Nexavar

Generic Name: Sorafenib Tosylate
Product Name: Nexavar

Indication

Nexavar is a prescription anti-cancer drug used for the treatment of adult patients with advanced kidney cancer also known as advanced renal cell carcinoma of the kidney (RCC).

Action

Nexavar consists of an active ingredient known as sorafenib tosylate used for the treatment of kidney cancer. Sorafenib tosylate belongs to a group of medicines called multi-kinase inhibitors. In order for cancer cells to survive, they need to continuously divide and grow. For their growth, they require a blood supply carrying the essential nutrients. Nexavar is designed to interfere with the growth mechanism of cancer cells by firstly slowing down the rate of growth and secondly cutting off the blood supply that keeps them growing.

Dose advice

• The recommended daily dose of Nexavar is two 200 mg tablets twice a day
• You should not exceed the recommended dose
• You must swallow the Nexavar tablet whole with a glass of water, either with a low fat meal or without food
• Your doctor will determine the duration of your therapy

If you have any further enquiries regarding the appropriate dosing for your condition, contact your doctor.

Schedule

Schedule 4

Common side effects

The following side effects associated with Nexavar are common and can occur in more than 10% of patients treated with this medicine. If you notice any of the following side effect and they worry you, contact your doctor immediately.

• Diarrhoea
• Feeling and/or being sick (nausea and vomiting)
• Fatigue
• Constipation, dry mouth
• Heartburn or indigestion and/or difficulty in swallowing
• Ringing in the ear
• Pain (including mouth pain, abdominal pain, headache, bone pain, joint pain and muscle pain)
• Redness, pain, swelling or blistering on the palms or soles of your feet (called hand-foot skin reaction)
• Itching or rashes
• Bleeding (haemorrhage)- see your doctor immediately
• Increases in blood pressure on a regular basis – usually there are no specific symptoms with this condition, but your doctor will monitor your blood pressure on regular basis
• Anxiety or depression problems
• Hair thinning or patchy hair loss

Uncommon side effects

The following side effects occur in less than 1% of patients who are taking Nexavar. As these side effects are uncommon and a patient will not necessarily experience any of them. However, if you do experience any of them, contact your doctor immediately

• Chest pain
• Changes in the your heart beat, such fast beating
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Worsening of rash or hand foot skin reaction

References

1. MIMS Online. Nexavar. [cited 2007 September 8]. Available from: http://mims.hcn.net.au.ezproxy.library.uwa.edu.au
2. APPguide online. Nexavar. [cited 2007 September 8]. Available from: http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.asp
3. Australian Medicine Handbook. Adelaide: AMH Pty Ltd; 2007.

For further information talk to your doctor.