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Sorafenib
Sorafenib is a drug licensed to treat certain types of liver and kidney cancers. By blocking an enzyme in the body, this prescription medication can slow down the growth of cancer cells. It comes in tablet form and is usually taken twice daily. Diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss are some of the most commonly reported reactions to this chemotherapy drug.
Sorafenib (Nexavar®) is a prescription medication approved to treat the following types of cancer:
- A type of liver cancer known medically as hepatocellular carcinoma, when it cannot be treated with surgery
- A type of kidney cancer known as renal cell carcinoma, when it has spread beyond the kidneys.
(Click What Is Sorafenib Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Just like any medicine, sorafenib can cause side effects. Although not everyone who uses the drug will experience problems, most people will experience some type of adverse reaction during treatment.
If reactions do occur, in many cases, you or your healthcare provider can treat them. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of sorafenib include but are not limited to:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Abdominal (stomach) pain.
(Click Sorafenib Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD