axpero 5 tablet - Axitinib (5mg) medicine

Axpero 5 Tablet (Axitinib 5 mg): Complete Medicine Guide

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🏭 Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Oct 16, 2026
⚠️ Hepatotoxicity Risk ⚠️ Nephrotoxicity Risk 🤰 Pregnancy Category This medicine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. It is not recommended during pregnancy. Effective contraception should be used during treatment and for at least one week after the last dose. 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
12 min read
Evidence: Well-established for advanced renal cell carcinoma.
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Oct 16, 2026
🩺
Medically Fact-Checked & Clinically Verified by SaathiMed Clinical Review Board
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Severe headache, confusion, seizures, or vision changes
  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat
  • Black, tarry stools or vomiting blood
  • Severe abdominal pain with fever or rigidity
  • Sudden weakness or difficulty speaking
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine
  • Swelling of hands and feet with blistering or peeling
  • Decreased urine output or swelling of legs

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is axpero 5 tablet used for?

This medicine contains axitinib 5 mg, a targeted anticancer tablet used mainly for advanced kidney cancer. It works by blocking blood vessel growth to the tumour. It is taken twice daily under oncologist supervision.

  • Generic Name: Axitinib
  • Manufacturer: Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 axpero 5 tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा एग्जिटिनिब 5 मिलीग्राम की गोली है, जिसका उपयोग मुख्य रूप से एडवांस्ड रीनल सेल कार्सिनोमा (गुर्दे के कैंसर) के इलाज में किया जाता है। यह एक टार्गेटेड कैंसर दवा है जो ट्यूमर को खून की आपूर्ति करने वाली नई रक्त वाहिकाओं के निर्माण को रोकती है, जिससे ट्यूमर की वृद्धि धीमी हो जाती है। यह दवा मुँह से ली जाती है और इसका सेवन केवल कैंसर रोग विशेषज्ञ की सलाह से ही करना चाहिए।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में दस्त, उच्च रक्तचाप, थकान, भूख में कमी, मतली, उल्टी, वजन कम होना, आवाज में भारीपन और हाथ-पैर की त्वचा पर लालिमा या छाले शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में गंभीर उच्च रक्तचाप, दिल का दौरा, स्ट्रोक, रक्तस्राव, आंतों में छेद, यकृत की समस्या और मस्तिष्क संबंधी लक्षण हो सकते हैं। कोई भी असामान्य लक्षण दिखने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को केवल कैंसर रोग विशेषज्ञ की देखरेख में ही लें। बिना डॉक्टर की सलाह के दवा शुरू या बंद न करें। नियमित रूप से रक्तचाप की जाँच कराएँ और बढ़े हुए रक्तचाप की सूचना तुरंत डॉक्टर को दें। यकृत, गुर्दे और थायरॉइड की जाँच समय-समय पर कराते रहें। ग्रेपफ्रूट और उसके जूस का सेवन न करें। गर्भावस्था के दौरान इस दवा का सेवन न करें और उपचार के दौरान प्रभावी गर्भनिरोधक उपाय अपनाएँ। स्तनपान कराने वाली महिलाएँ इस दवा का सेवन न करें।

💡 Did You Know? The first generic medicine was introduced in India in 1970 after the Patents Act was amended.

💊 axpero 5 tablet Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Advanced renal cell carcinoma","description":"Used as a second-line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma after failure of one prior systemic therapy, usually a cytokine or another targeted agent.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Hepatocellular carcinoma","description":"Sometimes used in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma after other treatments have failed, but evidence is more limited compared with renal cell carcinoma.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Thyroid cancer","description":"Investigated in some types of advanced thyroid cancer, but not a standard first-line option.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Other advanced solid tumours","description":"Occasionally used in clinical trials or selected cases of other advanced solid tumours under specialist supervision.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Advanced renal cell carcinoma

Also treats: Hepatocellular carcinoma, Thyroid cancer

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Axitinib
Brand NameAxpero 5 Tablet
ManufacturerIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassANTI NEOPLASTICS
Action ClassTyrosine kinase inhibitors
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep in the original container, away from moisture and heat.
Shelf LifeRefer to the packaging for the expiry date. Do not use after the expiry date.
WHO GuidelineNot established from the available information.
ICMR GuidelineNot established from the available information.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Monitor blood pressure regularly and treat hypertension promptly to prevent complications.
2
Check liver function tests, kidney function, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment.
3
Advise patients to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as well as strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers.
4
Educate patients about hand-foot skin reaction and recommend moisturisers and comfortable footwear.
5
Assess for bleeding risk and advise patients to report any unusual bleeding or bruising immediately.
6
Adjust dose based on tolerability and blood pressure; consider dose reduction if side effects are severe.
7
Discuss contraception and pregnancy prevention with patients of childbearing potential.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

✅
Advanced kidney cancer
This medicine is commonly prescribed for this condition.
Likely Use
❌
High blood pressure
This medicine can cause high blood pressure; it is not used to treat it.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionAxitinib is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. The absolute bioavailability is not established from the available information. Food does not have a clinically significant effect on absorption, but grapefruit may increase levels.
DistributionAxitinib is distributed into body tissues. The volume of distribution is not established from the available information.
Protein BindingAxitinib is highly bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin. The exact percentage is not established from the available information.
MetabolismAxitinib is metabolised primarily in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes, mainly CYP3A4/5, and to a lesser extent by CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and UGT1A1.
Half-LifeThe elimination half-life of axitinib is approximately 2.5 to 6.1 hours.
ExcretionAxitinib is excreted mainly in the faeces as unchanged drug and metabolites, with a smaller amount excreted in urine.
BioavailabilityNot established from the available information.
Onset of ActionThe onset of action is not immediate; effects on tumour growth are gradual and may take weeks to become evident.
Peak Plasma TimePeak plasma concentrations are reached approximately 2.5 to 4 hours after oral administration.
Duration of ActionThe duration of action is not directly established, but the medicine is usually taken twice daily to maintain therapeutic levels.

How It Works

This medicine is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that selectively inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1, 2, and 3, as well as platelet-derived growth factor receptor and c-KIT. By blocking these receptors, it reduces angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that supply tumours, thereby slowing tumour growth and progression. It does not directly kill cancer cells but deprives them of blood supply and nutrients.

Mechanism Steps

1
Binding to VEGFR: This medicine binds to the intracellular kinase domain of VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3, blocking their activation.
2
Inhibition of phosphorylation: It prevents phosphorylation of downstream signalling proteins involved in endothelial cell proliferation and survival.
3
Reduced angiogenesis: This leads to decreased formation of new blood vessels supplying the tumour.
4
Tumour growth inhibition: Without adequate blood supply, tumour growth is slowed and progression is delayed.

💡 How to Take axpero 5 tablet

Strength: Axitinib 5 mg immediate-release tablet

1Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your oncologist.
2Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
3Take it with or without food, but avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
4Take doses approximately 12 hours apart.
5If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take another dose; wait for the next scheduled dose.
6Do not crush or chew the tablet unless instructed.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe usual starting dose of this medicine is 5 mg taken orally twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart, with or without food. Dose adjustments may be made by the oncologist based on individual tolerability, blood pressure, liver function, and concomitant medications. The dose may be increased to 7 mg twice daily or decreased to 3 mg twice daily or lower if needed. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatric oncologist.
Elderly DosageNo specific dose adjustment is recommended for elderly patients based on age alone. However, elderly patients may be more sensitive to side effects such as hypertension and fatigue, and should be monitored closely.
Renal ImpairmentNo dose adjustment is required for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. For patients with severe renal impairment or those on dialysis, use with caution and monitor closely.
Hepatic ImpairmentFor patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B), the starting dose should be reduced by approximately 50%. For severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C), axitinib is not recommended.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum recommended dose is 10 mg twice daily, but doses above 10 mg twice daily have not been studied.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With or without food
Take at the same times each day
Food does not significantly affect absorption.
Grapefruit
Avoid
May increase drug levels and side effects.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than 6 hours since missed dose
→ Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
💡 Continue with the regular schedule.
📌 More than 6 hours since missed dose
→ Skip the missed dose.
💡 Do not double dose to catch up.

⚠️ Side Effects of axpero 5 tablet

✅ Common Side Effects

Diarrhoea (Common (10-30%))
Stay hydrated and inform your doctor if it persists or is severe.
High blood pressure (Common (20-40%))
Monitor blood pressure regularly and report any increase to your doctor.
Fatigue (Common (20-30%))
Rest when needed and inform your doctor if it interferes with daily activities.
Decreased appetite (Common (10-20%))
Eat small frequent meals and consult a dietitian if weight loss occurs.
Nausea (Common (10-20%))
Take with food and ask your doctor about anti-nausea medicines if needed.
Hand-foot skin reaction (Common (10-20%))
Moisturise hands and feet, avoid tight footwear, and report to your doctor.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Severe hypertension (Uncommon (1-10%))
Seek immediate medical attention if blood pressure is very high or if you have severe headache, chest pain, or vision changes.
Arterial thromboembolic events (heart attack, stroke) (Rare (<1%))
Call emergency services if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, or difficulty speaking.
Gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation (Rare (<1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice black stool, vomiting blood, or severe abdominal pain.
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (Rare (<1%))
Go to the emergency department if you have severe headache, seizures, confusion, or vision loss.
Liver enzyme elevation (Uncommon (1-10%))
Regular blood tests are needed; report yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or right upper abdominal pain.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Pancreatitis
Seek immediate care if you have severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back.
Cardiac failure
Report shortness of breath, swelling of legs, or sudden weight gain.
Severe skin reactions
Stop the medicine and seek immediate medical help if you develop blistering or peeling skin.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Ketoconazole Major
Rifampicin Major
Clarithromycin Major
Carbamazepine Major
Phenytoin Major
Erythromycin Moderate
Fluconazole Moderate
Amlodipine Moderate
Warfarin Moderate
Antacids Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin)
  • Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin)
  • Grapefruit juice

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin, fluconazole)
  • Antihypertensive medicines

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol may worsen side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, and low blood pressure. It is advisable to avoid or limit alcohol while taking this medicine.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Hypersensitivity to axitinib or any component of the formulation","Pregnancy","Breastfeeding","Severe hepatic impairment"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["Hypertension: monitor and treat promptly.","Arterial thromboembolic events: use with caution in patients with recent cardiovascular events.","Hemorrhage: risk of bleeding; monitor for signs.","Gastrointestinal perforation and fistula: report severe abdominal pain.","Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome: report neurological symptoms.","Thyroid dysfunction: monitor thyroid function.","Proteinuria: monitor urine protein.","Hepatic impairment: dose adjustment may be needed.","Avoid grapefruit and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

It is not known whether axitinib is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment and for at least two weeks after the last dose.

💊 Overdose Management

There is no specific antidote for overdose. In case of suspected overdose, stop the medicine and seek immediate medical attention. Supportive care and monitoring of vital signs and organ function are recommended.

⏰ Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is more than 12 hours before the next scheduled dose. If it is less than 12 hours before the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

This medicine must only be taken under the supervision of a qualified oncologist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose without medical advice. Blood pressure should be checked regularly, and any rise should be reported promptly. Liver and kidney function tests, thyroid function, and urine protein should be monitored as advised. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice because they can increase the levels of this medicine in the body. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one week after the last dose, as this medicine can harm an unborn baby. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine. Inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially blood thinners, blood pressure medicines, and drugs that affect liver enzymes. Avoid activities that increase the risk of bleeding or injury. If you miss a dose, follow your doctor's instructions; do not double the dose. Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat, and keep it out of reach of children.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to side effects such as hypertension, fatigue, and diarrhoea. Close monitoring and dose adjustments may be needed.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one week after the last dose. Men with female partners of childbearing potential should also use effective contraception. Discuss pregnancy planning with your doctor before starting treatment.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

This medicine may increase the risk of bleeding and impair wound healing. Inform your surgeon and oncologist if you are scheduled for surgery. Treatment may need to be temporarily interrupted before and after surgery.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine, as it may increase the risk of bleeding during dental procedures. Your dentist may recommend precautions or coordinate with your oncologist.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Monitor your blood pressure at home and keep a record.
🥗
Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
😴
Stay physically active as tolerated to reduce fatigue.
💧
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
🧘
Get adequate rest and manage stress.
🌞
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor promptly.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

Moderate exercise is generally safe, but avoid strenuous activities that may increase the risk of bleeding or injury. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise programme.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Eat small, frequent meals if you have nausea or loss of appetite.
Stay well hydrated, especially if you have diarrhoea.
Limit salty and processed foods to help control blood pressure.
Include protein-rich foods to maintain strength.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine may cause fatigue, dizziness, or high blood pressure, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving if you feel unwell. Discuss with your doctor about work adjustments if needed.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your oncologist. If you experience severe side effects, your doctor may temporarily stop or reduce the dose. Stopping suddenly can lead to tumour progression.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use of this medicine may lead to persistent hypertension, thyroid dysfunction, proteinuria, and liver enzyme abnormalities. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, thyroid function, liver and kidney function, and urine protein is essential. Dose adjustments may be needed over time. Patients should be reviewed regularly by their oncologist to assess benefits and risks.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Other targeted therapies

Other tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as pazopanib or sunitinib may be options.

Evidence: Well-established
Immunotherapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors may be used alone or in combination.

Evidence: Well-established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with this medicine because of the potential risk of infection. Inactivated vaccines may be given, but response may be reduced. Consult your doctor before any vaccination.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store at room temperature (20-25°C)

❌ DON'T

Do not refrigerate unless specified

✅ DO

Keep in original container

❌ DON'T

Do not transfer to unmarked containers

✅ DO

Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture

❌ DON'T

Do not store in bathroom cabinet

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

Carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in your hand luggage to avoid loss or temperature extremes. If crossing time zones, adjust dosing times gradually in consultation with your doctor. Store at room temperature and avoid direct sunlight. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 58-year-old man with advanced kidney cancer after initial treatment failure
He was started on this medicine 5 mg twice daily. His blood pressure was monitored closely and he was advised to avoid grapefruit. After 4 weeks, his blood pressure increased slightly, so his doctor adjusted his antihypertensive medicine. He experienced mild diarrhoea and fatigue but continued treatment. Scans after 3 months showed stable disease.
💡 Lesson: Regular monitoring and prompt management of side effects help patients stay on treatment and achieve better outcomes.
👤 A 62-year-old woman with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
She was prescribed this medicine and developed hand-foot skin reaction after 2 weeks. Her doctor reduced the dose temporarily and recommended moisturisers. She also reported hoarseness of voice. With dose adjustment and supportive care, the side effects improved, and she was able to continue therapy.
💡 Lesson: Dose modification and supportive care can effectively manage side effects, allowing continued treatment.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: The effects on tumour growth are gradual and may take several weeks to become evident. Your doctor will monitor your response with regular scans.

Q: Can I take this medicine with food?

A: Yes, you can take it with or without food, but avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose?

A: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is more than 12 hours before the next dose. Otherwise, skip it and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Q: Is this medicine safe during pregnancy?

A: No, this medicine can harm an unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one week after the last dose.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine long-term?
  • Will it affect my kidney function?
  • Can I drive after taking this medicine?
  • Does it interact with my blood pressure medicine?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking this?

🔄 Substitutes for axpero 5 tablet

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: Axitinib is a traditional chemotherapy that kills all fast-growing cells.
    Fact: Axitinib is a targeted therapy that mainly blocks blood vessel growth to the tumour, not a general chemotherapy.
  • Myth: You can stop taking axitinib once you feel better.
    Fact: Stopping without medical advice can lead to tumour progression. Always consult your oncologist.
  • Myth: Axitinib has no side effects because it is targeted.
    Fact: Targeted therapies also have side effects, including high blood pressure, diarrhoea, and fatigue.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Axitinib

Brand Alternatives

  • Axpero 5 Tablet

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Axitinib","class":"Tyrosine kinase inhibitor","main_use":"Advanced renal cell carcinoma","route":"Oral","frequency":"Twice daily"},{"medicine":"Pazopanib","class":"Tyrosine kinase inhibitor","main_use":"Advanced renal cell carcinoma","route":"Oral","frequency":"Once daily"},{"medicine":"Sunitinib","class":"Tyrosine kinase inhibitor","main_use":"Advanced renal cell carcinoma","route":"Oral","frequency":"Once daily"}]

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