Regorafenib
About Regorafenib
Regorafenib is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with certain types of advanced cancers of the colon, rectum, stomach, and liver. It is typically prescribed after other standard treatments have already been tried. This medicine helps manage the growth and spread of these specific tumours.
To get the best results, you must take Regorafenib consistently at the same time each day exactly as your doctor instructs. It is taken as a daily dose for a specific number of weeks followed by a break period. Always take your dose after a low-fat meal, such as a light breakfast, to help your body absorb the medicine properly.
While taking this medicine, you may experience common side effects such as fatigue, diarrhoea, or a specific skin reaction on your hands and feet. However, you should contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of serious issues, including severe bleeding, unusual bruising, or persistent stomach pain.
Before starting treatment, let your doctor know if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, or upcoming surgeries. Do not take this medicine if you have severe liver disease or are currently suffering from active, severe bleeding.
Certain prescription medications, herbal supplements, and even grapefruit juice can change how this medicine works, potentially causing dangerous side effects or reducing its effectiveness. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you must avoid taking this medicine because it can harm an unborn baby.
Uses of Regorafenib
Medicinal Benefits
Regorafenib helps treat certain advanced cancers by slowing the growth and spread of cancer cells. When used as prescribed, it helps control disease progression, supports ongoing cancer management, and may improve overall treatment outcomes in patients whose cancer has not responded to standard therapies.
- Slows Cancer Progression: By blocking pathways that promote tumour growth and the formation of new blood vessels, this medicine helps slow or temporarily stop the progression of advanced cancers.
- Helps Control Advanced Disease: This medicine provides an important treatment option for patients whose cancer has progressed despite previous therapies, helping to stabilise the disease and support continued cancer management.
- Supports Quality of Life: By helping keep the cancer under control, this medicine may reduce disease-related symptoms, maintain physical functioning, and provide more stable periods during treatment.
Directions for Use
- Take Regorafenib after a low-fat meal for best results.
- Regorafenib should be taken once daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle or as advised by your doctor.
- Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, chew or crush Regorafenib.
Storage
Side Effects of Regorafenib
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Feeling very tired or weak (fatigue)
- Diarrhoea, nausea, or a loss of appetite
- Redness, pain, swelling, or blisters on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet (hand-foot skin reaction)
- High blood pressure
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Signs of severe liver damage, such as yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe right-sided stomach pain
- Unusual or severe bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, blood in your stool, or heavy vaginal bleeding
- Severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden severe headache
- Signs of a tear in your stomach or intestines, including severe abdominal pain, fever, or chills
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Write the date you first open the bottle directly on the label so you know when to safely discard any remaining tablets.
- Always check the appearance of your tablets; do not use them if they appear damaged or altered.
- Use a reliable form of birth control during treatment and for at least 2 months after your final dose to prevent pregnancy.
- Notify your surgical team or dentist that you are taking this medicine, as you must stop taking it at least 2 weeks before any planned surgery or dental procedure to ensure proper wound healing.
- Attend all scheduled blood work appointments so your healthcare provider can closely monitor your liver function and blood counts.
Drug Interactions
- Strong Antibiotics and Antifungal Medicines: Certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, and antifungal medicines, such as ketoconazole, can increase the levels of Regorafenib in your bloodstream, raising the risk of side effects. Your doctor may recommend dose adjustments or closer monitoring during treatment.
- Medicines for Seizures or Tuberculosis: Medicines used to treat seizures, such as carbamazepine, and tuberculosis treatments, such as rifampin, can speed up the breakdown of Regorafenib, reducing its effectiveness. Inform your doctor if you are taking these medicines so your treatment can be adjusted if necessary.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while taking Regorafenib.
Pregnancy
unsafeRegorafenib is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity and harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Regorafenib. You should not become pregnant while you are taking Regorafenib and for at least two weeks after your treatment. Using effective birth control methods while on treatment with Regorafenib is suggested.
Breast Feeding
unsafeRegorafenib should not be taken if you are breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk and may harm your infant.
Driving
unsafeRegorafenib may cause dizziness in some patients. Hence, do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any activity that needs concentration until you are confident that you can do so safely while you are on treatment with Regorafenib.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before taking Regorafenib. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeRegorafenib is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy is not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a low-fat breakfast before your dose to ensure the medicine is absorbed safely and effectively.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while on this medicine, as it can dangerously increase the drug levels in your body.
- Moisturise your hands and feet regularly with a thick cream, and wear loose, comfortable socks and shoes to help prevent skin cracking and blistering.
- Avoid exposing your hands and feet to very hot water or friction (like heavy scrubbing or intense physical activities) during the first few weeks of treatment.
- Monitor your blood pressure daily at home, keeping a log to share with your doctor.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may suggest periodic liver function tests to monitor the function of the liver due to the use of Regorafenib.
- It is advised to use contraceptive pills while using Regorafenib to prevent pregnancy.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you have swelling in your lower legs, fast heartbeats, or trouble breathing as it may be a sign of a heart problem.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Colorectal cancer: Also known as colon cancer (growth of cancer cells in the colon) or rectal cancer (cancer cells grow in the rectum area) is a condition in which the cancerous or the malignant cells grow out of control in the colon or rectum. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, constipation, bloody stools, change in the bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, etc.
FAQs
Regorafenib is used to treat Colorectal Cancer.
Regorafenib contains Regorafenib, which works by stopping the action of a tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells.
Regorafenib is safe to be taken by a diabetic person. However, take Regorafenib only after consulting with a doctor, as they may adjust the dosing according to your condition.
You should know that this medicine may reduce fertility in both men and women. Discuss the risks of taking an irinotecan injection with your doctor.
Yes, Regorafenib is a chemotherapy agent used in the treatment of colon and rectal cancer.
Regorafenib should be taken with a low-fat breakfast. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew the medicine.
Yes, Regorafenib works by shrinking the tumours or stopping their growth. Thereby, it helps treat colorectal cancer.
Regorafenib may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, rash, tiredness, decreased appetite, nausea, weight loss, fatigue, stomach pain, loss of appetite, hoarseness, and dizziness. Consult the doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
No, you should not take Regorafenib on an empty stomach. It must be taken with a low-fat meal, like a light breakfast containing less than 30% fat, to make sure it is absorbed correctly by your body. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need examples of low-fat meals.
This medicine can cause serious liver damage in some patients. Your doctor will perform regular blood tests to check how well your liver is functioning, especially during the first few months of treatment. If you notice yellowing of your skin or dark urine, contact your doctor immediately. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your liver.
No, you must swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, split, or break them, as this can affect how the medicine is absorbed and increase your risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have trouble swallowing pills.
This medicine can cause a common side effect known as hand-foot skin reaction, which causes redness, pain, and peeling. Keep your skin moisturised, avoid hot water, and contact your doctor right away, as they may need to adjust your dose. Talk to your doctor for advice on managing skin changes.
No, this medicine can cause severe harm or birth defects to an unborn baby. Both men and women should use highly effective birth control during treatment and for at least 2 months after the final dose. Talk to your doctor immediately if you or your partner suspect a pregnancy.
Yes, this medicine can cause a significant increase in blood pressure, often within the first week of starting treatment. You should monitor your blood pressure regularly at home. Talk to your doctor if your blood pressure readings are higher than normal.
You should avoid or severely limit alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol can place extra stress on your liver, which is already at risk for damage during this treatment. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice regarding alcohol use.
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