Stivarga Side Effects
What should I watch for?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. You may need blood work while taking this medication.
This medication may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your care team tells you to stop.
Before having surgery, talk to your care team to make sure it is ok. This medication can increase the risk of poor healing of your surgical site or wound. You will need to stop this medication for 2 weeks before surgery. After surgery, wait at least 2 weeks before restarting this medication. Make sure the surgical site or wound is healed enough before restarting this medication. Talk to your care team if questions.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 2 months after the last dose. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 2 months after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.
If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom during sex while taking this medication and for 2 months after the last dose.
Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 2 weeks after the last dose.
Side Effects (Rare and Common)
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Bleeding gums
bloody or cloudy urine
blurred vision
cough or hoarseness
coughing up blood
difficult, burning, or painful urination
difficulty with breathing or swallowing
dizziness
fever or chills
frequent urge to urinate
headache
increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
lower back or side pain
nervousness
nosebleeds
painful or difficult urination
pounding in the ears
prolonged bleeding from cuts
rash
red or black, tarry stools
redness, swelling, or pain of the skin
scaling of the skin on the hands and feet
slow or fast heartbeats
tingling of the hands and feet
ulcers on the skin
Less common
Chest pain or discomfort
dark-colored urine
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
light-colored stools
nausea or vomiting
pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
stomach pain that continues
sweating
yellow eyes or skin
Rare
Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
bloody, black, or tarry stools
chills
confusion
indigestion
joint or muscle pain
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
severe stomach pain, cramping, or burning
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
trouble breathing
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds, severe and continuing
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Bad, unusual, or unpleasant taste
hair loss or thinning of the hair
lack or loss of strength
muscle or joint stiffness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.