Nexavar ratings & reviews

Nexavar contains the active ingredient sorafenib in the form of sorafenib tosylate, which is a kinase inhibitor. It is formulated as film-coated tablets for oral use, with each tablet containing 200 mg of sorafenib. Key inactive ingredients include croscarmellose sodium, ferric oxide red, and magnesium stearate. Sorafenib is commonly used to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking a protein that promotes cancer cell growth.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Do not take with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Get rid any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Increase in blood pressure
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism)—unusual weakness or fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, hair loss, dry skin, weight gain, feelings of depression
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• Stomach pain that is severe, does not go away, or gets worse

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Nausea
• Weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Bleeding disorders
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• History of irregular heartbeat
• Liver disease
• Having surgery
• An unusual or allergic reaction to sorafenib, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• If you or your partner are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Cisapride
• Dronedarone
• Pimozide
• Thioridazine

This medication may interact with the following:

• Carbamazepine
• Dexamethasone
• Digoxin
• Loperamide
• Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes, such as dofetilide, ziprasidone
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Quinidine
• Rifabutin
• Rifampin
• St. John's wort
• Vinblastine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. You may need blood work while taking this medication.

This medication may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your care team tells you to stop.

Before having surgery, talk to your care team to make sure it is ok. This medication can increase the risk of poor healing of your surgical site or wound. You will need to stop this medication for 10 days before surgery. After surgery, wait at least 2 weeks before restarting this mediation. Make sure the surgical site or wound is healed enough before restarting this medication. Talk to your care team if you have questions.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your care team. These medications may hide a fever.

This medication may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your care team if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 6 months after the last dose. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 6 months after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom during sex while taking this medication and for 3 months after the last dose.

Do not breastfeed an infant while taking this medication.

This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.