Sorafenib is used to treat cancer of the liver, kidneys, and thyroid.
Take Sorafenib exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach or at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet .Try to take it at the same time each day.
Sorafenib must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, inform your doctor and pharmacist.
Inform your doctor if you have a liver disease.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not breastfeed while you are undergoing treatment with Sorafenib.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. He may also need to do routine blood tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver function tests) while you are being treated with Sorafenib. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Sorafenib may also cause any of the following side effects: headache, tiredness, weakness, diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, weakness, mouth pain, limb pain, dry skin, rash, hair loss, and hand-foot syndrome (a condition characterised by redness, swelling, and pain on the palms of the hands and/or the soles of the feet).
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes with skin peeling or blisters/rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- squeezing sensation of the chest
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- fever with persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding or bruising
- difficulty breathing, cough
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines to treat cancer e.g. docetaxel, doxorubicin, irinotecan
- warfarin (a blood-thinning medicine)
- dexamethasone (an anti-inflammatory medicine)
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
- medicines to treat TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin
- St. John's Wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Sorafenib.
Always notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from moisture.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired tablets to the clinic, hospital or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.