Nexavar (Sorafenib): Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

Sorafenib, sold under the brand name Nexavar, is a prescription drug used in adults to treat liver, kidney, and thyroid cancer.

It is an oral tablet that works by slowing cancer cell growth and destroying cells that promote cancer spread.

What Are the Uses of Nexavar 200 mg Tablet?

Nexavar (Sorafenib) is commonly prescribed for specific cancers that do not respond well to surgery or other treatments.

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a form of liver cancer that cannot be removed by surgery.
• A type of kidney cancer called carcinoma of renal cells (RCC)
• Advanced thyroid cancer, known as Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma (DTC), no longer responds to radioactive iodine treatment and continues to worsen.

How Does Nexavar 200 mg Work (Mechanism of Action)?

This medicine targets cancer at a cellular level, slowing down its growth and spread throughout the body.

Nexavar works by blocking certain enzymes (tyrosine kinases) that are responsible for cancer cell growth and blood supply to tumors. By doing this, it limits cancer progression.

How to take Nexavar Dosage?

Take Nexavar as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the prescription label carefully, or ask your doctor.

The medicine should be taken orally on an empty stomach for at least 1-2 hours after a meal.

The dosage is mostly based on medical conditions. Avoid increasing the dosage of the drug and taking the medication for a longer duration.

• Usual Strength: Nexavar 200 mg
• Dosage for Liver Cancer: 200 mg tablet twice a day
• Dosage for Thyroid Cancer: 200 mg tablet twice a day
• Dosage for Kidney Cancer: 200 mg tablet twice a day

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Nexavar?

If you forget to take any of the recommended doses, skip the missed dose and start taking the next dosage at a regular time.

Don't take two doses of Nexavar at a time to make up for the missed dose. Doing so can raise the risk of side effects.

What Happens If I Overdose on Nexavar?

Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Nexavar tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body functions.

• Symptoms may include: Fatigue, irregular heartbeat, or severe abdominal pain.
• Call your doctor or local emergency services immediately if you suspect an overdose.

What Are the Side Effects of Nexavar?

Like all medications, Nexavar can cause side effects. Most are manageable, but some may require medical attention.

Common side effects of Nexavar 200 mg

• Infections
• Hair loss
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• High blood pressure
• Bleeding

Serious side effects of Nexavar 200 mg

• Heart problems
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Swelling of the legs
• Gastrointestinal perforation
• QT prolongation

Within a few days or a couple of weeks, most of these side effects can go away. But talk to the doctor or pharmacist if they get more serious or don't go down.

Precautions for Nexavar

Certain health conditions and personal factors may increase the risks of taking Nexavar.

Before taking Nexavar, talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications.

The product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause serious allergic reactions or other problems.

Before taking Nexavar, talk with your doctor if you have any medical history, such as:

• Bleeding problems
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Blood vessel problem
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease

Are There Any Age or Lifestyle Restrictions for Nexavar?

While Nexavar is prescribed for adults, lifestyle factors and age-related conditions may affect its safety.

• Not typically recommended for children.
• Inform your doctor if you consume alcohol regularly.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which may affect how the drug works.

Possible Interactions with Other Medications

The drug interactions can change how Nexavar works or can increase some serious risks of side effects.

• Before visiting the doctor, keep a list of all the drugs that you are using.
• Don't stop or increase the dosage of Nexavar without informing your doctor, as it can have some adverse effects.

Medicines that may interact with Nexavar include:

• Irinotecan
• Neomycin
• Rapamycin
• Rifampin, Rifabutin
• Carbamazepine
• Phenytoin

Avoid taking any new medicine, supplements, or herbal products without consulting your doctor.

How Should Nexavar Be Stored?

Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects.

The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children's reach.

Mainly, the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).

Do not use expired medication.

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