Cost, effects, applications, dosage, and additional information concerning the drug Voranigo
Voranigo, a Brain Tumor Fighter
Voranigo, a brand-name pill, is prescribed for certain brain tumors. It contains vorasidenib, an active ingredient that falls under the isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitor, a type of targeted cancer therapy.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Voranigo to treat grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in adults and children aged 12 and above. However, it's essential to understand that Voranigo is not government-approved for the treatment of glioblastoma, despite targeting IDH1 and IDH2 mutations, which can be found in some glioblastomas.
If you are grappling with glioblastoma, alternative treatments are generally a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, Tumor Treating Fields (TTF), immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, though many of these are still experimental. Common treatments include:
- Surgical Resection: This procedure aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
- Radiation Therapy: Usually used post-surgery to decrease tumor size and curb growth.
- Chemotherapy: Temozolomide is a popular chemotherapeutic agent often combined with radiation therapy.
- Tumor Treating Fields (TTF): A device delivering electrical fields to the tumor site to inhibit its growth.
Researchers are also exploring immunotherapies, CAR-T cell therapy, and gene therapy as potential treatments for glioblastoma, though they are largely still in the experimental phase.
less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb])
Voranigo generic options are not currently available, meaning it's only sold under the brand name. Generic medications usually cost less than brand-name drugs, as they're exact copies of the active ingredient in the brand-name medication.
20 mg once per day
The cost of Voranigo varies based on your insurance plan, location, and pharmacy. Financial and insurance assistance programs like ServierONE are available to help those who need support paying for Voranigo or understanding their insurance coverage. For more information, call 800-813-5905 or visit the ServierONE program website.
Mild to severe side effects can occur while taking Voranigo. Common mild side effects include fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, reduced appetite, muscle or joint pain, COVID-19, decreased white blood cell count, and increased liver enzymes.
40 kg or more
More serious side effects - though rare - include liver problems, seizures, and allergic reactions. If you experience any of these, contact your doctor immediately.
40 mg once per day
Voranigo helps slow down the growth of brain tumors, making it an effective treatment when prescribed after a biopsy or surgery to remove all or part of the tumor.
Before prescribing Voranigo, your doctor will take a biopsy to confirm whether cells from the tumor have an IDH1 or IDH2 mutation - a genetic mutation that causes abnormal enzyme activity.
Dosage for Voranigo depends on several factors, including age, body weight, and any side effects experienced. Ensure you take the dosage prescribed by your doctor, as the recommended dosage varies according to factors such as your body weight.
In case of an overdose, contact your doctor or America's Poison Centers at 800-222-1222, or use its online tool if your symptoms are severe; if they feel life-threatening, call 911 or your local emergency phone number.
• ciprofloxacin (Cipro)• cyclosporine (Neoral, others)• fluvoxamine (Luvox)• phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)• rifampin (Rifadin, Rimatane)• hormonal forms of birth control, such as the combined pill, minipill, or patch
Remember, Voranigo should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you can become pregnant, speak to your doctor about birth control options during treatment. It's also crucial to inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you are taking, as they can interact with Voranigo.
Voranigo can interact with medications such as ciprofloxacin, cyclosporine, fluvoxamine, phenytoin, and rifampin. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Voranigo as it may exacerbate various side effects.
While Voranigo is an excellent treatment option for certain brain tumors, researchers are constantly working on discovering new targeted therapies that could be effective for glioblastomas with specific genetic mutations. Stay tuned for future advancements!
- In addition to Voranigo, other neurological disorders may require various medical-conditions treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, Tumor Treating Fields (TTF), immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, as these treatments are often used for glioblastoma.
- If you have other brain disorders apart from brain tumors, you might benefit from science-backed treatments, but it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate course of action.
- In cases where patients are unable to afford Voranigo due to financial constraints, they may consider exploring generic options for other drugs, as these often cost less than brand-name medications.
- Cancer research in oncology continues to evolve, and scientists are investigating immunotherapies, CAR-T cell therapy, and gene therapy as potential treatments not only for brain tumors but also for various other neurological-disorders and cancers.
- It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you are taking, as they can interact with Voranigo and affect your health-and-wellness.
