Sorafenib is used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (a type of cancer that begins in the kidneys). Sorafenib is also used to treat unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer that cannot be treated with surgery). Sorafenib is in a class of medications called multikinase inhibitors. It works by slowing the spread of cancer cells.
Sorafenib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day. Sorafenib is taken without food, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take sorafenib at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take sorafenib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not split, chew, or crush them.
Your doctor may decrease your dose of sorafenib during your treatment, or may tell you to stop taking sorafenib for a period of time if you experience side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with sorafenib.
Continue to take sorafenib even if you feel well. Do not stop taking sorafenib without talking to your doctor.
Sorafenib is not available in pharmacies. You can only get sorafenib through the mail from a specialty pharmacy. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about receiving your medication.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
tiredness
weakness
rash
skin redness
hair loss
itching
dry or peeling skin
loss of appetite
constipation
diarrhea
dry mouth
mouth sores
weight loss
joint pain
numbness, pain or tingling in hands or feet
headache
unusual bruising or bleeding
black and/or tarry stools
red blood in stools
bloody vomit
vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
fever
severe stomach pain
nausea
vomiting
chest pain
shortness of breath
fainting
sweating a lot
sudden severe headache
confusion
changes in vision
seizures
redness, pain, swelling or blisters on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
Sorafenib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
diarrhea
rash or other skin problems
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will check your blood pressure every week during the first six weeks of your treatment and then from time to time as needed.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 10/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.