Regorafenib Chemotherapy Drug For Colon Cancer Treatment

Regorafenib is a drug that is used in targeted therapy. It us an oral receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. This drug is used to treat colon cancer.

Visual representation of a pipe inside a large intestine

Availability, dosage and administration

Regorafenib is available in pill form and is to be taken orally with a low fat breakfast which contains less that 30 percent of fat. The tablets are meant to be swallowed whole and should not be crushed or dissolved.

Availability

40 mg tablets

Dosage

160 mg (4x40mg tablets) PO day for the first 21 days of the 28 day cycle

Side effects

Most people do not experience side effects while being treated with regorafenib. Even if side effects occur they are predictable in terms of their onset and duration. These side effects are almost always reversible and will go after the treatment is complete. The most common side effects are listed below.

  • Anemia
  • Increased liver enzymes
  • Fatigue
  • Protein in urine
  • Low calcium
  • Low phosphorus
  • Decreased white blood cells
  • Decreased appetite
  • High bilirubin blood
  • Hand foot syndrome
  • Diarrhea
  • Low platelets
  • Mouth sores
  • Weight loss
  • Infection
  • High blood pressure
  • Nausea
  • Pain
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Decreased blood clotting
  • Increased
  • Bleeding
  • Headache

Precautions

  • Before starting regorafenib treatment, inform your doctor about other medications that you might be taking.
  • Do not take any kind of vaccination or immunization without informing your doctor.
  • Take blood pressure often while on treatment with regorafenib.
  • Inform your doctor before starting the treatment if you are pregnant. Regorafenib maybe harmful for the fetus.
  • Do not conceive a child while on regorafenib treatment. This applies to both men and women.
  • Do not breastfeed while on treatment of regorafenib.
  • Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit as it may increase the level of regorafenib in the blood.
  • Blood levels should be checked as prescribed if a blood thinner is being taken.

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