Stivarga

Stivarga Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Stivarga is a small molecule inhibitor of multiple membrane-bound and intracellular kinases involved in normal cellular functions and in pathologic processes such as oncogenesis, tumor angiogenesis, metastasis and tumor immunity. In in vitro biochemical or cellular assays, regorafenib or its major human active metabolites M-2 and M-5 inhibited the activity of RET, VEGFR1, VEGFR2, VEGFR3, KIT, PDGFR-alpha, PDGFR-beta, FGFR1, FGFR2, TIE2, DDR2, TrkA, Eph2A, RAF-1, BRAF, BRAF V600E, SAPK2, PTK5, Abl and CSF1R at concentrations of regorafenib that have been achieved clinically. In in vivo models, regorafenib demonstrated anti-angiogenic activity in a rat tumor model and inhibition of tumor growth in several mouse xenograft models including some for human colorectal carcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal and hepatocellular carcinoma. Stivarga also demonstrated anti-metastatic activity in a mouse xenograft model and two mouse orthotopic models of human colorectal carcinoma.

Trade Name Stivarga
Availability Prescription only
Generic Regorafenib
Regorafenib Other Names Regorafenib, Régorafénib, Regorafenibum
Related Drugs Keytruda, capecitabine, pembrolizumab, Avastin, imatinib, bevacizumab, Opdivo, Xeloda, Gleevec, nivolumab
Weight 40mg,
Type Tablet, Film Coated, Oral Tablet
Formula C21H15ClF4N4O3
Weight Average: 482.815
Monoisotopic: 482.076880893
Protein binding

Regorafenib is highly bound (99.5%) to human plasma proteins.

Groups Approved
Therapeutic Class Targeted Cancer Therapy
Manufacturer Bayer Plc, Bayer Ag
Available Country United Kingdom, Canada, Saudi Arabia, United States,
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Stivarga
Stivarga

Uses

Colorectal Cancer: Stivarga is used for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) who have been previously treated with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy, an anti-VEGF therapy, and, if RAS wild- type, an anti-EGFR therapy.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Stivarga is used for the treatment of patients with locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) who have been previously treated with imatinib mesylate and sunitinib malate.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Stivarga is used for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib.

Stivarga is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (MCRC), Metastatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, Locally advanced Gastrointestinal stromal tumor, Unresectable Gastrointestinal stromal tumor

How Stivarga works

Stivarga is a small molecule inhibitor of multiple membrane-bound and intracellular kinases involved in normal cellular functions and in pathologic processes such as oncogenesis, tumor angiogenesis, and maintenance of the tumor microenvironment. In in vitro biochemical or cellular assays, regorafenib or its major human active metabolites M-2 and M-5 inhibited the activity of RET, VEGFR1, VEGFR2, VEGFR3, KIT, PDGFR-alpha, PDGFR-beta, FGFR1, FGFR2, TIE2, DDR2, TrkA, Eph2A, RAF-1, BRAF, BRAFV600E , SAPK2, PTK5, and Abl at concentrations of regorafenib that have been achieved clinically. In in vivo models, regorafenib demonstrated anti-angiogenic activity in a rat tumor model, and inhibition of tumor growth as well as anti-metastatic activity in several mouse xenograft models including some for human colorectal carcinoma.

Dosage

Stivarga dosage

Recommended Dose: The recommended dose is 160 mg Stivarga (four 40 mg tablets) taken orally once daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle. Continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Take Stivarga at the same time each day. Swallow tablet whole with water after a low-fat meal that contains less than 600 calories and less than 30% fat. Do not take two doses of Stivarga on the same day to make up for a missed dose from the previous day.

Dose Modifications: If dose modifications are required, reduce the dose in 40 mg (one tablet) increments; the lowest recommended daily dose of Stivarga is 80 mg daily.

Interrupt Stivarga for the following:

  • Grade 2 hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) [palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (PPES)] that is recurrent or does not improve within 7 days despite dose reduction; interrupt therapy for a minimum of 7 days for Grade 3 HFSR
  • Symptomatic Grade 2 hypertension
  • Any Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction
  • Worsening infection of any grade

Reduce the dose of Stivarga to 120 mg:

  • For the first occurrence of Grade 2 HFSR of any duration
  • After recovery of any Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction except infection
  • For Grade 3 aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation, only resume if the potential benefit outweighs the risk of hepatotoxicity

Reduce the dose of Stivarga to 80 mg:

  • For re-occurrence of Grade 2 HFSR at the 120 mg dose
  • After recovery of any Grade 3 or 4 adverse reaction at the 120 mg dose (except hepatotoxicity or infection)

Discontinue Stivarga permanently for the following:

  • Failure to tolerate 80 mg dose
  • Any occurrence of AST or ALT more than 20 times the upper limit of normal (ULN)
  • Any occurrence of AST or ALT more than 3 times ULN with concurrent bilirubin more than 2 times ULN
  • Re-occurrence of AST or ALT more than 5 times ULN despite dose reduction to 120 mg
  • For any Grade 4 adverse reaction; only resume if the potential benefit outweighs the risks

Advise patients to swallow the Stivarga tablet whole with water at the same time each day following a low-fat meal. Inform patients that the low-fat meal should contain less than 600 calories and less than 30% fat

Advise patients to store medicine in the original container. Do not place medication in daily or weekly pill boxes. Discard any remaining tablets 7 weeks after opening the bottle. Tightly close bottle after each opening and keep the desiccant in the bottle

Side Effects

Common side effects are Hepatotoxicity, Infections, Hemorrhage, Gastrointestinal Perforation or Fistula, Dermatological Toxicity, Hypertension, Cardiac Ischemia and Infarction, Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS)

Toxicity

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) are asthenia/fatigue, HFSR, diarrhea, decreased appetite/food intake, hypertension, mucositis, dysphonia, and infection, pain (not otherwise specified), decreased weight, gastrointestinal and abdominal pain, rash, fever, and nausea

Precaution

Severe hepatic impairment. Pregnancy and lactation.

Interaction

Effect Of Strong CYP3A4 Inducers On Stivarga: Co-administration of a strong CYP3A4 inducer with Stivarga decreased the plasma concentrations of regorafenib, increased the plasma concentrations of the active metabolite M-5, and resulted in no change in the plasma concentrations of the active metabolite M-2, and may lead to decreased efficacy. Avoid concomitant use of Stivarga with strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and St. John's Wort).

Effect Of Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors On Stivarga: Co-administration of a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor with Stivarga increased the plasma concentrations of regorafenib and decreased the plasma concentrations of the active metabolites M-2 and M-5, and may lead to increased toxicity. Avoid concomitant use of Stivarga with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. clarithromycin, grapefruit juice, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, posaconazole, telithromycin, and voriconazole).

Effect Of Stivarga On Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP) Substrates: Co-administration of Stivarga with a BCRP substrate increased the plasma concentrations of the BCRP substrate. Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of exposure related toxicity to the BCRP substrate (e.g. methotrexate, fluvastatin, atorvastatin). Consult the concomitant BCRP substrate product information when considering administration of such products together with Stivarga.

Food Interaction

  • Avoid grapefruit products. Grapefruit inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism, which may increase the serum levels of regorafenib.
  • Avoid St. John's Wort. This herb induces CYP3A4 metabolism, which may reduce serum levels of regorafenib.
  • Take after a meal. Should be taken following a low-fat meal containing less than 600 calories and less than 30% fat.
  • Take at the same time every day.

[Moderate] ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Depending on the amount of fat, food may enhance the oral bioavailability of both regorafenib and its active metabolites, M-2 and M-5.

In 24 healthy male subjects, administration of regorafenib with a high-fat meal (945 calories; 54.6 g fat) increased the mean systemic exposure (AUC) of regorafenib by 48% but decreased the mean AUC of M-2 and M-5 by 20% and 51%, respectively, compared to administration under the fasted state.

In contrast, administration with a low-fat meal (319 calories; 8.2 g fat) increased the mean AUC of regorafenib, M-2 and M-5 by 36%, 40% and 23%, respectively, compared to administration during fasting.

GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with grapefruit juice may alter the pharmacokinetics of regorafenib and its active metabolites.

The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit.

The interaction has not been studied specifically with grapefruit juice, but has been reported with the potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole.

In 18 healthy male study subjects, administration of a single 160 mg dose of regorafenib on day 5 of treatment with ketoconazole (400 mg daily for 18 days) resulted in a 33% increase in mean regorafenib systemic exposure (AUC) compared to administration of regorafenib alone.

Additionally, there was a 93% decrease each in the mean AUC of the M-2 and M-5 metabolites.

Both have been shown to have similar in vitro pharmacological activity and steady-state concentrations as regorafenib, thus the net clinical effect of these pharmacokinetic changes is unknown.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure optimal oral absorption, regorafenib should be administered with a low-fat breakfast that contains less than 30% fat.

Examples of a low-fat breakfast include: 2 slices of white toast with 1 tablespoon of low-fat margarine and 1 tablespoon of jelly, plus 8 ounces of skim milk (319 calories; 8.2 g fat); or 1 cup of cereal, 8 ounces of skim milk, 1 slice of toast with jam, apple juice, and 1 cup of coffee or tea (520 calories; 2 g fat).

Patients should be advised to avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with regorafenib.

Stivarga Disease Interaction

Moderate: lung toxicity

Volume of Distribution

Stivarga undergoes enterohepatic circulation with multiple plasma concentration peaks observed across the 24-hour dosing interval.

Elimination Route

Cmax = 2.5 μg/mL; Tmax = 4 hours; AUC = 70.4 μgh/mL; Cmax, steady-state = 3.9 μg/mL; AUC, steady-state = 58.3 μgh/mL; The mean relative bioavailability of tablets compared to an oral solution is 69% to 83%.

Half Life

Stivarga, 160 mg oral dose = 28 hours (14 - 58 hours); M2 metabolite, 160 mg oral dose = 25 hours (14-32 hours); M5 metabolite, 160 mg oral dose = 51 hours (32-72 hours);

Elimination Route

Approximately 71% of a radiolabeled dose was excreted in feces (47% as parent compound, 24% as metabolites) and 19% of the dose was excreted in urine (17% as glucuronides) within 12 days after administration of a radiolabeled oral solution at a dose of 120 mg.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy: Based on animal studies and its mechanism of action, Stivarga can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data on Stivarga use in pregnant women. Administration of regorafenib was embryolethal and teratogenic in rats and rabbits at exposures lower than human exposures at the recommended dose, with increased incidences of cardiovascular, genitourinary, and skeletal malformations. Advise pregnant women of the potential hazard to a fetus.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4 % and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Lactation: There are no data on the presence of regorafenib or its metabolites in human milk, the effects of regorafenib on the breastfed infant, or on milk production. In rats, regorafenib and its metabolites are excreted in milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from Stivarga, do not breastfeed during treatment with Stivarga and for 2 weeks after the final dose.

Contraindication

None

Special Warning

Pediatric Use: The safety and efficacy of Stivarga in pediatric patients less than 18 years of age have not been established.

Geriatric Use: Of the 1142 Stivarga-treated patients enrolled in randomized, placebo-controlled trials, 40% were 65 years of age and over, while 10% were 75 and over. No overall differences in efficacy were observed between these patients and younger patients. There was an increased incidence of Grade 3 hypertension (18% versus 9%) in the placebo-controlled trials among Stivarga-treated patients 65 years of age and older as compared to younger patients. In addition, one Grade 4 hypertension event has been reported in the 65 years and older age group and none in the younger age group.

Hepatic Impairment: No dose adjustment is recommended in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment. Closely monitor patients with hepatic impairment for adverse reactions. Stivarga is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment as Stivarga has not been studied in this population.

Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with renal impairment. The pharmacokinetics of regorafenib have not been studied in patients who are on dialysis and there is no recommended dose for this patient population

Acute Overdose

The highest dose of Stivarga studied clinically is 220 mg per day. The most frequently observed adverse drug reactions at this dose were dermatological events, dysphonia, diarrhea, mucosal inflammation, dry mouth, decreased appetite, hypertension, and fatigue. There is no known antidote for Stivarga overdose. In the event of suspected overdose, interrupt Stivarga, institute supportive care, and observe until clinical stabilization.

Storage Condition

Store Stivarga at 25°C; excursions are permitted from 15 to 30°C. Store tablets in the original bottle and do not remove the desiccant. Keep the bottle tightly closed after first opening. Discard any unused tablets 7 weeks after opening the bottle. Dispose of unused tablets in accordance with local requirements.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Stivarga

Stivarga contains Regorafenib see full prescribing information from innovator Stivarga Monograph, Stivarga MSDS, Stivarga FDA label

FAQ

What is Stivarga used for?

Stivarga is used to treat colon and rectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body in people who have not been treated successfully with certain other medications.

How does Stivarga work?

Stivarga works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps to slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.

What are the common side effects of Stivarga?

The common side effects of Stivarga are include:

  • Anemia
  • Increased liver enzymes (AST, ALT)
  • Fatigue
  • Protein in the urine
  • Low calcium
  • Low phosphorous
  • Low white blood cells
  • Decreased appetite
  • Increased enzymes produced by the pancreas (lipase & amylase)
  • High bilirubin in the blood
  • Hand-foot syndrome (redness, swelling, pain, skin changes on the palms and feet)
  • Diarrhea
  • Low platelets
  • Mouth sores/inflammation
  • Weight loss
  • Infection
  • High blood pressure
  • Voice disorder (Dysphonia)
  • Low sodium
  • Nausea

Is Stivarga safe during pregnancy?

Stivarga can harm your unborn baby. Females and males should use effective birth control during treatment with Stivarga and for 2 months after your last dose of Stivarga.

Is Stivarga safe during breastfeeding?

Use should be avoided.Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from this drug, do not breastfeed during therapy and for 2 weeks after.

Can I drink alcohol with Stivarga?

The drinking of alcohol does not appear to affect the safety or usefulness of Stivarga . 

When should I take Stivarga?

Stivarga is usually taken with a low-fat meal once a day for 3 weeks and then skipped for 1 week. This treatment period is called a cycle, and the cycle may be repeated for as long as your doctor recommends. Take Stivarga at the same time every day.

How long can I take Stivarga?

Stivarga is usually taken daily for 3 weeks followed by 1 week off the medicine. Your doctor will determine how many times you should repeat this treatment cycle.

Who should not take Stivarga?

Use birth control to prevent pregnancy, whether you are a man or a woman. Avoid pregnancy for at least 2 months after you stop using Stivarga.
Stivarga can cause serious or life-threatening liver problems. Call your doctor at once if you have nausea, vomiting, sleep problems, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

What happens if I miss a dose of Stivarga?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What should I avoid while taking Stivarga?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Stivarga and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking Stivarga.

Can I stop taking Stivarga suddenly?

You should stop taking this medicine at least 2 weeks before you have surgery. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about when to stop and start taking Stivarga.

Does Stivarga affect the heart?

Stivarga may cause serious heart problems.

Can Stivarga cure cancer?

Stivarga is a targeted cancer drug. You might have it as a treatment for: gastro intestinal stromal cancer  a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma of the stomach or intestines. advanced cancer that started in the liver.

*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
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