Cost, effects, applications, and related details regarding Voranigo medication
Find out all about Voranigo, a prescription medication used to treat specific brain tumors in adults and children aged 12 and above. This mofo is jam-packed with the active ingredient vorasidenib and approved by the FDA to treat grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, a type of slow-growing brain tumor.
What the Hell is Voranigo Again?
Voranigo, aka that mouthful of a brand name vorasidenib, is a targeted cancer therapy that works by blocking specific proteins to slow down brain tumor growth. It's a classy type of isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitor, but don't worry your pretty little head about it. Just know that it's a fancy-pants drug that treats certain brain tumors.
The Skinny on Using Voranigo
Voranigo is not available in generic form as of now, so you're stuck with the name brand stuff, but that doesn't mean it's always gonna break the bank. Your insurance and location, along with the pharmacy you use, will determine the actual cost. Financial and insurance assistance programs like ServierONE can help you out if you need some support.
What the Hell Can Go Wrong with Voranigo?
Like any drug, Voranigo can cause some side effects, but don't freak out, 'cause not everybody will have 'em. Mild side effects may include fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, reduced appetite, pain or stiffness in muscles or joints, COVID-19, decreased white blood cell count, and increased liver enzymes.
However, if you do experience more severe side effects like liver problems, seizures, or allergic reactions, don't mess around—call your doctor and get to a hospital right away. Oh, and watch out for sketchy online pharmacies trying to sell you generic Voranigo. They might be selling B.S. and putting your health in danger.
It's All About the Uses
Voranigo is used to treat certain brain tumors called astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in adults and children aged 12 years and older. It works best after surgery to remove part or all of a tumor, and it's approved for patients with a specific genetic mutation (IDH1 or IDH2) found in the tumor cells.
Voranigo and Kids
Voranigo is approved for use in kids 12 years and older, but it hasn't been studied in those younger than 12 yet. More research will be needed to determine its safety and effectiveness in younger children.
Dosage Depends on Your Size and Kidneys
The right dosage for you will depend on your age, weight, kidney function, and whether you experience specific side effects with Voranigo. The drug comes as an oral tablet in two strengths: 10mg and 40mg.
Taking Voranigo
less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb])
You can take Voranigo with or without food, and it's usually prescribed to be taken once daily around the same time each day. If you miss a dose, don't double up—just take it as soon as you remember and continue with your regular schedule.
Overdosing on Voranigo
Don't take more Voranigo than prescribed, and if you think you might have taken too much, contact your doctor or call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. If your symptoms are severe, call your local emergency number or head to the nearest hospital right away.
20 mg once per day
Beware of Interactions with Other Drugs
Voranigo can interact with various medications, so be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know about everything you're taking, including other drugs, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
It's Not Cool to Drink While Taking Voranigo
You should avoid alcohol while taking Voranigo, as it can cause similar side effects and potentially interact with the drug.
Alternatives to Voranigo
Other brain tumor treatments are available, and your doctor can help you find the best one for your situation. These may include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
40 kg or more
Safety Precautions
Before starting Voranigo, tell your doctor if you have liver problems, kidney problems, a previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or smoke.
Voranigo and Pregnancy
40 mg once per day
Voranigo isn't typically recommended for pregnant women, as it could cause harm to a developing fetus. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about birth control options during treatment.
Fertility and Birth Control
Voranigo can reduce fertility in both men and women taking the drug, so discuss your future family plans with your doctor before starting treatment. Non-hormonal forms of birth control, such as condoms, are recommended for females taking Voranigo and for 3 months after the last dose.
Breastfeeding and Voranigo
Voranigo should not be taken while breastfeeding, and alternative treatments or feeding methods may be recommended.
How the Hell Does Voranigo Work?
Voranigo works by blocking the action of abnormal IDH1 and IDH2 enzymes in brain tumor cells, which helps slow down tumor growth and prevent it from getting worse.
Common Questions About Voranigo
Can Voranigo be used for glioblastoma?
Voranigo is not FDA-approved for treating glioblastoma, a faster-growing type of brain tumor. Some glioblastomas may have the same genetic mutation as those treated with Voranigo, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for this type of tumor.
Is Voranigo chemotherapy?
Nope, Voranigo is not chemotherapy. It's a targeted cancer therapy that works differently than chemotherapy, as it specifically targets proteins in brain tumor cells to slow down their growth.
• 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
Dishonorable Mentions
If you have any concerns about Voranigo or want to learn more, chat with your doctor. Remember, always choose a licensed pharmacy to fill your prescriptions, and stay cautious of online pharmacies selling generic Voranigo, as they may be offering counterfeit or unsafe drugs.
[1] FDA (2024). Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns about online sellers offering multiple unapproved and counterfeit versions of some medications, including cancer drugs. Retrieved August 6, 2024, from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-about-online-sellers-offering-multiple-unapproved-and-counterfeit-versions-some-medications
[2] FDA (2024). FDA approves first new treatment for adults with a type of slow-growing brain tumor in a decade. Retrieved August 6, 2024, from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-new-treatment-adults-type-slow-growing-brain-tumor-decade
- Voranigo is a brand-name tablet used for the treatment of specific brain tumors, such as astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, in adults and children aged 12 and above.
- This medication, also known as voraidenib, is a targeted cancer therapy that functions by blocking specific proteins to slow down brain tumor growth.
- It's an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitor, making it a fancy-pants drug designed to treat certain brain tumors.
- Voranigo is not available in a generic form, so patients may need to use the brand-name version. Financial and insurance assistance programs, like ServierONE, can help with costs in some cases.
- Side effects of Voranigo may include headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, pain or stiffness in muscles or joints, reduced appetite, COVID-19, decreased white blood cell count, and increased liver enzymes. More severe side effects, like liver problems, seizures, or allergic reactions, should be reported to a doctor immediately.
- Voranigo is being studied for efficacy in other brain disorders besides cancer, demonstrating the potential role of science in medical-conditions treatment and health-and-wellness improvements.
- Other treatment options for brain tumors include chemotherapy and radiation therapy, making it essential to consult with a doctor to determine the best course of action based on individual circumstances.
