Cost, implications, applications, dosage details, and further information concerning Voranigo
Voranigo: All You Need to Know
In the realm of cancer treatments, a new player has entered the game - Voranigo, a powerful oral tablet designed to combat specific brain tumors. The medication, consisting of the active ingredient vorasidenib, is a brand-name drug only, as no generic form is currently available.
The FDA has given its blessing to Voranigo for treating grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in adults and children aged 12 and above. These brain tumors are part of a larger group known as gliomas, and Voranigo is prescribed in specific situations to slow their growth and spread. To learn more about Voranigo's uses, check out the "Uses" section below.
Voranigo belongs to the class of medications known as isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitors, which fall under the broader category of targeted cancer therapies. As with any medication, the cost of Voranigo can vary, depending on factors like insurance coverage, location, and pharmacy.
Financial assistance is available if you need help paying for Voranigo or understanding your insurance coverage. A program called ServierONE is designed to provide support, such as copay cards, for patients taking Voranigo. For more information and to find out if you're eligible for assistance, contact 800-813-5905 or visit the program website.
Keep in mind that Voranigo can cause mild to serious side effects, including fatigue, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, reduced appetite, muscle or joint pain, COVID-19, decreased white blood cell count, increased liver enzymes, and liver problems. In rare cases, it may also lead to seizures or allergic reactions. For more details about possible side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
In case you develop a side effect while taking Voranigo and wish to report it to the FDA, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088. Your experience can help make medications safer for everyone by providing valuable information to doctors and researchers.
Voranigo Details
- Drug class: isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitor, targeted cancer therapy
- Generic available?: no
- Prescription required?: yes
- Controlled substance?: no
Voranigo and Children
Voranigo is approved for use in children aged 12 and above to treat grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas with IDH1 or IDH2 mutations. There's currently no information available about its use in children younger than 12 years old.
Voranigo Side Effects
Voranigo can cause various side effects. While most side effects are mild and may disappear within a few days, it's essential to keep an eye on your overall health and report any concerning symptoms to your doctor.
Mild side effects can include:
- fatigue
- headaches
- nausea
- diarrhea
- constipation
- reduced appetite
- muscle or joint pain
- COVID-19
- decreased white blood cell count
- increased liver enzymes
- liver problems
Serious side effects, though not common, can include liver problems and seizures. If you experience any symptoms related to these side effects, seek medical attention immediately.
less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb])
Voranigo Uses
Voranigo for Certain Brain Tumors
Voranigo is approved to treat certain brain tumors called astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. These treatments are typically prescribed to patients who have an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) or isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2) mutation. Your doctor should perform a biopsy before prescribing Voranigo to ensure your tumor has this mutation.
20 mg once per day
Typically, Voranigo is given as a long-term treatment after a biopsy or surgery to remove all or part of the tumor.
Grading Brain Tumors
Grade 2 brain tumors are considered slow-growing, low-grade tumors. However, they may still spread into nearby brain tissue over time.
Symptoms of grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas can include headaches (especially in the morning), nausea and vomiting, problems with vision, hearing, or speech, balance problems, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, changes in personality or behavior, seizures, and more.
Voranigo slows down the growth of brain tumors, helping to prevent their spread and keep them from getting worse.
Voranigo Dosage
40 kg or more
The dosage of Voranigo will depend on several factors, including age, weight, and any side effects experienced. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you.
Voranigo comes as an oral tablet in two strengths: 10 milligrams (mg) and 40 mg.
The recommended dosages for adults are:
40 mg once per day
- 40 mg once daily for adults
- Children's dosages depend on their body weight:
- Under 40 kilograms (kg): 20 mg once daily
- 40 kg or more: 40 mg once daily
Important Things to Remember When Taking Voranigo
- Take Voranigo at the same time every day to keep a steady level of the drug in your body.
- If you miss a dose and it's been 6 hours or less, take the missed dose as soon as possible. Then take your next dose at your usual time. If it's been more than 6 hours, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
- Voranigo can be taken with or without food.
- Crush, split, or chew Voranigo tablets; they should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
- Take Voranigo for as long as your doctor recommends.
- Voranigo helps slow the growth of the brain tumor but may not provide immediate results.
Interactions
Before taking Voranigo, tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications, supplements, or vitamins you're taking. Voranigo can interact with various drugs, which can affect its efficacy or safety.
Voranigo and Alcohol
Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Voranigo, as it may increase your risk of experiencing side effects such as headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and liver problems.
Alternatives
Other treatments for brain tumors are available, and you may want to discuss options with your doctor if you're not a good fit for Voranigo. Some alternatives may include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Pregnancy, Fertility, Birth Control, and Breastfeeding
Voranigo can cause harm to the fetus and is not typically recommended during pregnancy. Birth control is recommended if there's a possibility of pregnancy. For both males and females, Voranigo can reduce fertility. If you want to have children in the future, discuss this with your doctor before starting Voranigo treatment.
Voranigo should not be taken while breastfeeding.
• 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
Voranigo Precautions
Before taking Voranigo, discuss your medical history with your doctor. Voranigo may not be suitable for those with liver problems, kidney problems, previous allergic reactions to similar drugs, or certain other medical conditions.
Disclaimer
Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication, including Voranigo. This information should not replace advice from a doctor or other healthcare professional. Understand the potential risks and benefits of Voranigo, and use it responsibly under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
For more information, refer to the FDA's approved label for Voranigo.
Stay informed and empowered in your healthcare decisions. Don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns.
Voranigo is a powerful oral drug used to treat specific brain tumors, such as astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, in adults and children aged 12 and above. It belongs to the class of medications known as isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitors, which are targeted cancer therapies. Although no generic form is available, financial assistance programs like ServierONE can help with payment and insurance-related issues.
While Voranigo can significantly slow the growth of brain tumors, it may cause side effects that could range from mild to serious. These may include fatigue, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and changes in liver enzymes, among others. Immediate medical attention must be sought if serious side effects, such as liver problems and seizures, occur.
Voranigo's dosage will vary depending on factors like age, weight, and any experienced side effects. The drug is available as an oral tablet, and the recommended dosage for adults is typically 40 mg once daily. Children's doses depend on their body weight, ranging from 10 mg to 40 mg daily.
To ensure the safe and effective use of Voranigo, it is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications, supplements, or vitamins you're taking, as Voranigo can interact with various drugs. In addition, Voranigo should not be consumed with alcohol and may reduce fertility. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and certain medical conditions could also affect the use of Voranigo.
Always consult with healthcare professionals before taking any medication, and stay informed of the potential risks and benefits. For more information, refer to the FDA's approved label for Voranigo.