Sorafenib (Nexavar)

How does this medicine work?

Sorafenib (so-raf-uh-nib) is a cancer medicine known as a kinase inhibitor. It works to destroy cancer cells by blocking certain proteins needed for cell growth.

How is the medicine given?

Sorafenib is given by mouth as a tablet. It should be given at approximately the same time each day and taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Sorafenib should be taken with clear liquids (2-4 ounces for children less than 12 years old, 4-8 ounces for children greater than 12 years). Grapefruit or its juice is not allowed for the duration of treatment with Sorafenib.

For children who cannot swallow tablets:

1. Choose a work space away from food, windows, and fans. Clean the area and place items needed on a paper towel.
2. Wash hands and put on gloves
3. Fill a drinking glass with the volume of water appropriate for your child’s age.
4. Place the number of tablets required for the dose into the glass of water.
5. Let the tablets sit in the water for 5 minutes. Then begin stirring. Stir until all tablets are broken into tiny pieces. A thin film may appear on top of the water. This will not change the dose medication.
6. The Sorafenib should be ready to give to your child after 10 minutes. Make sure your child takes all of the liquid. To make your child gets all of the medication, rinse the container with 3-6 ounces of water and administer to your child. It must be given within 1 hour of mixing.
7. Wash all dishes used right after use. Discard the gloves.

What are the side effects?

Common

• Low blood cell counts
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Hair loss
• Skin rash
• Fatigue
• Changes in liver and kidney function

Occasional

• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Sores in mouth or on lips
• Swelling
• Insomnia
• Pain (back, bone, limbs)
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Headache/dizziness

Rare             

• High blood pressure
• Heart, stomach, and intestine changes

When should I call the clinic?

Call the clinic if:

• fever, chills
• bleeding, unusual bruising
• cough, shortness of breath, sore throat
• Signs of an allergic reaction:
  • rash or hives
  • wheezing
  • trouble breathing - call 911

What else do I need to know?

If you are pregnant, or could become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, we suggest that you DO NOT prepare or administer Sorafenib without checking with your health care provider first.

Certain medications can increase the side effects of Sorafenib. Please talk with your child’s provider before starting any new medications or supplements.

All caregivers should wear gloves when handling urine, stool, and vomit while your child is receiving chemotherapy and for 48 hours afterward. Urine, stool, and vomit can be safely disposed of in septic tanks and the sewer system.

Any clothes or bed linens that are contaminated with urine, stool, or vomit should be washed separately from other laundry in hot water and detergent. Anyone handling the contaminated laundry should wear gloves.

Your will have regular blood tests while receiving this medication. This is to make sure your all your organs are working properly.

You and your child should know the names of all the medicines he or she is taking. Share this information with anyone involved in your child’s care.

Always make sure you have enough medication on hand. Each time you refill your prescriptions, check to see how many refills are left. If no refills are left, the pharmacist will need 2 or 3 days to contact the provider to renew the prescription.

Check the label for the expiration date.  Dispose outdated or extra medicines through your local hazardous waste program. Do not flush them down the toilet or throw them in the garbage.

Store all medicines in their original container and away from direct sunlight or heat. Do not store in humid places such as the bathroom. Keep them out of children’s reach, locked up if possible.

If too much of the wrong chemotherapy medicine is taken, call the oncology clinic right away. If your child is unconscious or has a seizure, call 911.

Questions?

This sheet is not specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any questions, please call the oncology clinic or pharmacy.

Patient/Family Education
2525 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Last reviewed Hem/Onc 6/2015 ©Copyright

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