Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Nexavar

Generic Name: sorafenib (Pronunciation: sor a FEN ib)

What is sorafenib (Nexavar)?

Sorafenib is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Sorafenib is used to treat a type of kidney cancer called advanced renal cell carcinoma. It is also used to treat liver cancer.

Sorafenib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of sorafenib (Nexavar)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using sorafenib and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

rash, blisters, oozing, or severe pain in the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet;
mouth sores;
black, bloody, or tarry stools;
coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
dry cough, wheezing;
swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath (even with mild exertion);
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
sudden weight loss, increased appetite, trouble sleeping, increased bowel movements, sweating, feeling hot, feeling nervous or anxious, swelling in your neck (goiter);
dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, uneven heartbeats, seizure); or
severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

tired feeling;
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
peeling or itchy skin, mild rash;
numbness, burning pain, or tingly feeling in your hands and feet;
weight loss; or
thinning hair.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about sorafenib (Nexavar)?

You should not use sorafenib if you are allergic to it, or if you are breast-feeding.

Before you take sorafenib, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems (other than cancer), a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, heart disease, high blood pressure, a history of stroke or heart attack, or any allergies.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

If you need surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are taking sorafenib.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking sorafenib (Nexavar)?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.