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Home > Drug Category > Cancer Medications > Nexavar and Equivalent

Nexavar Information

Nexavar (Sorafenib) is primarily used to treat three specific types of cancer that have often become resistant to other treatments. It is used to treat unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. This primary liver cancer often develops after chronic liver disease or cirrhosis, and because the liver is so vascular, this tumor is aggressive. It may also be used in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma, a type of cancer in the lining of the small tubes in the kidney that has spread to other areas of the body, for adults who have not responded to or can't be treated with other therapies. Furthermore, it may also be used to treat differentiated thyroid carcinoma, specifically when it is no longer responding to radioactive iodine treatment. Research suggests that Nexavar can be effective in patients with acute myeloid leukemia who carry the FLT3-ITD mutation. It also shows promise in treating rare tumors, such as angiosarcoma, desmoid tumors, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

The primary active ingredient in Nexavar is sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor. Sorafenib acts like a double-edged sword against tumors. It blocks specific enzymes (kinases) on the surface and inside of cancer cells to stop them from multiplying. Simultaneously, it inhibits angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), which is the process by which tumors grow their own blood vessels. These cancers tend to be very resource-hungry, meaning they depend heavily on forming new blood vessels to survive and spread. By cutting off this blood supply, it essentially starves the tumor while also telling the cells to stop dividing. This targeted approach is why it can often slow the progression of the disease even in very advanced stages where surgery isn't an option.

Nexavar Side Effects

Like other medications, sorafenib can cause some side effects. Common side effects of this medication include diarrhea (frequent or loose bowel movements), tiredness, infection, hair thinning or patchy hair loss, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, and mild abdominal pain. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, especially on the hands and feet, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Bleeding problems such as vomiting blood or if your vomit looks like coffee-grounds, bloody or pink urine, bloody or dark tarry stools;
• Gastrointestinal problems like fever, nausea, vomiting, or severe abdominal pain;
• Heart problems with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, racing heartbeat, swelling in the lower legs;
• High blood pressure;
• Liver problems with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, yellow eyes and skin, pale stools;
• Poor wound healing;
• Skin abnormalities such as new onset of moles or growth on the skin

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Nexavar Precautions

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to sorafenib, other ingredients in Nexavar, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Active infection;
• Bleeding problems;
• Chest pain;
• Current history of lung cancer and currently receiving carboplatin and paclitaxel;
• Electrolyte imbalances;
• Heart disease, including rhythm abnormalities;
• High blood pressure;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Lung problems;
• Pre-existing thyroid problems

As this medication inhibits the formation of new blood vessels, it significantly increases the risk of hemorrhage. This also means it interferes with the body’s ability to heal. Kindly inform your doctor that you are on this medication if you are planning a surgery. You will need to stop taking Nexavar at least 10 to 14 days before any major surgery and wait until the wound is fully healed before restarting. Nexavar is considered teratogenic (can cause congenital disabilities). It should not be used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age must have a negative pregnancy test before starting and use highly effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after the final dose. Men who are taking this medication and who also have female partners who can become pregnant must also use effective birth control during treatment and for 3 months after stopping. It is unknown if the drug passes into breast milk, but due to the potential for serious harm to the infant, breastfeeding is strictly discouraged during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose. This medication is not recommended for use in children.

Drugs like rifampin, phenytoin, or even the herbal supplement St. John’s Wort can significantly lower the concentration of Nexavar in your blood, making it less effective. Also, taking this with blood thinners like warfarin can lead to a dangerous risk of serious bleeding. Therefore, before using this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine whether it is safe to use with Nexavar. Take Nexavar tablets exactly as your doctor prescribes, usually as two 200 mg tablets twice daily. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water to ensure proper absorption. It is best taken on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after a meal. Avoid high-fat foods during these times, as they significantly reduce the drug's effectiveness. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Nexavar?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Nexavar.