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Nexavar Side Effects
If you are undergoing chemotherapy treatment with Nexavar, it is likely that you will experience some type of side effect. Commonly reported problems can include diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue. However, contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop potentially serious side effects, such as a rash, chest pain, or high fever.
from eMedTV.comAn Introduction to Nexavar Side Effects
Just like any chemotherapy medicine, Nexavar® (sorafenib) can cause side effects, some of which can be significant. Although not everyone who takes the medication will have problems, most people will experience some type of adverse reaction during treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to manage any side effects that occur.(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Nexavar. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
Common Side Effects With Nexavar
Nexavar has been studied extensively in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occurred in a group of people taking the drug were carefully documented and compared to those that occurred in a group of people taking a placebo pill (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients). As a result, it was possible to see what side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the placebo.In these studies, the most common Nexavar side effects included:
- Diarrhea -- in up to 68 percent of people
- Fatigue -- up to 46 percent
- Decreased blood cell counts, including low red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets -- up to 46 percent
- A rash -- up to 40 percent
- Abdominal (stomach) pain -- up to 31 percent
- Weight loss -- up to 30 percent
- Redness, pain, swelling, or blisters on the hands and feet -- up to 30 percent
- Loss of appetite -- up to 30 percent
- Hair loss -- up to 67 percent
- Nausea -- up to 24 percent
- Itching -- up to 20 percent.
Other common reactions, occurring in at least 1 percent of people, included:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Bleeding
- Shortness of breath
- Tingling, burning, or numbing sensations of the skin (neuropathy)
- Liver problems
- Dry skin
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Acne
- Flushing (sudden warmth and redness of the face, neck, and chest)
- Mouth and gum problems, such as sores, ulcers, pain, burning, or dryness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Flu-like symptoms, including fever and body aches
- Loss of strength or weakness
- Depression
- Kidney problems
- Impotence or erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Hoarseness.
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD