Sorafenib

Say it: soh-RAF-eh-nib · Brand names: Nexavar

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

What it is

Sorafenib blocks several proteins called kinases. Some help cancer cells grow, and some help tumors make new blood vessels. Blocking them can slow the cancer down.

Often used for

• liver cancer that cannot be removed with surgery
• advanced kidney cancer
• thyroid cancer that no longer responds to radioactive iodine

How you get it

Sorafenib is a pill you take by mouth at home, usually twice a day. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

• Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids. Tell your team early, since they may give you medicine to help.
• Feeling tired or weak. Rest when you need to, and try short walks.
• 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.
• Rash or dry, itchy skin. Use gentle soap and fragrance free lotion.
• Hair thinning or hair loss. This usually grows back after treatment.
• High blood pressure. Your team will check it often. You may be asked to check it at home.
• Not feeling hungry or losing weight. Try small, frequent meals and snacks.
• Belly pain. Tell your team if it is new or gets worse.

Call your care team right away if you have

• Chest pain or pressure, or a racing or pounding heartbeat
• Bleeding that will not stop, vomiting blood, or black or bloody stools
• Very bad belly pain that does not go away
• Yellow skin or eyes, dark tea colored urine, or pain on the right side of your belly
• A rash with blisters, peeling skin, or sores in your mouth or eyes
• 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 heart problems, including a slow or uneven heartbeat
• If you have high blood pressure or bleeding problems
• If you have liver or kidney 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

• It can raise the chance of heart problems, including heart attack. Tell your team about any chest pain.
• Your blood pressure will be checked often, especially in the first weeks.
• You may have heart tracings (ECGs) and blood tests to check your liver and body salts.
• 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 on an empty stomach, as your team tells you.
• Swallow the pills whole with water.
• 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.
• Store the pills at room temperature in the original bottle, 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
• Hair loss
• Skin rash (including EGFR-inhibitor rash)
• Hand-foot syndrome
• Pain

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.