Support for RCC Patients & Caregivers
RCC patient support
Talking to others who have renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and who are going through experiences similar to yours can be a big help. Here are some Web sites and organizations that offer support for people living with cancer.
- Kidney Cancer Association
In addition to education and advocacy work, the Kidney Cancer Association can help you build a support group in your area. Click on "Build a Support Group" in the upper left-hand corner of the home page. - National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
NCCN.com is the new consumer Web site of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a not-for-profit alliance of 21 of the world’s leading cancer centers. - CancerCare® support for people with kidney cancer
CancerCare is a national nonprofit organization offering free counseling online, by phone, or in person, as well as financial help and educational resources. - The Wellness Community® (TWC)
TWC is an international nonprofit organization with online support groups and chapters in many cities offering free support and educational programs for people affected by cancer.
RCC caregiver support
Visit these Web sites to find places where people who are caring for loved ones with cancer can get information and support:
- CancerCare® Caregiver Support Services
Free online counseling and support groups for caregivers of people affected by cancer. - Family Caregiver Alliance®
Information, education, services, research, and advocacy to support families caring for loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions. - Share the Care™
Learn how to turn a group of friends, relatives, neighbors, coworkers, and acquaintances into a “caregiver family” for a loved one. - The Wellness Community®
Free online as well as in-person support groups for people with cancer and their loved ones. - Well Spouse Association
An organization supporting wives, husbands, and partners.
Financial support
Visit these Web sites if you need help paying for TORISEL:
- Paying for TORISEL
Information about the TORISEL Reimbursement Support Program. - RxAssist
Comprehensive listings of programs that help people pay for medications or get them for free.
TORISEL is a trademark of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc. Other marks listed are the trademarks of their respective owners.
Important Safety Information
- Before you begin treatment with TORISEL, your doctor may give you an antihistamine. It is possible to have a serious allergic reaction even after you receive an antihistamine. Tell your doctor or nurse if you are allergic to antihistamines or are unable to take antihistamines for any other medical reasons. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any swelling around your face or difficulty breathing during or after treatment.
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TORISEL can cause serious side effects. The most common side effects are
- Rash
- Weakness/fatigue
- Mouth sores
- Nausea
- Swelling/fluid retention
- Loss of appetite
- Patients are likely to experience increased blood sugar levels. This may require treatment with or an increase in the dose of a medicine that lowers blood sugar levels. Tell your doctor or nurse if you are thirstier than usual or urinate more often than usual.
- Patients are likely to experience an increase in cholesterol and/or triglycerides. This may require treatment with or an increase in the dose of a medicine that lowers cholesterol and/or triglycerides.
- If you experience side effects that are too severe to tolerate, your health care professional may choose to delay your treatment, give you a lower dose of TORISEL, or discontinue treatment.
- Before you begin treatment with TORISEL, tell your doctor or nurse about ALL MEDICINES you are taking, including
- Prescription medications, including but not limited to antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antifungals, antivirals, blood pressure medications, blood thinners, dexamethasone, vaccines
- Nonprescription (over the counter) medications
- Vitamins
- Herbal supplements, including but not limited to St. John’s Wort
- Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice during the course of your treatment with TORISEL, including the time between treatments.
Please see Important Safety Information continued on the next page.
- Treatment with TORISEL may affect your immune system. You may be at greater risk of getting an infection while receiving TORISEL.
Please see Important Safety Information continued on the next page.
Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information.
- Patients may get chronic inflammation of the lungs during treatment with TORISEL. Rare fatal cases have been reported. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any trouble breathing, get a cough, or develop a fever.
- TORISEL may cause bowel perforation. Rare fatal cases have been reported. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any new or worsening stomach pain or blood in your stool.
- Treatment with TORISEL may be associated with a risk of kidney failure, sometimes fatal.
- During treatment with TORISEL, wounds may not heal properly. Tell your doctor or nurse if you are recovering or still have an unhealed wound from surgery. Tell your doctor or nurse if you plan to have surgery during treatment with TORISEL.
- TORISEL may increase the risk of bleeding in the brain, which has, in rare cases, been fatal. You are at increased risk if
- You have a central nervous system tumor, such as a brain tumor
- You are taking medicine to keep your blood from clotting
- Some vaccines may be less effective when given during the course of treatment with TORISEL. You should avoid the use of live vaccines and close contact with people who have recently received live vaccines. Ask your doctor or nurse if you are eligible to receive a flu shot.
- Both men and women should use a reliable form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of TORISEL. TORISEL can harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor or nurse before beginning treatment if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant.
Please see the full Prescribing Information for TORISEL.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.