Sorafenib is a cancer medicine that belongs to the class of kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the activity of proteins that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Sorafenib is approved for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma), liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and thyroid cancer that does not respond to radioactive iodine therapy.
How to use Sorafenib
Sorafenib is available as tablets that are taken by mouth twice a day, with or without food. The usual dose is 400 mg (two tablets) each time, but it may be adjusted depending on the patient’s condition and response to treatment. Sorafenib should be taken at the same time every day, and the tablets should not be crushed or chewed.
Before starting treatment with sorafenib, patients should have their blood pressure, liver function, kidney function and thyroid function checked. These tests should be repeated regularly during treatment to monitor the effects of sorafenib on the body. Patients should also avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking sorafenib, as they may increase the levels of sorafenib in the blood and cause more side effects.
What are the side effects of Sorafenib?
Sorafenib may cause serious side effects, such as bleeding, infections, heart problems, skin reactions, liver damage and high blood pressure. Some of these side effects may be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Patients should contact their doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
- Fever, chills, sore throat or other signs of infection
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat or swelling of the legs
- Rash, blisters, peeling skin or severe itching
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Headache, confusion, seizures or vision changes
Sorafenib may also cause other common side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, hand-foot syndrome (redness, pain and swelling of the palms and soles) and erectile dysfunction. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and can be managed with supportive care or dose adjustments. Patients should tell their doctor about any side effects they experience while taking sorafenib.
How much does Sorafenib cost in UAE?
The price of sorafenib may vary depending on the brand, dosage and pharmacy. According to some online sources, the average cost of sorafenib in UAE is around AED 10,000 per month for a 400 mg dose. However, this price may not reflect the actual cost that patients pay after insurance coverage or discounts. Patients should consult their doctor or pharmacist for more information on the availability and cost of sorafenib in UAE.
Table 1: Price comparison of sorafenib in different countries (as of September 2023)
Country | Brand name | Price per tablet (USD) | Reference |
---|---|---|---|
UAE | Nexavar | 54.79 | Medicine Shop UAE |
Pakistan | Nexavar | 28.57 | Emedz Blog |
India | Nexavar | 8.33 | Medindia |
USA | Nexavar | 222.22 | GoodRx |
UK | Nexavar | 146.67 | BNF |