Nexavar (sorafenib) is a prescription drug used to treat liver, kidney, and thyroid cancers. The drug comes as a tablet you swallow. It’s usually taken twice per day.

Nexavar is prescribed to treat the following forms of cancer in adults:

Nexavar belongs to a group of drugs called kinase inhibitors and contains the active ingredient sorafenib.

This article describes the dosage of Nexavar, as well as its strength and how to take it. To learn more about Nexavar, see this in-depth article.

* Locally recurrent means the cancer has returned in the same area. Metastatic means the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

This section describes the usual dosages of Nexavar. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Nexavar’s form?

Nexavar comes as an oral tablet.

What strength does Nexavar come in?

Nexavar is available in one strength of 200 milligrams (mg).

What are the usual dosages of Nexavar?

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for liver cancer

The typical Nexavar dosage for adults with liver cancer is 400 mg (two tablets) taken twice per day without food. You’ll take each dose either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. You’ll take Nexavar until you can’t tolerate the drug, or it stops working.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage of Nexavar.

Dosage for kidney cancer

For adults with renal cell carcinoma, the typical dosage of Nexavar is 400 mg (two tablets) taken twice per day without food. You’ll take each dose either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. You’ll take Nexavar until you can’t tolerate the drug, or it stops working.

If you have questions about your dosage, talk with your doctor to learn more.

Dosage for thyroid cancer

For adults with thyroid cancer, the typical dosage of Nexavar is 400 mg (two tablets) taken twice per day without food. You’ll take each dose either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. You’ll take Nexavar until you can’t tolerate the drug, or it stops working.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.

Is Nexavar used long term?

Yes, Nexavar is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

Typically, you’ll take Nexavar until it stops working or you can’t tolerate the drug’s side effects.

The dosage of Nexavar you’re prescribed may depend on how you tolerate treatment. Your doctor may lower your dose, or pause or permanently stop your treatment if you have certain side effects from Nexavar.

Nexavar comes as a tablet you swallow. You’ll take the medication twice per day (about 12 hours apart) without food. You can take Nexavar either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Do not cut, crush, or chew Nexavar tablets. Swallow them whole. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Nexavar, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Accessible drug containers and labels

Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

  • have large print
  • use braille
  • feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help, or they may be able to supply Nexavar in an easy-open container.

If you miss a dose of Nexavar, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its usual time. Do not take two doses of Nexavar at the same time to make up for a missed dose. This can increase your risk of side effects.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Nexavar on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Do not take more Nexavar than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

What to do in case you take too much Nexavar

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Nexavar. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Nexavar’s dosage.

Is Nexavar’s dosage similar to the dosages of Lenvima or Opdivo?

No, it’s not. Nexavar (sorafenib), Lenvima (lenvatinib), and Opdivo (nivolumab) are all used to treat types of cancer. But the forms, active ingredients, and dosages of each drug differ.

Nexavar comes as an oral tablet and is available in one strength of 200 mg. It’s taken twice per day without food.

Lenvima comes as an oral capsule and is available in two strengths: 4 mg and 10 mg. Lenvima’s dosage depends on the type of cancer it’s being used to treat and whether it’s taken alone or with other medications.

Opdivo is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from living cells. It comes as a liquid solution in different strengths. It’s given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time) by a healthcare professional. Opdivo’s dosage depends on the type of cancer it’s being used to treat and whether it’s given alone or with other drugs.

Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you. Talk with them to learn more about how these drugs compare.

How long does it take for Nexavar to start working?

Nexavar starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel it working in your body. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to be sure the drug is effectively treating your condition.

Talk with them if you have other questions about what to expect from Nexavar treatment.

The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by Nexavar’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends this drug, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Do not change your dosage of Nexavar without their recommendation. Only take this drug exactly as prescribed.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Examples of questions you may want to ask include:

  • How does the dosage of Nexavar compare with that of Keytruda (pembrolizumab)?
  • Will any side effects I have be lessened if my dosage of Nexavar is lowered?
  • Will I need a dosage adjustment for Nexavar if my liver isn’t working well?

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.