Cost, effects, applications, dosage, and additional insights regarding Voranigo medication
Rewritten Article:
Get the scoop on Voranigo, a prescription oral tablet for certain types of brain tumors. This bad boy is chock-full of the active ingredient vorasidenib.
Specifically, the FDA has given the green light to use Voranigo to treat grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in grown-ups and kiddos aged 12 years and up. You can check out the "Voranigo Uses" section below for more deets.
What's the lowdown on Voranigo?
Here's a quick rundown of some key facts about Voranigo:
- Drug Class: Voranigo falls under the category of isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitors, a type of targeted cancer treatment.
- Generic Available?: At this moment, no generic version of Voranigo is available.
- Prescription Required?: You'll need a prescription to get your paws on this medication.
- Controlled Substance?: Nah, Voranigo is not a controlled substance.
No generic Voranigo? No worries!
Since Voranigo is the only game in town, there's no generic version at the moment. A generic drug is essentially an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication, and they often come with lighter price tags than their branded counterparts.
How much will Voranigo cost you?
As with any prescription, the cost of Voranigo can vary depending on factors like your insurance plan, location, and pharmacy. You may be able to get some financial assistance if you need help with paying for the medication or understanding your insurance coverage. Check out the "Voranigo Cost and Coupons" section below for more details.
So, what side effects can I expect?
Voranigo can cause both mild and serious side effects. Here's a list of some key side effects, but remember this is not an exhaustive list. For more info, talk to your doc or pharmacist.
Mild Side Effects:
- fatigue
- headaches
- nausea
- diarrhea
- constipation
- decreased appetite
- pain or stiffness in muscles or joints
- COVID-19
- decreased white blood cell count
- increased liver enzymes
Most of these side effects should go away within a few days to a couple of weeks, but if they persist or become more severe, reach out to your healthcare provider.
Serious Side Effects:
less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb])
Serious side effects from Voranigo are relatively uncommon, but they can occur. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away:
- liver problems, such as pain in the upper right side of your belly, loss of appetite, severe tiredness or weakness, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes)
- seizures, characterized by staring into space, rapid blinking, sudden stiffening of your body, jerking body movements, or loss of consciousness
Allergy Warning:
20 mg once per day
Even though it's rare, Voranigo may cause an allergic reaction. Keep in mind, this side effect wasn't reported in the drug's studies.
Why is Voranigo prescribed for brain tumors?
Voranigo is FDA-approved to treat certain brain tumors called astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. These tumors belong to a group of brain tumors known as gliomas. Astrocytomas originate in brain cells called astrocytes, while oligodendrogliomas take root in brain cells called oligodendrocytes.
Gliomas are graded from 1 to 4 based on how quickly they're likely to grow and spread. Grade 2 brain tumors are considered slow-growing tumors, but they can invade nearby brain tissue. Voranigo is approved for grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas that have a particular genetic mutation (an abnormal change in a gene). Before your doctor prescribes Voranigo, they'll likely take a biopsy to check if your cells contain this mutation.
Symptoms of grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas can include:
- headaches, especially those that are worse in the morning
- nausea and vomiting
- problems with vision, hearing, or speech
- balance problems
- weakness or numbness on one side of your body
- changes in personality or behavior
- seizures
40 kg or more
Voranigo is a targeted cancer therapy that helps stop these brain tumors from growing and getting worse. Voranigo is typically prescribed after you've had a biopsy or surgery to remove all or part of the tumor.
Voranigo for the young 'uns
Voranigo is FDA-approved for use in kids aged 12 years and older to treat grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas with a specific genetic mutation. However, Voranigo hasn't been tested in kids younger than 12 years old. It's not known if Voranigo is safe or effective in this age group.
40 mg once per day
Voranigo Dosage
The dosage of Voranigo your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors, such as your age and weight, as well as any side effects you experience while taking the medication. Visit the "Dosage" section below for more details.
Got questions? Let's talk!
Whether you need help understanding Voranigo or have concerns about side effects, your doctor and pharmacist are there to assist you. And remember, even though Voranigo is a powerful tool in managing certain brain tumors, your healthcare team takes a holistic approach to your care, integrating various treatments and strategies to give you the best possible outcome.
Voranigo Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got burning questions about Voranigo? Here are the answers to some common questions:
Can I take Voranigo if I have glioblastoma?
Voranigo is not FDA-approved for the treatment of glioblastoma, a high-grade and aggressive type of brain tumor. It's only approved for the treatment of grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas with a specific genetic mutation.
Is Voranigo chemotherapy?
Nope, Voranigo is not chemotherapy. Instead, it's a targeted cancer therapy that inhibits specific enzymes found in cancer cells, thus slowing down their growth. Both chemotherapy and targeted therapies are potent tools in managing cancer, but they have different mechanisms of action and side effect profiles.
A Few Precautions to Keep in Mind
Before starting Voranigo, discuss your health history with your doctor. Voranigo may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or situations. Make sure to tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
• 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
- liver problems
- kidney problems
- a previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- smoking
For more info about the potential drawbacks of Voranigo, check out the "Voranigo Side Effects" section above.
Remember, this article should not be used as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. If you have questions or concerns about Voranigo, always consult your doctor or another healthcare provider.
- Voranigo is a targeted cancer treatment for certain types of brain tumors, specifically grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, which are neurological medical-conditions.
- It is important to consult with a healthcare provider about other brain disorders or health-and-wellness conditions before starting Voranigo, as it may interact with certain medications such as ciprofloxacin, cyclosporine, fluvoxamine, phenytoin, rifampin, and hormonal forms of birth control.
- Voranigo is not a controlled substance, but it can cause side effects like fatigue, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and decreased appetite, and more severe side effects like liver problems and seizures.
- Since Voranigo is the only drug of its kind available, there is no generic version at the moment, which may make the cost higher.
- Oncology and pharmacy professionals may be able to assist with managing the cost of Voranigo and understanding insurance coverage.
