Sorafina Tablet
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Arechar Healthcare |
| Active Ingredient | Sorafenib (200mg) |
| Storage | Store below 30°C |
| Chemical Class | Diarylethers Derivative |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI NEOPLASTICS |
| Action Class | Tyrosine kinase inhibitors |
| User Rating | 4.2 |
| User Reviews | 394 |
FAQ
How is Sorafina administered?
Sorafina is an oral medicine and you should take it exactly as per your doctor’s advice. It can be taken without food or with low to moderate fat meal. It should not be taken with high-fat meal which will make Sorafina less effective. If you are taking high-fat meal, take Sorafenib 1 hour before or two hours after high-fat meal.
I have developed redness and pain in my palms and soles ever since I started using Sorafina. My skin is also coming off. Is this dangerous? What should I do?
It seems you have developed hand and foot skin reaction due to Sorafina. Consult your doctor who will either interrupt your therapy for sometime or change your dose. He might also suggest some cream or lotion to treat the problem. If the problem is severe, consult a skin doctor.
Does Sorafina affect blood sugar levels?
Yes, Sorafina can cause a decrease in the blood sugar levels. In fact, the levels can decrease to the extent that the patient may faint. So, it is important that the patients having diabetes check their blood sugar levels regularly. Additionally, you should also consult the doctor if the dose of anti-diabetic medicines needs to be adjusted.
How do I know if I am responding to Sorafina?
While receiving treatment with Sorafina, your doctor will most likely recommend regular scans to monitor the size of the tumor. You may also need to get regular blood tests to see if the deranged liver or kidney functions have improved or not.
Do I need to take a treatment along with Sorafina for it to work?
Sorafina is used as a monotherapy, that is, it is a medicine which is used alone rather than in combination with other treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
What are the serious side effects that can occur while taking Sorafina?
The possible serious side effects that may occur (not in everyone) include heart attack and heart failure, increased risk of bleeding, high blood pressure, skin problems and wound healing problems. Some other side effects which get highlighted when you go through various tests are decreased blood flow to the heart, swelling of the liver, an opening in the wall of stomach or intestines (perforation), changes in electrical activity of the heart (QT prolongation) and changes in thyroid hormone levels.
For how long do I need to take Sorafina?
If Sorafina suits you well, then you should continue taking it for the duration suggested by the doctor. However, if you experience any side effect that bothers you, talk to your doctor immediately.
What if you forget to take Sorafina?
If you miss a dose of Sorafina, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.
Sorafina Tablet Reviews
Sorafina belongs to the class of medicines known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors used in the treatment of liver cancer, kidney cancer, and thyroid cancer.
Sorafina should be taken on an empty stomach, but try to have it at the same time every day to get the most benefits. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
Fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, hair loss and diarrhea are some common side effects of this medicine. It might cause high blood pressure, so the doctor may ask you for a regular check-up of blood pressure. You must inform your doctor if you notice severe skin reaction such as skin rash, or any pain, swelling, and redness of your hands and feet.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, liver, or kidney problems or high blood pressure. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.
Sorafina should be taken on an empty stomach, but try to have it at the same time every day to get the most benefits. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
Fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, hair loss and diarrhea are some common side effects of this medicine. It might cause high blood pressure, so the doctor may ask you for a regular check-up of blood pressure. You must inform your doctor if you notice severe skin reaction such as skin rash, or any pain, swelling, and redness of your hands and feet.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, liver, or kidney problems or high blood pressure. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.
How Sorafina Tablet Works
Sorafina is an anti-cancer medication. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps to stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.
How to Use Sorafina Tablet
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Sorafina is to be taken empty stomach.
Benefits of Sorafina Tablet
- In Liver cancer: Liver cancer is the cancer that develops in the cells of the liver called hepatocytes. There may be no symptoms present in the early stages of the cancer but as the disease advances to later stages symptoms such as weight loss, stomach pain, vomiting and yellowed skin. Sorafina kills the cancer cells and prevents further growth and spread of cancer to other unaffected areas. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and do not drink alcohol or smoke. Alcohol intake or smoking can worsen your condition and hinder your recovery.
- In Kidney cancer: Sorafina is used to treat kidney cancer and its associated symptoms such as blood in the urine, unexplained low back pain or weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, etc. It stops cancer growth and prevents multiplication of cancer cells. This restricts the advancement of cancer to other unaffected regions. You need to follow your doctor’s instructions very carefully to recover.
- In Thyroid cancer: Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. Your thyroid produces hormones that regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight. Thyroid cancer occurs in the cells of the thyroid and it might not cause any symptoms at first. Sorafina restricts the oxygen supply of the cancer cells and stops its growth as well as further spread. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol or smoking while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Uses of Sorafina Tablet
- Liver cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Kidney cancer
Sorafina Tablet Side Effects
Safety Tips
Driving
SAFE
Sorafina does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Sorafina. Please consult your doctor.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Sorafina is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Sorafina is recommended.Regular monitoring of blood tests may be advised while you are taking this medicine.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Sorafina is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CAUTION
Sorafina should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment of Sorafina may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
UNSAFE
Sorafina is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
Quick Tips
- Sorafina is used in the treatment of liver, kidney, and thyroid cancer.
- Your doctor may regularly monitor your blood pressure while you are taking this medicine.
- Take it at the same time everyday to maintain consistent levels in your body.
- Take it without food, or with a low fat meal and a full glass of water.
- Do not change the dose or discontinue use without consulting your doctor.
- Women who could get pregnant should use a reliable method of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
- Inform your doctor if you get a skin rash, or any pain, swelling, and redness of your hands and feet while you are taking this medicine.
References
- Chabner BA, Barnes J, Neal J, et al. Targeted Therapies: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, Monoclonal Antibodies, and Cytokines. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1740.
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 1274-75.
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- Sorafenib tosilate. Reading, Berkshire: Bayer Plc.; 2006 [revised Jun. 2018].
- Chu E, Sartorelli AC. Cancer Chemotherapy. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 955.
- Sorafenib. Emeryville, California: Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2005 [revised Oct. 2010].