Indication of Nexavar:
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 of Nexavar:
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 of Nexavar:
The recommended daily dose of Nexavar is two 200 mg tablets twice a dayYou 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 foodYour 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 of Nexavar:
Schedule 4
Common side effects of Nexavar:
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. DiarrhoeaFeeling and/or being sick (nausea and vomiting)FatigueConstipation, dry mouthHeartburn or indigestion and/or difficulty in swallowingRinging in the earPain (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 rashesBleeding (haemorrhage)- see your doctor immediatelyIncreases 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 problemsHair thinning or patchy hair loss
Uncommon side effects of Nexavar:
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 immediatelyChest painChanges in the your heart beat, such fast beating Difficulty breathing or shortness of breathWorsening of rash or hand foot skin reaction
Reference:
MIMS Online. Nexavar. [cited 2007 September 8]. Available from: http: //mims.hcn.net.au.ezproxy.library.uwa.edu.auAPPguide online. Nexavar. [cited 2007 September 8]. Available from: http: //www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.aspAustralian Medicine Handbook. Adelaide: AMH Pty Ltd; 2007.
Diseases treated by Nexavar:
Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma)
