What is Stivarga: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Stivarga overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Stivarga

Generic Names:

  • Stivarga

Uses:

  • Treats cancer, including colon, rectal, liver, and gastrointestinal cancer.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Stivarga used for?

Stivarga comes in tablet form and is used to treat colorectal cancer and liver cancer. It is also used to treat patients with a rare type of tumor that can affect the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. It works by interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. Stivarga is usually given after other cancer medications have been unsuccessfully attempted. Do not use Stivarga if past use has caused severe bleeding or severe liver problems. Common Stivarga side effects may include diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever and infection.

What form(s) does Stivarga come in

  • Tablet

What are common Stivarga doses?

  • Bottle 28 Tablets

Common Stivarga prescriptions

  • Stivarga
    21 tablets bottle

  • Stivarga
    28 tablets bottle

How to take Stivarga

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Take the tablet at the same time each day with a low-fat meal (less than 30% fat) that is less than 600 calories.

  • Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the tablets at room temperature, in the original container. Do not place the tablets in daily or weekly pill boxes. Keep the medicine away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Throw away any unused medicine 7 weeks after you first open the bottle.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Take the tablet at the same time each day with a low-fat meal (less than 30% fat) that is less than 600 calories.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the tablets at room temperature, in the original container. Do not place the tablets in daily or weekly pill boxes. Keep the medicine away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Throw away any unused medicine 7 weeks after you first open the bottle.

  • Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Stivarga

Stivarga contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to regorafenib, or if you are pregnant.

Stivarga warnings

  • Oral routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 2 months after treatment ends.

  • Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, bleeding problems, heart disease, or high blood pressure.

  • Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsIncreased risk of infectionsIncreased risk of bleedingSerious skin reactionsIncreased risk of heart attack, high blood pressureReversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (brain disorder)Gastrointestinal perforation (tear in your stomach or bowels)

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause slow wound healing. You may need to stop taking it at least 2 weeks before and after you have surgery.

  • Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Stivarga interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how regorafenib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Atorvastatin, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, fluvastatin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, methotrexate, nefazodone, phenobarbital, phenytoin, posaconazole, rifampin, St John's wort, telithromycin, or voriconazoleBlood thinner (including warfarin)

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsIncreased risk of bleedingSerious skin reactionsIncreased risk of heart attack, high blood pressureReversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (brain disorder)Gastrointestinal perforation (tear in your stomach or bowels)

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause slow wound healing. You may need to stop taking it before you have surgery.

  • Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Stivarga side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Severe rash, or redness, pain, or skin peeling on your palms or soles of your feet

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Sudden or severe headache, confusion, seizure, vision problems

  • Red or dark brown urine, bloody or black stools, unexplained nosebleeds, vomit that looks like coffee grounds

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, unusual sweating, fainting

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Hair loss

  • Swelling or pain in your mouth, voice changes

  • Diarrhea, mild nausea or vomiting, decreased appetite, weight loss

  • Tiredness

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