The Sorafenib is mainly used in the treatment of liver tumors in the kidney or thyroid .
What is Sorafenib?
Sorafenib is an inhibitor of the kinase enzymes , which therefore helps to block the growth of cancer cells.
How is Sorafenib taken?
Sorafenib is administered orally in the form of tablets. The tablets must necessarily be swallowed whole, and on an empty stomach, therefore at least one hour before or two hours after eating.
Side effects of Sorafenib
Sorafenib can cause an increase in pressure , which can result in bleeding or severe liver or gastrointestinal complications. The drug can also decrease the number of platelets and the ability to fight infections.
Its other possible side effects include:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- skin dryness
- hair loss or thinning
- voice changes
- He retched
- headache
- loss of appetite
- pain in the mouth, bones, muscles, stomach or joints
- nausea
- changes in flavor
- fatigue
- weakness
- weight loss
A doctor should be contacted as soon as possible in case of:
- rash
- urticaria
- itch
- breathing difficulties
- feeling of tightness or chest pain
- swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- depression
- fainting
- fast or irregular heart beat
- persistent fever, chills or coughs or sore throats
- more abundant menstrual flow than usual
- pain, cramps or weakness in the muscles
- frequent nosebleeds
- unusual hoarseness
- wounds that do not heal
- stools dark or with blood
- blood in the urine
- confusion
- blood in the sputum or sputum
- problems in the sexual sphere
- sudden weight gain
- swelling, blistering, pain or redness in the mouth or throat
- swelling of ankles, hands or feet
- bruising or bleeding
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- reduced urination
- numbness of arms or legs
- weakness on one side of the body
- red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
- redness, pain, swelling, numbness, ulcers or blisters on the palms of the hands or on the soles of the feet
- convulsions
- dizziness , light-headedness or severe or persistent headache
- severe stomach pain, vomiting or nausea
- shortness of breath
- difficulty speaking
- sudden increase in sweating
- unusual vaginal bleeding
- coffee-like vomiting
Contraindications and warnings on the use of Sorafenib
In case of congenital long QT syndrome and treatment with Carboplatin and Paclitaxel against squamous cell lung cancer, Sorafenib may be contraindicated.
Before starting Sorafenib treatment, it is essential to tell your doctor:
- of any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, to any other drug, to foods or other substances;
- of the medicines, phytotherapy and supplements taken , citing in particular the drugs that can cause a prolongation of the QT interval, Warfarin, Carbamazepine, Dexamethasone, Idantoine, Nevirapine, Neomycin (orally), Fenobarbital, Primidone, Rifamycins and Hypericum;
- if you suffer (or have suffered) from heart failure or other heart problems, chest pain, high blood pressure, bleeding, problems with electrolyte levels in the blood, gastrointestinal disorders, liver, kidney or thyroid problems;
- if you have ever been treated for lung cancer ;
- if you have undergone surgery , or if you have planned surgery;
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding .
During treatment with Sorafenib and for the two weeks following discontinuation of treatment, both women and men of childbearing potential must use effective contraceptives .
Your doctor, surgeon and dentist should always be informed of taking Sorafenib.
