Toceranib Phosphate

Major Uses

Toceranib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is primarily used to treat Patnaik grade II or III, recurrent, cutaneous mast cell tumors. This treatment can occur with or without lymph node involvement. It may also be useful in treating other tumors in dogs, such as sarcomas, carcinomas, myeloma, and melanoma.

Common Precautions

Toceranib is contraindicated in breeding, pregnant, and lactating bitches. It may not be safe for use in dogs younger than 24 months old or dogs weighing less than 11 lbs. Patients should be tested for systemic mastocytosis before using this drug, as significant mast cell degranulation causing other adverse effects may occur. Toceranib may cause clinical signs resembling aggressive mast cell tumors. If this occurs, treatment should stop and the patient should be re-evaluated to make sure it's the drug causing the symptoms.

The most common side effects associated with toceranib include diarrhea, lameness, decreased/loss of appetite, weight loss, and blood in stool. Muscle cramping, hypoalbuminemia, neutropenia, thromboembolic disease, pancreatitis, vasculitis, nasal depigmentation, epistaxis, change in coat or skin color, pruritus, and seizures are also possible adverse effects of this drug.

Toceranib should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if an overdose is known or suspected.

Storage

Toceranib should be stored at room temperature and kept in a light resistant, childproof container. It should be stored out of reach from children and pets.

Administration

When treating Patnaik grade II or III recurrent, cutaneous mast cell tumors in dogs, treatment starts with a dose of 3.25 mg/kg every other day. Doses should be reduced by .5 mg/kg down to a minimum of 2.2 mg/kg every other day as treatment continues. This should continue for up to 2 weeks. Alternatively, a dose of 2.5-2.75 mg/kg every other day can also be used and may be safer overall. Should a dose be forgotten, it should be administered as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular administration schedule should be continued. Two doses should not be administered at the same time.

Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.