Important:- This post is originally published here.
Sorafenib (Brand name Nexavar) is prescribed for the treatment of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) which cannot be eliminated through surgery.
Sorafenib is prescribed for the treatment of kidney cancer (locally advanced/metastatic renal cell carcinoma) in adult patients who failed/intolerant to prior systemic therapy. It is not known whether the sorafenib nexavar prolongs overall survival or improves the quality of life of patients with kidney cancer.
Sorafenib is also prescribed for the treatment of thyroid cancer in patients who are no longer responding to the radioactive iodine.
Dosage: Swallow the sorafenib tablets through a glass of water, without food or through a low fat to moderate fat meal.
Always consume sorafenib exactly as your healthcare practitioner has told you to. Check with your healthcare practitioner in case you are not sure. It is crucial to consume sorafenib at about the same times every day. Exceeding the prescribed dose of sorafenib (Nexavar) is not recommended.
How does it acts: Sorafenib specifically is a multikinase inhibitor. And as a multikinase inhibitor, it acts in order to block certain specific enzymes, involved in the growth as well as spread of cancerous cells and in the formation of new blood vessels that basically supply the tumours.
Warnings and Precautions:
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The nexavar 200 mg needs to be prescribed and managed only by a healthcare practitioner experienced in anticancer medicines.
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This medication has not been studied in patients with severe liver problems.
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Do not take this drug in case you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are looking forward to conceiving a baby.
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The sorafenib dose may be responsible for reducing fertility in men as well as women. This drug can be hazardous to an unborn baby.
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Avoid this medication if you are breastfeeding. You should avoid breastfeeding during treatment with sorafenib, because it could harm the baby.
Side Effects: Sorafenib may be responsible for causing side effects, like all drugs, but not every individual
gets them. In case you have any symptom that bothers you or does not go away, or severe adverse reactions such as high blood pressure, bleeding or skin reactions, call your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention.
Most commonly reported sorafenib side effects are listed as follows:
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Hair loss
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Diarrhea
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Feeling sick (nausea)
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Throwing up (vomiting)
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Dry skin
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Constipation
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Loss of appetite
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Loss of weight
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Abdominal pain
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Headache
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Bone pain
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Joint pain
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Muscle pain
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Feeling weak or tired
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High blood pressure
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Infection
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Breathlessness
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Inflamed or dry mouth
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Tongue pain
The above listed is not the complete list of adverse reactions. For any unexpected adverse reactions while taking this medication, contact your healthcare practitioner.
Overdose: Inform your healthcare professional immediately or contact the emergency room of the nearest hospital in case you (or anyone else) have consumed an excess dose than your prescribed dose.
Missed Dose: In case you have missed a dose, consume it as soon as you can/remember. If it is almost time for the upcoming dose, forget about the missed one and carry on as normal. Do not consume a double sorafenib dose to make up for forgotten/missed individual doses of sorafenib.
How long will I take Sorafenib?
Your healthcare professional will continue to treat you with sorafenib 200 mg as long as you are thought to be benefiting from the therapy.
Storage: Sorafenib should be stored at room temperature between 15°C to 30°C in a dry place. Avoid using the tablets following the expiry date, shown on the bottle. Keep the tablets out of the reach as well as sight of children and pets.
