Stivarga

Stivarga is an oral targeted therapy used to treat certain advanced cancers, including colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). It works by blocking multiple enzymes that promote cancer cell growth and blood vessel formation in tumors.

Benefits

• Helps slow the progression of advanced colorectal, liver, and stomach-related cancers.
• Targets multiple cancer pathways involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis.
• Used when standard treatments have failed or are no longer effective.
• Taken orally, allowing for at-home treatment without infusion.
• Can extend survival and delay disease progression in select patient groups.

Dosage

• The standard dose is 160 mg once daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break (in a 28-day cycle).
• Taken as four 40 mg tablets, once daily with a low-fat meal.
• Tablets must be swallowed whole with water.
• Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your side effects or lab results.

Warnings and Precautions

• May cause serious liver problems — liver function tests are required before and during treatment.
• Can raise blood pressure — monitor regularly and manage as needed.
• Risk of severe bleeding or gastrointestinal perforation in rare cases.
• May lead to hand-foot skin reactions or severe skin peeling.
• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Caution is advised in patients with heart disease, liver conditions, or prior surgery.

Usage Instructions

• Take once daily for 21 days, then stop for 7 days as one treatment cycle.
• Always take the dose with a low-fat meal for proper absorption.
• Try to take it at the same time each day.
• If you miss a dose, do not double the next one — just continue as scheduled.
• Do not stop or adjust the dose without consulting your doctor.

Storage Information

• Store at room temperature (20°C to 25°C).
• Keep tablets in the original bottle with the desiccant to protect from moisture.
• Close the bottle tightly after each use.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Common Side Effects

• Mild to moderate effects: fatigue, loss of appetite, hand-foot skin reaction (redness, pain, or swelling), diarrhea, hoarseness, weight loss, or high blood pressure.
• Serious (seek medical attention): signs of liver damage (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine), chest pain, severe bleeding, intense abdominal pain, or unusual bruising.