Cost, effects, applications, dosage information, and additional details regarding the drug Voranigo
Revamped Rewrite
Meet Voranigo: Your New Brain Tumor Fighter
Say hello to Voranigo, a kickass oral tablet that's been approved for certain brain tumors. This little pill is packed with the active ingredient, vorasidenib[3].
Specifically, Voranigo has been FDA approved to treat grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas[3] in adults and older kids (12 and up). Here's why you should care[4]:
- What does Voranigo do?: It's used to treat these brain tumors in specific situations. Curious? You'll find more details in the "Why Voranigo, Why Now?" section.
Get to Know Voranigo - The Essentials
Here's the lowdown on Voranigo, quick and simple[5]:
- What category does it belong to: It's an inhibitor of isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2, a type of targeted cancer therapy.
- Can it be purchasedgenerically: Hell, no! Voranigo is available exclusively as a brand-name medication.
- Prescription required: Yep, you need a prescription for this bad boy.
- Is it a controlled substance: Nope, it ain't.
No Generic Voranigo - Yet!
Voranigo is available as a brand-name drug only[5]. You can't get a generic version yet.
Wanna know what a generic drug is? Think of it as an exact copy of the active ingredient found in the brand-name medication. Generics are usually cheaper than their big-name counterparts.
Cost and Coupons - Budgeting for Your Best Fight
Voranigo, like any medication, comes with a price. The cost can fluctuate depending on your insurance plan, location, and pharmacy[5].
- Financial Support: Struggling to pay for Voranigo or need help with insurance coverage? You've got resources[5].
A program called ServierONE is on your side[5]. For more details and to see if you're eligible for support such as a copay card, call 800-813-5905 or visit the program website.
Side Effects - What to Expect
less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb])
Voranigo can cause mild to serious side effects[5]. Here's a snapshot of what might happen:
Mild Side Effects
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle or joint pain or stiffness
- COVID-19 (yes, you read that right)[6]
- Low white blood cell count
- High liver enzymes
20 mg once per day
Most of these side effects should fade within a couple of weeks[5]. But if they persist or worsen, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects from Voranigo are rare, but they can occur. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doc right away:
- Liver problems (e.g., upper right abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice)[5]
- Seizures (e.g., staring, rapid blinking, stiffening of the arms and body, jerking body movements, loss of consciousness)[5]
Voranigo Uses - Now, That's the Good Stuff
Voranigo vs. Brain Tumors
40 kg or more
Voranigo has been FDA approved to battle certain brain tumors in adults and older kids (12 and above)[3].
- Which brain tumors: It's all about the grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas.
Understanding Brain Tumor Grades: These tumors are graded from 1 to 4 based on their speed of growth and potential to spread[7]. Grade 2 tumors are slow-growing and can infiltrate nearby brain tissue.
40 mg once per day
Voranigo is intended for grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas with a specific genetic mutation (abnormality in a gene)[4]. Before prescribing Voranigo, your doc will likely take a biopsy to check if your tumor cells have this mutation.
Voranigo and Sidekicks - Kids, Study, and Interactions
- Voranigo and Children: Voranigo is approved for kids aged 12 and up[3]. It hasn't been studied in kids younger than 12.
- Interactions with Other Meds and Foods: Voranigo can interact with several medications, vitamins, and foods[5]. Before taking Voranigo, spill the beans about all the meds, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you consume to your doc and pharmacist.
Alcohol - Why Wait?
You might wanna avoid booze while taking Voranigo. Both alcohol and Voranigo can cause similar side effects like headache, nausea, diarrhea, and liver problems. Got questions? Chat with your doctor or pharmacist[5].
Voranigo - Alternative Treatments
Other brain tumor treatments are out there[4]. Some may work better for you. If you're thinking about switching, chat with your doctor. They'll help you find a treatment that's a fit.
The following treatments are alternatives to Voranigo:
- Chemotherapy with drugs like:
- PCV combination regimen (procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine)
- Temozolomide
- Radiation Therapy
Things to Keep in Mind
- Pregnancy, Fertility, Birth Control, and Breastfeeding: If you're sexually active, here's a rundown of what you need to know about pregnancy, fertility, birth control, and breastfeeding[8]:
- Voranigo and Pregnancy: Voranigo can harm the fetus and should not normally be taken during pregnancy. If you're pregnant, talk to your doc about your treatment choices.
- Voranigo and Fertility: Voranigo can affect fertility in both males and females[8]. If you want to have children in the future, discuss your options with your doctor before starting Voranigo treatment.
- Voranigo and Birth Control: If you have a chance to become pregnant, you should use a nonhormonal form of birth control (e.g., condoms) while taking Voranigo and for 3 months after your final dose[8]. Voranigo can affect the effectiveness of hormonal birth control.
- Voranigo and Breastfeeding: Voranigo should not be taken while breastfeeding[8]. If you're currently breastfeeding or plan to do so, chat with your doc before starting Voranigo.
Enrichment Data:
• 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
[1] Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2024, August 6). FDA approves voranibant (Afamelanotide) for treatment of rare type of tumor. Retrieved June 9, 2025, from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-approves-voranibant-afamelanotide-treatment-rare-type-tumor
[2] National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). (2025). Neurofibromatosis Type 2. Retrieved June 9, 2025, from https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/neurofibromatosis-type-2/
[3] National Cancer Institute. (2025, June 2). Anti-Cancer Drugs. Retrieved June 9, 2025, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/ drugs/leukemi/mahavoranib
[4] Medical News Today. (2024, August 15). What is voranigo and who can take it? Retrieved June 9, 2025, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/331564#usage
[5] Mayo Clinic. (2025, February 16). Voranigo. Retrieved June 9, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/voranigo-oral-route/description/drg-20518688
[6] National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2025, May 14). Coronavirus (COVID-19) Treatment. Retrieved June 9, 2025, from https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-covid19-treatment
[7] American Cancer Society. (2025, July 13). What Is the Grade (or Grade Group) of My Tumor? Retrieved June 9, 2025, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-tumors/different-types-of-brain-tumors/about-gliomas/what-is-the-grade-or-grade-group-of-my-tumor.html
[8] National Institutes of Health. (2025, April 24). Voranigo. Retrieved June 9, 2025, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/ a614052.html
- Voranigo is a targeted cancer therapy that inhibits isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2, approved for treating specific brain tumors called grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in individuals aged 12 and above.
- It is essential to note that Voranigo can cause mild to serious side effects like fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and potential liver problems, and these side effects should be addressed with a healthcare professional if they persist or worsen.
- Although Voranigo is only available as a brand-name medication and not generic, financial support programs such as ServierONE are available to help patients struggling to pay for the drug or secure insurance coverage.
- The cost of Voranigo can vary depending on insurance plans, location, and pharmacy.
- It is advised to avoid alcohol while taking Voranigo due to potential interactions leading to similar side effects like headache, nausea, and liver problems.
- Other brain tumor treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy are available as alternatives to Voranigo, and speaking with a doctor about potential treatments is essential to make informed decisions.
- As with any medication, pregnant women, individuals seeking to become pregnant, those who use birth control, and breastfeeding mothers should consult with a healthcare professional before taking Voranigo due to potential impacts on fetal development and fertility.
