nexavar
Nexavar (Sorafenib Tosylate) is a kinase inhibitor used to treat Renal Cell Carcinoma, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Thyroid Neoplasms.
Sorafenib Tosylate · by Bayer Hlthcare
Available as a generic: Sorafenib Tosylate
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Sorafenib Tosylate
- Drug class
- Kinase Inhibitor
- Form
- Tablet
- Strength
- Sorafenib Tosylate EQ 200MG Base
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Bayer Hlthcare
- FDA application
- NDA021923
What is Nexavar?
From the FDA label:Sorafenib, a kinase inhibitor, is the tosylate salt of sorafenib. Sorafenib tosylate has the chemical name 4-(4-{3-[4-Chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ureido}phenoxy)N2-methylpyridine-2-carboxamide 4-methylbenzenesulfonate. The molecular formula of sorafenib tosylate is C 21 H 16 ClF 3 N 4 O 3 x C 7 H 8 O 3 S and the molecular weight of sorafenib tosylate is 637.0 g/mole. Its structural formula is: Sorafenib tosylate is a white to yellowish or brownish solid. Sorafenib tosylate is practically insoluble in aqueous media, slightly soluble in ethanol and soluble in PEG 400. NEXAVAR (sorafenib), for oral use is supplied as film-coated tablets containing 200 mg sorafenib equivalent to 274 mg sorafenib tosylate and the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, ferric oxide red, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol sodium lauryl sulphate, and titanium dioxide. chemical structure
How to use
The recommended dosage is 400 mg orally twice daily without food. ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage of NEXAVAR is 400 mg orally twice daily without food (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) until the patient is no longer clinically benefiting from therapy or until unacceptable toxicity. 2.2 Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions Recommended Dosage Modifications The recommended dosage modifications for adverse reactions are provided in Tables 1, 2, and 3. Table 1: Recommended Dose Reductions for Adverse Reactions Dose Reduction Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Renal Cell Carcinoma Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma First Dose Reduction 400 mg orally once daily 400 mg orally in the morning and 200 mg orally in the evening about 12 hours apart OR 200 mg orally in the morning and 400 mg orally in the evening about 12 hours apart Second Dose Reduction 200 mg orally once daily OR 400 every other day 200 mg orally twice daily Third Dose Reduction None 200 mg orally once daily Table 2: Recommended Dosage Modifications of NEXAVAR for Adverse Reactions Adverse Reaction Severity 1 NEXAVAR Dosage Modification Cardiovascular Events [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Cardiac Ischemia and/or Infarction Grade 2 and above Permanently discontinue. Congestive Heart Failure Grade 3 Interrupt 2 until Grade 1 or less, resume at reduced dose by 1 dose level. 3 Grade…
Side effects
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: • Cardiovascular events [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Dermatologic toxicities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Gastrointestinal perforation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • QT interval prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] • Drug-induced liver injury [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] • Impairment of TSH suppression in DTC [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) are diarrhea, fatigue, infection, alopecia, hand-foot skin reaction, rash, weight loss, decreased appetite, nausea, gastrointestinal and abdominal pains, hypertension, and hemorrhage. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-888-842-2937 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data described reflect exposure to NEXAVAR in 955 patients who…
Warnings
Important safety information
Cardiovascular Events : Consider temporary or permanent discontinuation of NEXAVAR. ( 2.2 , 5.1 ) • Hemorrhage: Discontinue NEXAVAR if needed. ( 5.2 ) • Hypertension: Monitor blood pressure weekly during the first 6 weeks and periodically thereafter. Consider temporary or permanent discontinuation for severe or persistent hypertension despite antihypertensive therapy. ( 5.3 ) • Dermatologic Toxicities : Interrupt and/or decrease dose. Discontinue for severe or persistent reactions, or if Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis is suspected. ( 5.4 ) • Gastrointestinal Perforation : Discontinue NEXAVAR. ( 5.5 ) • Risk of Impaired Wound Healing : Withhold NEXAVAR for at least 10 days prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of NEXAVAR after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established. ( 5.7 ) • QT Prolongation : Monitor electrocardiograms and electrolytes in patients at increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias. Correct electrolytes. Interrupt if QTc greater than 500 msec or increases greater than 60 msec from baseline. ( 2.2 , 5.9 , 12.2 ) • Drug-Induced Liver Injury : Monitor liver function tests regularly; discontinue for unexplained transaminase elevations. ( 5.10 ) • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : NEXAVAR may cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.11 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) • Impairment of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Suppression (TSH) in DTC : Monitor TSH monthly and adjust thyroid replacement therapy in patients with thyroid cancer. ( 5.12 ) 5.1 Cardiovascular Events In the SHARP (HCC) study, the incidence of cardiac ischemia/infarction was 2.7% in NEXAVAR-treated patients compared with 1.3% in those receiving placebo; in the TARGET (RCC) study, the incidence of cardiac ischemia/infarction was higher in the NEXAVAR-treated group (2.9%) compared with patients receiving placebo (0.4%), and in the DECISION (DTC) study, the incidence of cardiac ischemia/infarction was 1.9% in the NEXAVAR-treated group compared with 0% in patients receiving placebo. Patients with unstable coronary artery disease or recent myocardial infarction were excluded from this study. In multiple clinical trials, congestive heart failure has been reported in 1.9% of NEXAVAR-treated patients (N=2276) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . Consider temporary or permanent discontinuation of NEXAVAR in patients who develop cardiovascular events [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )]. 5.2 Hemorrhage An increased risk of bleeding may occur following NEXAVAR administration. In the SHARP (HCC) study, the rates of bleeding from esophageal varices (2.4% and 4%) and of bleeding with a fatal outcome from any site (2.4% and 4%) were similar in NEXAVAR-treated patients and those receiving placebo, respectively . In the TARGET (RCC) study, bleeding was reported in 15.3% of patients in the NEXAVAR-treated group and 8.2% of patients receiving placebo. The incidence of Grade 3 and 4 bleeding was 2% and 0%, respectively, in NEXAVAR-treated patients, and 1.3% and 0.2%, respectively, in those receiving placebo. There was one fatal hemorrhage in each treatment group in the TARGET (RCC) study. In the DECISION (DTC) study, bleeding was reported in 17.4% of NEXAVAR-treated patients and 9.6% of those receiving placebo; however, the incidence of Grade 3 bleeding was similar (1% and 1.4%) in NEXAVAR-treated patients and in those receiving placebo. If any bleeding necessitates medical intervention, consider permanent discontinuation of NEXAVAR [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] . Due to the potential risk of bleeding, treat tracheal, bronchial, and esophageal infiltration with local therapy prior to administering NEXAVAR in patients with DTC. 5.3 Hypertension In the SHARP (HCC) study, hypertension was reported in 9.4% of NEXAVAR-treated patients and 4.3% of patients receiving placebo. In the TARGET (RCC) study, hypertension was reported in 16.9% of NEXAVAR-treated patients and 1.8% of patients receiving placebo. In the DECISION (DTC) study, hypertension was reported in 40.6% of NEXAVAR-treated patients and 12.4% of patients receiving placebo. Hypertension was usually mild to moderate, occurred early in the course of treatment, and was managed with standard antihypertensive therapy. Permanent discontinuation due to hypertension occurred in 1 of 297 NEXAVAR-treated patients in the SHARP (HCC) study, 1 of 451 NEXAVAR-treated patients in the TARGET (RCC) study, and 1 of 207 NEXAVAR-treated patients in the DECISION (DTC) study. Monitor blood pressure weekly during the first 6 weeks of NEXAVAR. Thereafter, monitor blood pressure and treat hypertension, if required, in accordance with standard medical practice. In cases of severe or persistent hypertension despite institution of antihypertensive therapy, consider temporary or permanent discontinuation of NEXAVAR [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] . 5.4 Dermatologic Toxicities Hand-foot skin reaction and rash represent the most common adverse reactions attributed to NEXAVAR. Rash and hand-foot skin reaction are usually Grade 1 and 2 and generally appear during the first six weeks of treatment with NEXAVAR. Permanent discontinuation of therapy due to hand-foot skin reaction occurred in 4 (1.3%) of 297 NEXAVAR-treated patients with HCC, 3 (0.7%) of 451 NEXAVAR-treated patients with RCC, and 11 (5.3%) of 207 NEXAVAR-treated patients with DTC. Management of dermatologic toxicities may include topical therapies for symptomatic relief, temporary treatment interruption and/or dose reduction of NEXAVAR, or in severe or persistent cases, permanent discontinuation of NEXAVAR [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] . There have been reports of severe dermatologic toxicities, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). These cases may be life-threatening. Discontinue NEXAVAR if SJS or TEN are suspected. 5.5 Gastrointestinal Perforation Gastrointestinal perforation has been reported in less than 1% of patients taking NEXAVAR. In some cases this was not associated with apparent intra-abdominal tumor. In the event of a gastrointestinal perforation, permanently discontinue NEXAVAR. 5.6 Increased Risk of Bleeding with Concomitant Use of Warfarin Infrequent bleeding or elevations in the International Normalized Ratio (INR) have been reported in some patients taking warfarin while on NEXAVAR. Monitor patients taking concomitant warfarin regularly for changes in prothrombin time (PT), INR or clinical bleeding episodes. 5.7 Risk of Impaired Wound Healing Impaired wound healing can occur in patients who receive drugs that inhibit the VEGF signaling pathway. Therefore, NEXAVAR has the potential to adversely affect wound healing. Withhold NEXAVAR for at least 10 days prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of NEXAVAR after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established. 5.8 Increased Mortality Observed with NEXAVAR Administered in Combination with Carboplatin/Paclitaxel and Gemcitabine/Cisplatin in Squamous Cell Lung Cancer In a subset analysis of two randomized controlled trials in chemo-naive patients with Stage IIIB-IV non-small cell lung cancer, patients with squamous cell carcinoma experienced higher mortality with the addition of NEXAVAR compared to those treated with carboplatin/paclitaxel alone (HR 1.81; 95% CI 1.19, 2.74) and gemcitabine/cisplatin alone (HR 1.22; 95% CI 0.82, 1.80). The use of NEXAVAR in combination with carboplatin/paclitaxel is contraindicated in patients with squamous cell lung cancer. NEXAVAR in combination with gemcitabine/cisplatin is not recommended in patients with squamous cell lung cancer. The safety and effectiveness of NEXAVAR has not been established in patients with non-small cell lung…
Who should not take Nexavar
NEXAVAR is contraindicated in patients with known severe hypersensitivity to sorafenib or any other component of NEXAVAR. • NEXAVAR in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel is contraindicated in patients with squamous cell lung cancer [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] . • NEXAVAR is contraindicated in patients with known severe hypersensitivity to sorafenib or any other component of NEXAVAR. ( 4 ) • NEXAVAR in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel is contraindicated in patients with squamous cell lung cancer. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
The adverse reactions observed at a dose of 800 mg twice daily (2 times the recommended dose) were primarily diarrhea and dermatologic. No information is available on symptoms of acute overdose in animals because of the saturation of absorption in oral acute toxicity studies conducted in animals. In cases of suspected overdose, withhold NEXAVAR and institute supportive care.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Strong CYP3A Inducers: Avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on NEXAVAR Strong CYP3A4 Inducers The concomitant use of NEXAVAR with rifampin, a strong CYP3A4 inducer decreased the mean AUC of sorafenib, which may decrease the antitumor activity [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Avoid concomitant use of NEXAVAR with strong CYP3A4 inducers, when possible, because these drugs can decrease the systemic exposure to sorafenib. Neomycin The concomitant use of NEXAVAR with neomycin decreased the mean AUC of sorafenib, which may decrease the antitumor activity. Avoid concomitant use of NEXAVAR with neomycin. The effects of other antibiotics on the pharmacokinetics of sorafenib have not been studied [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 7.2 Concomitant Use of Warfarin The concomitant use of NEXAVAR and warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding or increased the INR. Monitor INR and for clinical bleeding episodes in patients taking warfarin while receiving NEXAVAR [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]. 7.3 Drugs That Prolong the QT Interval NEXAVAR is associated with QTc interval prolongation. Avoid coadministration of NEXAVAR with medicinal products with a known potential to prolong QT/QTc interval [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] .
Drug class
How this class works, per Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Nexavar ranks — best-rated kinase inhibitor for:
Dosage forms
Tablet
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Nexavar treat?
- Nexavar (Sorafenib Tosylate) may be used to treat renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, thyroid neoplasms, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Nexavar work?
- Nexavar is a kinase inhibitor. Kinase inhibitors block protein kinases, the enzymes that relay 'grow and divide' signals inside cells. By shutting down the overactive kinase signals that a tumor depends on, they help slow or stop cancer cells from multiplying.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Nexavar?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Nexavar. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Nexavar?
- Nexavar is marketed by Bayer Hlthcare. You can see Bayer Hlthcare's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Nexavar a brand-name or generic drug?
- Nexavar is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Sorafenib Tosylate. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Sorafenib Tosylate are available — ask your pharmacist.
- Is Nexavar available over the counter?
- No. Nexavar is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Nexavar come in?
- Nexavar is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Nexavar?
- Nexavar is classified as kinase inhibitor, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Nexavar FDA-registered?
- Nexavar is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA021923. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Nexavar safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Nexavar. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Nexavar?
- Nexavar's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: • Cardiovascular events [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Dermatologic toxicities [see Warn… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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