Sorafenib (Nexavar)
Sorafenib is used in adults to treat liver cancer, thyroid cancer, or kidney cancer.
Sorafenib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Sorafenib (Nexavar)?
You should not use sorafenib if you are allergic to it, or if you have squamous cell lung cancer and you are being treated with carboplatin and paclitaxel.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- heart problems, chest pain, or a heart attack;
- long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
- high blood pressure;
- thyroid disorder;
- an electrolyte imbalance (such as abnormal levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in your blood);
- slow wound healing, bleeding problems; or
- surgery.
Sorafenib can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.
- If you are a woman, you may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Use birth control while using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
- If you are a man, use birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
- Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs.
It may be harder for you to get a woman pregnant while you are using this medicine.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Sorafenib (Nexavar)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Get emergency medical help if you have symptoms of a heart attack or heart failure: chest pain, fast heartbeats, sweating, nausea, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed, or swelling around your midsection or in your lower legs.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest;
- shortness of breath, sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
- pain, redness, swelling, rash, blisters or peeling in the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet;
- fever with nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain, change in bowel habits;
- a surgical incision or wound that will not heal;
- liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), nausea, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- signs of bleeding inside your body--easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), pink or brown urine, abnormal vaginal bleeding or heavy menstrual periods, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- bleeding;
- feeling tired;
- vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain;
- low calcium level;
- infections;
- high blood pressure;
- hair loss, thinning hair;
- rash; or
- loss of appetite, weight loss.
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.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Sorafenib (Nexavar) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Sorafenib (Nexavar)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Sorafenib (Nexavar)?
Use Sorafenib (Nexavar) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
You will need frequent medical tests while taking this medicine.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are using sorafenib. You should stop taking this medicine at least 10 days before having surgery. Follow your doctor's instructions about when to start taking the medicine again.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Sorafenib (Nexavar)?
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