Regorafenib: An Essential Guide

Summary or Key Points

Regorafenib is an effective medication used to treat certain types of cancers, including colon cancer, rectal cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The treatment involves specific dosages, and there can be side effects. It is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking this medication, and always reach out to a healthcare professional, such as our telemedicine providers, for any questions or concerns.

Names of Medication

The brand name for Regorafenib in the United States is Stivarga (generic name: Regorafenib).

When we mention ‘generic name,’ it refers to the standard name of the drug, without a brand attached to it. It’s the name scientists give to an active ingredient in the medicine. The generic name of the drug is listed in parenthesis.

Pharmacologic Category

Regorafenib belongs to a class of medications known as kinase inhibitors, along with others such as imatinib (Gleevec), sunitinib (Sutent), and sorafenib (Nexavar).

Dosing

Regorafenib is used to treat the following conditions in adults:

• Colon Cancer and Rectal Cancer: The recommended dosage is 160 mg (four 40 mg tablets) once daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle. Continue this pattern until disease progression or until unacceptable toxicity.
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: The recommended dosage is 160 mg once daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle. Continue this pattern until disease progression or until unacceptable toxicity.
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The recommended dosage is 160 mg once daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle. Continue this pattern until disease progression or until unacceptable toxicity.

Please remember to consult your healthcare provider before adjusting your dosage. You can speak to one of our telemedicine providers for guidance at any time.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Regorafenib is available in tablet form in the following strengths: 40 mg.

Administration Instructions

Take Regorafenib at approximately the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole with water after a low-fat meal that contains fewer than 600 calories and less than 30% fat. Do not chew or crush the tablets. If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, consult with a healthcare professional. Our telemedicine providers are readily available for guidance.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

While Regorafenib can be an effective treatment, like all medications, it comes with the potential for side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Fatigue (feeling tired): This is a common side effect and may affect more than 10% of people taking Regorafenib.
• Hand-foot skin reaction: This refers to redness, pain, and swelling of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, affecting more than 10% of patients.
• Diarrhea: This can occur in more than

  10% of patients and may range from mild to severe.

• Hypertension (high blood pressure): More than 10% of patients may experience this side effect.

If you experience any of these side effects or have any concerns about your medication, don’t hesitate to consult with one of our telemedicine providers. Remember, it’s crucial to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any side effects you’re experiencing, as many can be managed with the right care and guidance.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a specific situation in which a drug, procedure, or surgery should not be used because it may be harmful to the person. The contraindications for Regorafenib include:

• Allergy to Regorafenib: If you have a known allergy to Regorafenib or any of its components, it should not be used. An allergic reaction could cause severe health issues.
• Severe hepatic impairment: Regorafenib is not recommended for patients with severe liver damage because it could worsen their condition.

Always inform your healthcare provider of any existing conditions, and you can always reach out to one of our telemedicine professionals for a comprehensive discussion.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Several drugs may interact with Regorafenib, including:

• Neomycin (Mycifradin)
• Rifampin (Rifadin)
• St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

These drugs can impact the effectiveness of Regorafenib and potentially increase the risk of side effects. Always discuss with your healthcare provider any other medications you are taking. Our telemedicine providers can provide immediate guidance.

Regorafenib in Pregnancy

It’s generally not recommended to take Regorafenib during pregnancy. This medication could harm an unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before starting this medication.

Regorafenib while Breastfeeding

It’s not recommended to breastfeed while taking Regorafenib. The medication may pass into breast milk and cause harm to the nursing infant. Discuss with your healthcare provider to understand the best course of action for you and your baby. Telemedicine professionals are readily available to discuss any concerns.

Estimated Cost of Medication

As of the current date, the estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Regorafenib, without insurance and using a GoodRX coupon, is approximately $15,000. However, prices can vary, and it is essential to check with your pharmacy or a trusted online resource for the most current cost information.

Possible Alternatives

There are potential alternative treatments or lifestyle changes for the diseases Regorafenib treats, including:

• Colon and Rectal Cancer: Other treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other targeted therapies. Lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking may help.
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: Surgery and other kinase inhibitors may be alternative treatments. A healthy lifestyle is always recommended.
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Potential alternatives can be surgery, liver transplant, ablation therapy, radiation therapy, and other targeted therapies. Lifestyle changes like reducing alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight may be beneficial.

Always discuss with your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan. Our telemedicine professionals are ready to assist.

Recent Updates on Regorafenib Research

Recent studies have indicated that Regorafenib has been effective in treating cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer. Furthermore, research is ongoing to evaluate its effectiveness in combination with other therapies for various types of cancer.

For the most current information on Regorafenib research, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional. Our telemedicine professionals are up-to-date with the latest research and ready to help you understand how it applies to your treatment plan.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.