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FAQs

What is Nexavar?

Nexavar is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient sorafenib. It is used to treat certain types of cancer, including advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Sorafenib is the generic name for Nexavar.

 

What is Nexavar Copay Assistance?

The Nexavar copay assistance program is designed with the sole purpose of keeping money in pockets by reducing the cost of Nexavar copays that is paid by patients. This program is free and easy to use- our team will handle everything for you!

Warnings

Some of the key warnings for Nexavar include:

  1. Liver problems: Nexavar can cause liver problems, including liver failure, which can be fatal. Patients with pre-existing liver problems should be closely monitored while taking Nexavar.
  2. Bleeding problems: Nexavar can increase the risk of bleeding. Patients who are already taking medications that increase bleeding risk or who have a history of bleeding problems should use Nexavar with caution.
  3. High blood pressure: Nexavar can cause high blood pressure, which may need to be treated with medication. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly while taking Nexavar.
  4. Heart problems: Nexavar can cause heart problems, including heart attack and heart failure. Patients with pre-existing heart conditions should be closely monitored while taking Nexavar.
  5. Skin reactions: Nexavar can cause severe skin reactions, including a potentially life-threatening skin condition called Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Patients who experience skin reactions should seek medical attention immediately.
  6. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Nexavar can harm a developing fetus and should not be used during pregnancy. Women who are breastfeeding should also avoid taking Nexavar.

These warnings are not exhaustive, and patients should always consult with their healthcare provider to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of taking Nexavar.

Before taking this medicine

Before taking Nexavar (sorafenib), there are several important things that you should know:

  1. Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including any history of heart problems, bleeding disorders, or liver problems.
  2. Inform your healthcare provider of all the medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medications may interact with Nexavar and cause side effects or reduce its effectiveness.
  3. Nexavar may cause serious side effects, including liver problems, bleeding, and high blood pressure. Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely for these and other side effects during treatment.
  4. Nexavar may cause birth defects or harm to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. It is important to use effective birth control during treatment with Nexavar and for at least 2 weeks after stopping treatment.
  5. Nexavar may interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which can increase the level of the medication in your blood and increase the risk of side effects.
  6. Take Nexavar exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change your dose or stop taking the medication without first talking to your healthcare provider.
  7. Tell your healthcare provider if you experience any new or worsening symptoms while taking Nexavar, including unusual bleeding or bruising, chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or persistent nausea or vomiting.

It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when taking Nexavar and to contact them with any questions or concerns you may have.

How should I take Nexavar?

Nexavar should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is usually taken orally, in the form of tablets that are swallowed whole with water, and can be taken with or without food.

The dosage and frequency of Nexavar can vary depending on the specific type of cancer being treated, as well as other individual factors. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosing and schedule.

If you miss a dose of Nexavar, do not double the next dose to make up for the missed dose. Instead, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule.

It is important to not stop taking Nexavar without consulting your healthcare provider, even if you start to feel better or experience side effects. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dosage or schedule based on your individual response to treatment.

If you have any questions or concerns about how to take Nexavar, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Dosing information

The dosing of Nexavar can vary depending on the type of cancer being treated and other individual factors. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosing and schedule.

For the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), the recommended dose of Nexavar is 400 mg (two 200 mg tablets) taken twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.

For the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), the recommended dose of Nexavar is also 400 mg (two 200 mg tablets) taken twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.

Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dosage based on your individual response to treatment and any side effects you may experience. It is important to take Nexavar at the same time each day and to not miss any doses, unless instructed by your healthcare provider.

It’s crucial to take Nexavar exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose or alter the dosing schedule without consulting your healthcare provider. If you have any questions or concerns about your dosage or treatment plan, it’s best to discuss them with your healthcare provider, who can provide you with personalized advice and guidance based on your specific situation. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the dosing of Nexavar, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can provide you with more detailed dosing instructions based on your individual needs and medical history.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Nexavar, you should take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. Here is a quick guide to properly navigate a missed dose:

          If you remember a missed dose on the same day: 

  • Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. 
  • If it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual. 
  • Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.If you remember a missed dose on the following day: 
  • Skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. 
  • Do not try to “catch up” by taking extra doses. 

It is important to take Nexavar at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body. If you miss a dose or have trouble remembering to take your medication, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They may be able to provide you with tips or strategies to help you remember to take your medication on schedule.

It is also important to not stop taking Nexavar without consulting your healthcare provider, even if you miss a dose or experience side effects. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dosage or schedule based on your individual response to treatment.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

While taking Nexavar, you should avoid certain activities or substances that can increase the risk of side effects or interactions with the medication. Some of the things to avoid while taking Nexavar include:

  1. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with Nexavar and increase the risk of side effects. It is recommended to avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Nexavar.
  2. Blood thinning medications: Nexavar can increase the risk of bleeding, so it is important to avoid taking blood thinning medications or supplements (such as aspirin or fish oil) unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider.
  3. Strenuous exercise or physical activity: Nexavar can cause fatigue or weakness, so it is important to avoid excessive physical activity or strenuous exercise that could cause injury or worsen these symptoms.
  4. Smoking: Smoking can decrease the effectiveness of Nexavar and increase the risk of side effects.
  5. Alcohol: Alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage and other side effects associated with Nexavar. It is recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Nexavar.

These are not the only things to avoid while taking Nexavar, and it is important to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with more detailed guidance on how to safely take Nexavar and avoid potential risks or interactions.

Nexavar side effects

Nexavar can cause side effects, some of which can be serious. If you are experiencing side effects that are cause for concern, contact your prescribing doctor or an emergency healthcare professional immediately.

Common side effects of Nexavar include:

  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Hair thinning or loss
  • Skin rash or dryness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Hand-foot skin reaction (redness, swelling, blisters, or peeling on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet)

Less common but potentially serious side effects of Nexavar may include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart problems, including heart attack or heart failure
  • Bleeding, including internal bleeding or hemorrhage
  • Kidney problems, including kidney failure
  • Liver problems, including liver failure or hepatitis

It is important to report any side effects to your healthcare provider, as they may need to adjust your dosage or prescribe additional medications to manage your symptoms. In some cases, your healthcare provider may need to discontinue treatment with Nexavar if the side effects are severe or life-threatening.

If you experience any symptoms that could indicate a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face or throat, seek immediate medical attention.

This is not a complete list of side effects associated with Nexavar. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information about the potential risks and benefits of taking Nexavar.

This is not a complete list and others may occur. Further information on Nexavar side effects can be found on our blog here.  Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Nexavar?

There are several drugs that can interact with Nexavar and potentially affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting treatment with Nexavar.

Some of the drugs that can interact with Nexavar include:

  • Blood thinners (such as warfarin): Nexavar can increase the risk of bleeding, so it is important to monitor your blood clotting time if you are taking blood thinners with Nexavar.
  • CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors: Nexavar is metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme in the liver, so drugs that inhibit or induce this enzyme can affect the effectiveness and toxicity of Nexavar. Examples of drugs that can affect CYP3A4 metabolism include rifampin, St. John’s wort, ketoconazole, and clarithromycin.
  • Anticonvulsants: Some anticonvulsant drugs (such as phenytoin or carbamazepine) can decrease the effectiveness of Nexavar and increase the risk of side effects.
  • Statins: Some statin drugs (such as atorvastatin or simvastatin) can increase the risk of muscle damage (myopathy) when taken with Nexavar.

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking before starting treatment with Nexavar. They can help you understand the potential risks and benefits of taking Nexavar in combination with other drugs and help you manage any potential interactions or side effects.

Can Nexavar cause weight gain?

Weight gain is not a common side effect of Nexavar. In fact, one of the more common side effects of Nexavar is weight loss or loss of appetite.

However, everyone’s body is different and can react to medications differently, so weight gain can occur in some individuals taking Nexavar. If you experience unexplained weight gain while taking Nexavar, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help determine if the weight gain is related to the medication or if there may be other underlying causes that need to be addressed.

It is also important to note that weight gain can be a symptom of certain types of cancer or cancer treatments. If you are being treated for cancer with Nexavar and experience unexplained weight gain, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate management.

What is the best time of day to take Nexavar?

The best time of day to take Nexavar may vary depending on your individual needs and schedule. However, it is generally recommended to take Nexavar on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.

Taking Nexavar with food can decrease the absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Therefore, it is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and take Nexavar exactly as prescribed.

Some people may prefer to take Nexavar in the morning to help manage potential side effects, such as fatigue, throughout the day. Others may find it more convenient to take Nexavar at night before bedtime.

Ultimately, the best time of day to take Nexavar will depend on your personal preferences and schedule. If you have any questions or concerns about when to take Nexavar, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual needs and help you develop a dosing schedule that works best for you.

How long does Nexavar stay in your system?

The amount of time it takes for Nexavar to leave your system can vary depending on several factors, such as your individual metabolism, kidney and liver function, and the duration of treatment.

The half-life of Nexavar, which is the time it takes for half of the medication to be eliminated from your body, is approximately 25-48 hours. This means that it can take several days to a week for Nexavar to be completely eliminated from your system after stopping treatment.

However, it is important to note that the effects of Nexavar on the body can last beyond the time it takes for the medication to be eliminated. For example, Nexavar can cause long-term side effects, such as high blood pressure or liver damage, that may persist even after treatment is discontinued.

If you have any concerns about the duration of Nexavar in your system or the potential long-term effects of the medication, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual needs and help you understand the potential risks and benefits of taking Nexavar.

How long do I need to take Nexavar?

The duration of treatment with Nexavar will depend on the specific type of cancer being treated and how well you respond to the medication. Your healthcare provider will monitor your response to treatment and may adjust the duration of treatment based on your individual needs.

In general, treatment with Nexavar is continued until the cancer progresses or until unacceptable side effects occur. For advanced kidney cancer, the typical treatment duration is 6 months, although some people may continue treatment for longer periods of time.

For liver cancer, the recommended treatment duration is usually 6 months or until disease progression, but this can vary depending on individual factors.

It is important to take Nexavar exactly as prescribed and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the duration of treatment. Stopping treatment too soon can increase the risk of disease progression or recurrence, while continuing treatment for too long may increase the risk of side effects.

If you have any questions or concerns about the duration of treatment with Nexavar, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual needs and help you understand the potential risks and benefits of continuing treatment with Nexavar.

How does Nexavar work?

Nexavar (sorafenib) is a targeted therapy medication that works by inhibiting specific enzymes and receptors involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). Here’s a simplified explanation of how Nexavar works: 

  • Inhibition of kinases: Nexavar is a multikinase inhibitor, meaning it targets multiple protein kinases that are involved in the signaling pathways of cancer cells. It inhibits the activity of these kinases, which are enzymes that regulate various cellular processes. 
  • Angiogenesis inhibition: One of the key mechanisms of action for Nexavar is its ability to disrupt angiogenesis. Cancer cells require a blood supply to grow and spread, and they release signals to promote the formation of new blood vessels. Nexavar interferes with this process by inhibiting certain receptors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), which are involved in angiogenesis. 
  • Tumor growth inhibition: By inhibiting the activity of kinases and disrupting angiogenesis, Nexavar helps to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells. It interferes with the signals that cancer cells need for survival, proliferation, and the formation of new blood vessels to sustain their growth. 

It’s important to note that the specific mechanisms of action for Nexavar may be more complex and involve additional pathways. The drug’s ability to target multiple kinases and interfere with angiogenesis contributes to its effectiveness in treating certain types of cancer, such as liver cancer, kidney cancer, and thyroid cancer. 

Please keep in mind that this is a simplified explanation, and the actual pharmacology of Nexavar may involve more intricate interactions within the body. For a comprehensive understanding of its mechanism of action, it’s recommended to consult medical resources or speak directly with a healthcare professional. 

Nexavar is used to treat several types of cancer, including advanced kidney cancer and liver cancer. While it cannot cure these cancers, it can help slow down the progression of the disease and improve overall survival in some cases.

It is important to note that Nexavar may not be effective for everyone, and it can cause significant side effects. Your healthcare provider can help you understand the potential risks and benefits of treatment with Nexavar and determine if it is the right choice for you.

Is Nexavar a chemotherapy drug?

Nexavar (sorafenib) is not a traditional chemotherapy drug. It is a targeted therapy medication that works by inhibiting the activity of specific proteins involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy drugs, which target rapidly dividing cells throughout the body, targeted therapy medications are designed to selectively target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells.

While Nexavar is not a chemotherapy drug, it is sometimes used in combination with chemotherapy as part of a treatment plan for certain types of cancer, such as liver cancer. In these cases, Nexavar may help enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and improve treatment outcomes.

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the specific type of cancer you have and the most appropriate treatment options for your individual needs. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of different treatment options and develop a personalized treatment plan that is right for you.