Regorafenib

Say it: reh-goh-RAF-eh-nib · Brand names: Stivarga

Regorafenib is a targeted therapy pill that blocks signals cancer cells and their blood vessels need to grow.

What it is

Regorafenib blocks several proteins called kinases. Some of these help cancer cells grow, and some help tumors build new blood vessels. Blocking them can slow or stop the cancer.

Often used for

• colon or rectal cancer that has spread
• gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)
• liver cancer

How you get it

Regorafenib is a pill you take by mouth at home, once a day with a low fat meal. It is often taken for 3 weeks, followed by 1 week off, and then repeated. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

• Redness, soreness, peeling, or blisters on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet. Use thick lotion, wear soft shoes, and avoid hot water.
• Feeling tired or weak. Rest when you need to, and try short walks.
• Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids. Tell your team early, since they may give you medicine to help.
• Not feeling hungry or losing weight. Try small, frequent meals and snacks.
• High blood pressure. Your team will check it often. You may be asked to check it at home.
• Mouth sores. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and rinse with a mild salt water rinse. Avoid spicy foods.
• A hoarse or changed voice. This often gets better over time.
• Infections. Wash your hands often and avoid people who are sick.

Call your care team right away if you have

• Yellow skin or eyes, dark tea colored urine, or pain on the right side of your belly
• Bleeding that will not stop, vomiting blood, or black or bloody stools
• Very bad belly pain that does not go away
• Chest pain or pressure, or a racing or pounding heartbeat
• A very bad headache, confusion, seizure, or changes in your eyesight
• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills

Before you start, tell your team

• If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• If you have liver problems
• If you have high blood pressure, heart problems, or bleeding problems
• If you have surgery or dental work planned, since this medicine can slow wound healing
• All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take, since some can change how this medicine works

Good to know

• This medicine can cause serious liver damage. You will have blood tests to check your liver often, especially in the first 2 months.
• Your blood pressure will be checked, especially in the first weeks.
• It can raise the chance of bleeding and of a tear in the stomach or bowel.
• It is usually stopped before planned surgery because it can slow wound healing.

At home

• Take the pills at the same time each day with a low fat meal, as your team tells you.
• Swallow the pills whole.
• If you miss a dose or throw up after taking it, ask your team what to do. Do not take extra pills to make up for it.
• Keep the pills in the original bottle with the drying packet inside, tightly closed. Ask your pharmacist how long the bottle is good for after you open it.
• Store at room temperature, away from children and pets.

Questions to ask

• How long will I take this medicine?
• What should I do if my hands or feet get sore?
• Should I check my blood pressure at home?
• Which side effects should I call about right away, and which can wait until my next visit?

Side effect guides

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Diarrhea
• Mouth sores
• Low white blood cells and infection risk
• Hand-foot syndrome

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.