Drug
Regorafenib
Pronounced
"RE-goe-RAF-e-nib"
Uses
Regorafenib is used to treat cancer of the colon and rectum. It is also used to treat liver cancer and a certain cancer of the digestive system (gastrointestinal stromal tumor). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Warning
Regorafenib has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) liver disease, especially in the first 2 months of treatment. People of Asian descent are at greater risk. Your doctor will monitor your liver function before and during treatment with this medication. Tell your doctor right away if you develop new or worsening symptoms of liver disease, such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking regorafenib and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with a low-fat meal as directed by your doctor, usually once daily for 21 days, then stopping the medication for 7 days. This is one cycle of treatment. Keep taking the medication this way as directed by your doctor. Swallow the medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of serious side effects will increase.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day that you are scheduled to take it.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.