I tried it twice. The first time was for 4 weeks. During that time, I had just about every side effect possible: change in taste, diarrhea, white hair, tiredness. I finally had brick red urine and turned yellow as it attacked my liver. I found out the side effects were so bad because a previous cancer drug, Opdivo, was still in my system. After 6 weeks of steroids, I tried Votrient again. This time, I got tired and had a fever within a week. A blood test showed it was attacking my liver once again. I was back on steroids. It did reduce the size of my tumors while on it, but was killing me by attacking my liver."

• SSi...
• August 28, 2017

For Soft Tissue Sarcoma "I am on Votrient from June 1st, and yesterday had my first scan (3 months on Votrient, 800 mg dose). It has shown a marginal increase in the size of the tumor, but the SUV uptake has gone down from 4.6 to 2.7. As per my doctor, the tablets are working, and we will continue the same. Is it really working?"

• Tin...
• July 18, 2015

For Soft Tissue Sarcoma "I just started Votrient 3 days ago. I have no side effects at all. I've felt great the past several days, just like my old self before I was diagnosed with an 11.2 cm tumor in my pelvis that was surgically removed in Feb of 2015. However, the leiomyosarcoma metastasized to my liver, lung, and I was told bones. After 6 treatments of Gemzar and Taxotere, the liver and lung metastases spread and grew. I was sent to another hospital for a Phase II trial drug to build the immune system, charging the T-cells to go after the cancer, while Dixol chemo attacks the cancer. The Dixol could only be used 10 due to possible problems with the heart pump. I said no thanks, that's when I asked what else they had, so I was put on Votrient."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 1, 2021

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "Update... on Votrient 800 mg since January 2020, with a short period of treatment paused because of the pandemic. I resumed in July 2020. The only side effect is elevated blood pressure (controlled). The latest scan showed dramatic shrinkage of RCC mets in the remaining kidney, pancreas, and adrenal gland. Also, lung mets are no longer visible on the latest scan. I feel very fortunate that this drug is working for me. My thoughts are with you all. Keep fighting."

• Lee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 11, 2020

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "January 2017, left kidney, adrenal, and 5 lymph nodes removed. 45 weeks into a trial, came back in T9 vertebrae cleaned out. January 2019, started 800 mg, bad side effects, went to 600. Now, 1 and 1/2 years, spot on left lung shrinking, right adrenal site reduced. Occasional diarrhea, white hair. Medical marijuana helps with appetite and nausea, sleeping, and anxiety. I will stay on until it stops working."

• dku...
• December 19, 2015

For Soft Tissue Sarcoma "My mother went on this wonderful drug, and it was bad. It burnt and blistered the inside of her mouth and throat to the point she could not eat solids anymore. She lost all her strength to the point we had to carry her to the bathroom, and finally, she lost her life."

• meo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 4, 2017

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "Update: tolerating Votrient 400 mg. Last 2 scans, status quo. Diarrhea controlled with Imodium. Pattern of a couple good weeks followed by fatigue and general awful feeling. Medicinal marijuana has been a godsend for these bad times. Almost like setting a reset button, both mentally and physically. Only do it when I feel awful and won't be leaving the house."

• 3...
• October 17, 2021

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "I was diagnosed with renal cancer 6 years ago. My left kidney was removed. I received no chemotherapy or radiation due to the fact it was ineffective on a clear cell carcinoma. I had 3 nodules on my lungs at the time it was diagnosed. 5 years later, a CT scan showed the 3 nodules grew and two more appeared on my right lung. A wedge section was removed from my left lower lung. The metastasis was confirmed to stage 4 cancers. After 2 opinions, I tried a combination of Keytruda infusion and Inlyta tablets. I had a severe reaction to the Keytruda, thankfully, the doctor and nurses saved me. I had several options and went for Votrient. I have had no serious side effects. My blood pressure became elevated but was brought under control with an increase of blood pressure medication. I just had a CT scan. The 3 remaining nodules shrunk and 1 disappeared. No other signs of cancer. I am a new user, but so far, I think this drug is a miracle."

• Cle...
• April 25, 2020

"I started on Votrient in mid-January for neuroendocrine tumor and have been on it for a little over 3 months at 600 mg a day. It was rough at first. Felt bad, upset stomach, diarrhea, mouth sore, food tasted bad, and all my hair turned white. Lost weight as well. My blood counts were not affected and only slightly raised my blood pressure. I have toyed with when I take the medicine to try to mitigate symptoms. A couple of times I've stopped for 4-5 days due to horrible diarrhea. It would clear up after 24-48 hours of stopping the medicine. My taste would return as well. After 3 months, I now take the medicine around 3 AM or when I wake up to use the restroom in the night, when my stomach is most empty. This made a huge improvement. I always take 2 Imodium before breakfast, 1 before lunch, and 1 before dinner. This leveled out the diarrhea. Other than my white hair, all other symptoms have mostly subsided and I am able to carry on as normal. CT scan coming up next month."

• Kiw...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 9, 2021

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "Using Votrient from Jan 2013 until July 2020. Had right kidney removed in Nov 2011 on diagnosis of my cancer. Metastasized in my submandibular and parotid glands in Sept 2012, starting Votrient in Jan 2013. Side effects appear to improve over the years, the main issue was blood pressure and diarrhea. I stopped Votrient to try SRT, which appears to be working."

• Anonymous
• December 27, 2021

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "My husband had a nephrectomy of his left kidney, it had spread to his left testicle, and he had the testicle removed as well. Before the operation, the surgeon said that the mass had been slow-growing for roughly ten years. He is 67 and in mostly good health outside of the cancer. It has been a year and a half on Votrient. The first dosage was too high and caused him a few hospital visits to stabilize his liver function. Now he is on half that dose, the only prominent side effect is the occasional nausea, fatigue, and vomiting/fainting spells. Of course, his hair has also gone completely white. He is very thin and struggles to put on weight but has a healthy appetite. It seems that this dosage is working, his cancer cells have shrunk. He goes for a PET scan twice a year and has been clear so far. In 4 months, it will be 2 years since diagnosis. So far, the medication is working. The diet seems to be the trickiest part, and I would recommend that you see an expert dietician. A specific diet is NB."

• For...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2021

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "Daddy has clear cell renal cell carcinoma. He was first put on Opdivo and Yervoy-an immunotherapy. This worked great! It was shrinking my dad's tumors that he had in his stomach, liver, lungs, and right atrium (heart). It even got rid of all the cancer in his stomach. The cancer spread to his brain, and he had to be put on chemotherapy. Votrient had a lot of side effects: nausea, super high blood pressure, major fatigue, and chemo brain fog. He lost 80 pounds on Votrient from not eating. Became frail and fragile, and we were afraid he would die from malnutrition. We begged the doctor to take him off it because she even said he wouldn't live much longer on it, but the issue was the Votrient was SHRINKING the tumors in his liver. This was a sign it was working. His doctor put him on dexamethasone 2 mg, which helped his energy levels and his appetite tremendously. He gained 40 pounds! He was on Votrient 6 months, but BP and brain fog got worse, though, so she then put him on Avastin."

• Bre...
• December 21, 2010

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "This is my husband's second month on Votrient. He had a CT today, and it shows significant shrinkage in the tumors in his lungs. The only side effect he is experiencing is high blood pressure."

• Anonymous
• May 8, 2011

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "Taking 600 mg of Votrient. Taken at night seems to reduce the side effects significantly."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 12, 2016

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "My husband has been on Votrient for a year. He has experienced some gastric issues and foot pain, but overall his tumors are shrinking."

• rcb...
• January 30, 2011

For Renal Cell Carcinoma "Very effective. Have lost a lot of weight, but side effects not as extreme as Sutent for me. Started taking 9/20/10 still on it 2/11."