Stivarga
Stivarga Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Stivarga is a brand name. Its generic name is Regorafenib.
Stivarga Introduction
Stivarga is a small-molecule, multikinase inhibitor that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is designed to block multiple targets, including tumor growth factors, angiogenesis and downstream receptor pathways.
Uses For Stivarga
Stivarga is used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Mechanism of Action
Stivarga works by blocking multiple targets, including tumor growth factors, angiogenesis, and downstream receptor pathways. When these targets are blocked, it prevents the growth, spread and development of cancer cells.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
Stivarga begins to work within days to reduce cancer cell growth, however, it can take weeks to months to observe clinical benefits.
Absorption
Stivarga is rapidly and completely absorbed following oral dosing.
Route of Elimination
Stivarga is mainly eliminated by the liver via cytochrome P450 enzymes, with a minor excretory component.
Dosage
The recommended dose of Stivarga is 160 mg orally once daily for the first 21 days of a 28-day cycle. For cycles 2 and beyond, the dose may be adjusted depending on the patient's individual tolerability. The dose may be increased in 20 mg increments not to exceed a total daily dose of 240 mg.
Administration
Stivarga should be taken once daily, without food, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. Swallow the tablets whole, accompanied by at least 240 mL of water.
Side Effects
Common side effects of regorafenib include fatigue, hand-foot syndrome, hypertension, diarrhea, mouth sores, anorexia, and decreased appetite. More serious side effects include liver damage, heart problems, and bon marrow suppression.
Toxicity
Stivarga is generally well-tolerated, however, it can cause toxicities which may decrease patient's quality of life, including changes in blood cell counts, severe skin reactions, and hand-foot syndrome.
Precaution
Stivarga should be used with caution in patients with a known history of cardiac problems, liver impairment, or other serious medical conditions. Patients should also be monitored for signs of liver or kidney problems including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dark urine and should be advised to promptly seek medical attention if they experience these symptoms.
Interactions
Stivarga may interact with other medications. Patients should inform their physician about other medications they are taking prior to starting Stivarga
Disease Interactions
Stivarga is contraindicated in patients with certain diseases, such as severe hepatic impairment, severe renal impairment, or those with neuropathy. Patients should discuss any pre-existing illnesses with their healthcare provider prior to starting treatment with Stivarga.
Drug Interactions
Stivarga may interact with certain drugs, such as anticoagulants, certain antibiotics, and other drugs that may affect liver enzymes. Patients should inform their physician of any prescription or over the counter medications they are taking prior to starting treatment with Stivarga.
Food Interactions
Stivarga should be taken without food, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. Eating a high-fat meal prior to taking Stivarga should be avoided.
Pregnancy Use
Here you find in details version of Stivarga