Tivozanib

Generic name: tivozanib [ tye-VOE-zan-ib ]
Brand name: Fotivda
Dosage form: oral capsule (1340 mcg; 890 mcg)
Drug class: VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 7, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is tivozanib?

Tivozanib is used to treat advanced kidney cancer in adults, after at least two other cancer treatments did not work or have stopped working.

Tivozanib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Tivozanib side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tivozanib may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe headache, confusion, dizziness;

• a seizure;

• chest pain, shortness of breath;

• blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;

• swelling in your lower legs, rapid weight gain;

• any wound that will not heal;

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);

• signs of bleeding inside your body--weakness, dizziness; pink or brown urine; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• signs of a blood clot--sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, chest pain, problems with vision or speech, pain or swelling in an arm or leg; or

• kidney problems--swelling, puffy eyes, foamy urine.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects of tivozanib may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite;

• feeling weak or tired;

• cough, hoarse voice;

• mouth sores; or

• abnormal blood tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems;

• high blood pressure;

• a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke;

• bleeding problems;

• surgery, including oral surgery;

• a wound that has not healed;

• a thyroid disorder;

• liver disease; or

• an allergy to aspirin or yellow dye (tartrazine).

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Both men and women using tivozanib should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Tivozanib can harm an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine.

Keep using birth control for at least 1 month after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using tivozanib.

Pregnancy may be less likely to occur while the mother or the father is using this medicine. Both men and women should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because the medicine can harm an unborn baby.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 month after your last dose.

How should I take tivozanib?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Tivozanib is given in a 28-day treatment cycle. You may need to use the medicine only during the first 21 days of each cycle. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine.

You may take tivozanib with or without food.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. You may also need blood or urine tests.

You may be given other medication to help prevent nausea, vomiting, or high blood pressure. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

If you need surgery or dental work, tell your surgeon or dentist you currently use this medicine. You should stop taking tivozanib for at least 24 days before a planned surgery.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Tivozanib dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Renal Cell Carcinoma:

1.34 mg orally once a day for 21 days followed by 7 days off (28-day cycle) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

Use: For adult patients with relapsed or refractory advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following 2 or more prior systemic therapies

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses in the same day.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose may cause severely high blood pressure.

What should I avoid while taking tivozanib?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect tivozanib?

Other drugs may affect tivozanib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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