Cost, effects, applications, dosage, and additional info on Voranigo medication
Rewritten Article:
Hey there! So, you've got a brand-name oral tablet called Voranigo to tackle some tricky brain tumors. This little wonder contains the active ingredient vorasidenib. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given it the green light to treat grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in people aged 12 and up. Read on to learn more about this brain tumor fighter.
Get the Lowdown on Voranigo
This oral treatment belongs to a class of drugs known as isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitors, which is a fancy term for targeted cancer therapy. Sadly, you can't find a generic version of this tablet. You'll need a prescription, and it's not considered a controlled substance.
Voranigo and You
Wondering if Voranigo is available in generic form? Alas, not at this moment—only the brand-name medication is around. But fret not, generic versions often come later and can be a cost-effective option compared to the pricier brand-name drugs.
As with all medications, costs can vary depending on insurance, location, and pharmacy. Check out financial assistance programs like ServierONE for help paying for Voranigo or understanding your insurance coverage. You can contact them at 800-813-5905 or visit their program website for more information.
The Potential Downsides of Voranigo
Like all meds, Voranigo can cause mild or serious side effects. Here's a sneak peek at some possible side effects:
- Mild Side Effects: These not-so-fun side effects might pop up: fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, muscular or joint pain, COVID-19, decreased white blood cell count, increased liver enzymes, and changes in vision or hearing.
- Serious Side Effects: Serious side effects aren't common, but they can happen. If you experience liver problems, seizures, or an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. Symptoms of liver problems could include pain in your upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, severe tiredness, dark urine, and jaundice. Symptoms of seizures might include staring into space, rapid blinking, sudden body stiffening, jerking movements, and loss of consciousness.
Remember, your experiences with Voranigo help make medications safer for everyone. If you develop a side effect and want to notify the FDA, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.
Let's Talk About Voranigo's Tasks
Voranigo is FDA-approved to handle certain brain tumors (astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas) in people aged 12 and up.
These tumors are a part of a bigger family called gliomas, which originate from different cells in the brain. Astrocytomas start in brain cells called astrocytes, while oligodendrogliomas start in brain cells called oligodendrocytes.
Brain tumors are graded from 1 to 4, based on how quickly they are likely to grow and spread. Grade 2 brain tumors are slow-growing and can spread into nearby brain tissue. Voranigo is designed to handle these tumors that have a specific genetic mutation—an abnormal change in a gene. It's approved for tumors that have an IDH1 or IDH2 mutation.
Typical symptoms of grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas include headaches (especially those worse in the morning), nausea and vomiting, vision, hearing, or speech problems, balance issues, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, personality or behavior changes, and seizures.
less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb])
Voranigo is a targeted cancer therapy that stops the brain tumor from growing and getting worse. It's prescribed after removing the tumor through biopsy or surgery.
Voranigo for the Young 'uns
In case you're curious, Voranigo is also approved for kids aged 12 and up with astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas that have an IDH1 or IDH2 mutation. It hasn't been studied in children younger than 12, so its safety and effectiveness in this age group aren't known.
20 mg once per day
The Dashed Line on Voranigo's Dosage
Your doctor will tailor the Voranigo dosage to factors like your age, body weight, and any side effects you experience. Here are some typical Voranigo dosages:
- Voranigo comes as an oral tablet, available in 10 mg and 40 mg strengths.
- Adult dosage: 40 mg once daily.
- Children's dosage, based on body weight, could be 20 mg or 40 mg once daily, depending on whether their weight is less than 40 kg (approximately 88 pounds) or more than 40 kg.
Taking Care with Voranigo
- Take one Voranigo tablet once a day, at the same time each day, to maintain a consistent level of the drug in your body.
- If you miss a dose and it's been less than 6 hours since your scheduled dose, take it as soon as possible, then take your next dose at the usual time.
- If it's been more than 6 hours since your missed dose, skip the missed dose altogether, and take your next dose at the usual time.
- Voranigo can be taken with or without food.
- Never crush, split, or chew the Voranigo tablet. If you have trouble swallowing it, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- Voranigo is intended for long-term use, as it helps slow the growth of the brain tumor and keep it from getting worse.
- Voranigo starts working as soon as you start taking it, but you may not notice its effects right away.
Overdoing It with Voranigo
40 kg or more
It's essential to stick to the dosage recommended by your doctor. Overdosing on Voranigo may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose. If you think you've taken too much Voranigo, call your doctor right away, consult America's Poison Centers at 800-222-1222, or use their online tool. If symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
The Interplay of Voranigo and Other Medications
There are several medications, supplements, and even some foods that can interact with Voranigo. Make sure to discuss your entire medication regimen with your doctor and pharmacist to avoid potential interactions.
40 mg once per day
Here's a quick list of medications, supplements, and foods that could interact with Voranigo:
- ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
- cyclosporine (Neoral, others)
- fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)
- rifampin (Rifadin, Rimatane)
The Lowdown on Alcohol and Voranigo
It might not be safe to consume alcohol while taking Voranigo, as alcohol and Voranigo can cause similar side effects, such as headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and liver problems. If you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking Voranigo, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Voranigo Alternatives
Other brain tumor treatments are out there, and your doctor might suggest other treatments if you prefer something different from Voranigo. Some alternatives could include chemotherapy with drugs like PCV combination regimen or temozolomide, or radiation therapy.
The Nitty-Gritty of Voranigo and Pregnancy
Voranigo can cause fetal harm and should not typically be taken during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss your options with your doctor. It's important to use a nonhormonal form of birth control while taking Voranigo and for 3 months after your last dose, as Voranigo could make certain forms of hormonal birth control less effective at preventing pregnancy.
Fertility and Voranigo
Voranigo can reduce fertility in males and females who take the medication. If you want to have children in the future, talk to your doctor about your options before starting Voranigo treatment.
Voranigo and Breastfeeding
Voranigo should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you're breastfeeding or planning to do so, discuss your options with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend a different treatment for your condition or suggest alternative ways to feed your baby.
• 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
How Voranigo Does Its Thang
Voranigo is approved to treat grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas with a specific genetic mutation. A genetic mutation is an abnormal change in a gene that causes the cells to make abnormal versions of a particular protein.
With Voranigo, the goal is to block the action of abnormal IDH1 and IDH2 enzymes in brain tumor cells. This slows down the growth of the tumor cells and helps stop the brain tumor from growing and getting worse.
- Voranigo, an oral treatment for certain brain tumors, falls under the category of isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitors, which is a type of targeted cancer therapy.
- While there's no generic version of Voranigo available currently, it's important to explore financial assistance programs like ServierONE to help with costs as generic versions often become available later.
- Voranigo can treat specific brain disorders, such as astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, in people over 12 years old, when these tumors show a particular genetic mutation (IDH1 or IDH2 mutation).
- Side effects of Voranigo can range from mild symptoms like fatigue, headache, and nausea to more serious ones like liver problems, seizures, or allergic reactions.
- When it comes to dosing Voranigo, your doctor will factor in your age, body weight, and potential side effects to determine the optimal dosage. For adults, the typical dosage is 40 mg once daily, while for children, it depends on their weight (less than 40 kg or more than 40 kg).
