Nexavar, also known by its generic name sorafenib, is a targeted cancer drug that is used to treat several types of cancer. This drug has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2005 and has shown promising results in the treatment of advanced-stage kidney, liver, and thyroid cancer.
While it can have side effects, the benefits of this drug in extending the life expectancy of cancer patients are significant. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with one of the types of cancer that this medication can treat, speak to your doctor to learn more about this treatment option. See below for answers to commonly asked questions about Nexavar (sorafenib).
What is the cost of Nexavar?
At QuickRx, our goal is to make all medications as affordable and accessible as possible. While it is true that Nexavar can be very expensive, at QuickRx we work alongside and on behalf of patients to achieve the lowest price possible. We do this by tirelessly seeking out every single bit of copay assistance and patient programs that we can find. In fact, people often turn to QuickRx when they feel they have no other options and in many, many cases we have successfully gotten funding for those who had given up all other hope. Call us today or fill out the form linked below to get started on the path toward Nexavar savings.
What is Nexavar used for?
Nexavar (sorafenib) is a medication used to treat several types of cancer, including:
- Advanced kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
- Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer)
- Locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive, differentiated thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer)
This medication is a targeted therapy that works by inhibiting the activity of specific proteins involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. While it cannot cure these cancers, it can help slow down the progression of the disease and improve overall survival in some cases.
Nexavar may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, depending on the specific type and stage of cancer. It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.
What types of cancer can Nexavar treat?
Nexavar has been approved to treat several types of cancer, including:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC): This is the most common type of kidney cancer, and Nexavar is approved for the treatment of advanced RCC.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): This is the most common type of liver cancer, and Nexavar is approved for the treatment of advanced HCC.
- Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC): This is a type of thyroid cancer, and Nexavar is approved for the treatment of advanced DTC.
Is Nexavar effective at treating liver cancer?
Yes, Nexavar (sorafenib) is an effective treatment for liver cancer along with the other types listed above. Specifically, it is effective for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In clinical trials, Nexavar has been shown to extend overall survival and delay disease progression in patients with advanced HCC.
HCC is a type of liver cancer that is difficult to treat, as it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when traditional treatments like surgery or liver transplantation are not possible. Nexavar works by targeting specific proteins involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells, helping to slow down the progression of the disease.
In clinical trials for unresectable HCC, this medication has been shown to extend overall survival by a few months compared to placebo. In one study, patients who received Nexavar had a median overall survival of 10.7 months, compared to 7.9 months for those who received placebo. Additionally, Nexavar has been shown to delay disease progression by several months compared to placebo.
It is important to note that every patient’s experience is unique and there is no guarantee of how effective Nexavar will be in any given individual. Your healthcare provider can provide more specific information about the expected benefits of Nexavar for your individual situation.
Can Nexavar cure cancer?
Nexavar (sorafenib) is not a cure for cancer. It is a targeted therapy medication that can slow down the growth and spread of cancer cells, and in some cases, extend overall survival. However, it does not completely eliminate cancer from the body.
The effectiveness of this medication in treating cancer depends on the type and stage of cancer being treated, as well as the individual patient’s response to treatment. In clinical trials, Nexavar has been shown to be effective in slowing down the progression of certain types of cancer, including advanced kidney cancer, unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, and locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive, differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
It is important to note that every patient’s experience is unique, and there is no guarantee of how effective this medication will be in any given individual. Your healthcare provider can provide more specific information about the expected benefits of Nexavar for your individual situation. Additionally, other treatment options may be available, and it is important to discuss all options with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for you.
Can Nexavar be used in combination with other cancer treatments?
Yes, Nexavar (sorafenib) can be used in combination with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Combination therapy with Nexavar may be recommended by a healthcare provider depending on the type and stage of cancer being treated and the individual patient’s health status. Some studies have suggested that combination therapy with Nexavar and other cancer treatments may lead to better treatment outcomes compared to using either treatment alone. However, combination therapy may also increase the risk of side effects, and the benefits and risks of such an approach should be carefully evaluated by a healthcare professional on a case-by-case basis.
How does Nexavar work?
Nexavar (sorafenib) is a multi-kinase inhibitor that works by blocking the signals that promote cancer cell growth and division. It targets several molecular pathways that are involved in cancer development, including the RAF/MAPK and VEGFR pathways. By inhibiting these pathways, Nexavar can slow down cancer progression and improve patient outcomes.
Nexavar (sorafenib) is a targeted therapy medication that works by inhibiting the activity of specific proteins involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Specifically, Nexavar targets two types of proteins:
- Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs): These proteins are found on the surface of cancer cells and play a role in promoting their growth and survival. Nexavar blocks the activity of several RTKs, including those involved in the growth of blood vessels that supply tumors with nutrients and oxygen.
- Raf kinases: These proteins are involved in the signaling pathways that regulate cell growth and division. In some types of cancer, mutations in the genes that code for Raf kinases can cause the cells to grow uncontrollably. Nexavar blocks the activity of these mutated Raf kinases, helping to slow down the growth of cancer cells.
By blocking the activity of these specific proteins, this medication can help slow down the progression of certain types of cancer, including advanced kidney cancer, unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, and locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive, differentiated thyroid carcinoma. It is important to note that Nexavar is not a cure for these cancers, but can help improve overall survival in some cases.
How long does Nexavar take to work?
The time it takes for Nexavar to work can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer being treated. In general, it may take several weeks or even months before the full effects of the medication are seen. During this time, regular monitoring and evaluation by a healthcare professional are important to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to manage any side effects. It is important to follow the dosing and administration instructions provided by the healthcare professional to maximize the benefits of the medication.
How is Nexavar administered?
Nexavar is usually administered orally in the form of a tablet. The dosage and treatment duration may vary depending on the type and stage of cancer being treated. Patients should follow their doctor’s instructions regarding the dosing schedule and any other special instructions.
How often do you take Nexavar?
The recommended dose of Nexavar (sorafenib) depends on the type of cancer being treated and other individual factors such as age, weight, and overall health. Generally, it is taken twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart, with or without food. It is important to follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider and to not adjust the dose or stop taking the medication without consulting them first. Your healthcare provider may also adjust the dose or schedule based on your response to the treatment or any side effects you may experience.
What are the possible side effects of Nexavar?
Like all cancer drugs, Nexavar can have side effects. Some of the common side effects of Nexavar include:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Rash or dry skin
- Loss of appetite
- Hand-foot skin reaction
In rare cases, Nexavar can cause more serious side effects such as high blood pressure, bleeding, or heart problems. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their doctor immediately.
Does Nexavar cause hair loss?
Hair loss (alopecia) is a potential side effect of Nexavar (sorafenib) treatment, although it is not very common. In clinical trials, hair loss was reported in less than 10% of patients taking Nexavar. Hair loss from Nexavar may manifest as thinning or patchy hair loss on the scalp or other areas of the body. However, the severity of hair loss can vary widely among individuals. If you are concerned about hair loss or notice any changes in your hair while taking Nexavar, you should talk to your healthcare provider. They may be able to offer suggestions for managing hair loss or recommend other treatments or interventions to address this side effect.
How long does Nexavar extend life?
The extent to which Nexavar (sorafenib) can extend life varies depending on the type and stage of cancer being treated, as well as the individual patient’s response to treatment.
In clinical trials for advanced kidney cancer, it has been shown to extend overall survival by several months compared to placebo. In one study, patients who received Nexavar had a median overall survival of 10.8 months, compared to 7.9 months for those who received placebo.
In clinical trials for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Nexavar has been shown to extend overall survival by a few months compared to placebo. In one study, patients who received Nexavar had a median overall survival of 10.7 months, compared to 7.9 months for those who received placebo.
It is important to note that every patient’s experience is unique and there is no guarantee of how long Nexavar will extend life in any given individual. Additionally, the medication may have different effects depending on the individual’s overall health and other factors. Your healthcare provider can provide more specific information about the expected benefits of this medication for your individual situation.
What are the alternative drugs to Nexavar?
There are several alternative drugs to Nexavar (sorafenib) that may be used to treat the same or similar types of cancer. The specific alternative medication that is chosen may depend on factors such as the type and stage of cancer being treated, the individual patient’s overall health, and other individual factors. Some examples of alternative drugs to Nexavar include:
- Lenvatinib (Lenvima): Lenvatinib is a targeted therapy medication that is used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and differentiated thyroid cancer.
- Regorafenib (Stivarga): Regorafenib is a targeted therapy medication that is used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Cabozantinib (Cabometyx): Cabozantinib is a targeted therapy medication that is used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and medullary thyroid cancer.
- Sunitinib (Sutent): Sunitinib is a targeted therapy medication that is used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
- Pazopanib (Votrient): Pazopanib is a targeted therapy medication that is used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma and soft tissue sarcoma.
It is important to note that every patient’s experience is unique, and the specific medication that is chosen may depend on a variety of factors. Your healthcare provider can provide more information about the specific treatment options that may be appropriate for your individual situation.
Is Nexavar covered by insurance?
The coverage of Nexavar (sorafenib) by insurance depends on the specific insurance plan and policy. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of Nexavar, while others may require prior authorization or may not cover the medication at all.
Nexavar is an expensive medication, and the cost can vary depending on the dose, duration of treatment, and location. However, each patient’s actual cost may be lower than some others’ depending on their insurance coverage and any available discounts or assistance programs. QuickRx will do everything possible to keep the price as low as it can be.
Patients who are prescribed Nexavar (sorafenib) and are concerned about the cost of the medication should speak with their healthcare provider or insurance provider to determine their coverage options and should call QuickRx to discuss any available financial assistance programs. Often, our team here is able to find discounts others can’t. Additionally, the manufacturer of this drug offers a patient assistance program that may provide financial assistance for eligible patients who meet certain criteria. Our team will also help navigate this program as well, so give us a call!
What is the dosage of Nexavar?
The dosage of Nexavar (sorafenib) can vary depending on the type of cancer being treated, the patient’s weight and overall health, and other individual factors. The recommended starting dose of Nexavar for most adult patients is 400 mg taken orally twice daily (every 12 hours) without food (at least one hour before or two hours after a meal).
However, the dosage of Nexavar may be adjusted by the healthcare provider based on the patient’s response to treatment and any side effects that may occur. In some cases, the dosage may be increased up to a maximum of 800 mg per day (divided into two 400 mg doses) if the patient is tolerating the medication well and their cancer is not responding to the initial dose.
It is important for patients to follow their healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the dosage and administration of Nexavar, and to not adjust their dose or stop taking the medication without first consulting with their healthcare provider.
We hope this article has served to answer most of your questions. However, if you still have questions we are happy to talk any time. Feel free to give us a call at (212) 249-8202 or click the link below to fill out the form and get started.
