Sorafenib: Uses & Sides Effects

Sorafenib is used to treat liver cancer, thyroid cancer, or kidney cancer.

How should I take sorafenib?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take sorafenib on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

If you need surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are using sorafenib. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Precautions

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 ever had:

  • heart disease, high blood pressure;
  • long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
  • bleeding problems;
  • an electrolyte imbalance (such as abnormal levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in your blood).

Sorafenib can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using sorafenib.

  • If you are a woman, do not use sorafenib if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
  • If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is pregnant or 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 while either the mother or the father is using sorafenib.

Do not breast-feed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

Side Effects

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, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
  • easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
  • heavy menstrual periods or unusual vaginal bleeding;
  • 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
  • any 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);
  • signs of bleeding inside your body–pink or brown urine, abnormal vaginal bleeding, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Common side effects may include:

  • bleeding;
  • feeling tired;
  • vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain;
  • high blood pressure;
  • rash;
  • weight loss, thinning hair.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Keyword: sorafenib.

* The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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