Cost, effects, applications, and administration details of Voranigo medication
Voranigo, a brand-name pill, is prescribed for certain brain tumors. This magical pill contains the active ingredient vorasidenib.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the green light to use Voranigo for treating grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in both adults and children over 12 years old. This miracle drug is designed to tackle these brain tumors in specific situations. For more details, dive into the "Voranigo uses" section.
The Scoop on Voranigo
Here's some key information about Voranigo:
- Drug category: Voranigo belongs to a type of targeted cancer therapy known as an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitor.
- Generic availability: At the moment, no generic version of Voranigo is available.
- Prescription required: Yes, you'll need a doc's prescription to score some Voranigo.
- Controlled substance: Nah, Voranigo ain't a controlled substance.
Voranigo Generics
Voranigo is, unfortunately, only obtainable as a brand-name medicine. No generic form of the drug is up for grabs yet.
A generic drug is basically an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name med. Generics typically cost less than the brand-name version.
Cost of Voranigo (and Possible Discounts)
Like any med, the price of Voranigo varies based on factors like your insurance, location, and pharmacy. And let's be real, nobody wants to drop a fortune on their meds.
If you need help affording Voranigo or want to know more about your insurance coverage, support is accessible!
The ServierONE program offers financial and insurance assistance for Voranigo users. Give them a call at 800-813-5905 or visit their website to learn about copay cards and other support.
Voranigo Side Effects
Voranigo can cause mild to serious side effects. Here's a sneak peek at some of the main ones:
- Mild side effects: Fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, reduced appetite, muscle or joint pain, COVID-19, decreased white blood cell count, increased liver enzymes.
- Serious side effects: Call your doc pronto if you experience liver problems (e.g., pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, severe tiredness or weakness, dark urine, jaundice), seizures (e.g., staring into space, rapid blinking, sudden stiffness of your arms and body, jerking body movements, loss of consciousness), or any signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face, lips, throat, or tongue).
Allergy to Voranigo
Allergic reactions to Voranigo aren't common, but they can happen. If you have any allergic reactions to this drug, let your doc know.
Voranigo Uses
Voranigo for Certain Brain Tumors
Voranigo is FDA approved to treat specific brain tumors called astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in adults and children over 12 years old.
These tumors belong to a group of brain tumors known as gliomas. Astrocytomas start in brain cells called astrocytes, while oligodendrogliomas start in brain cells called oligodendrocytes. Both of these cells carry out different tasks in your brain.
Brain tumors are graded from 1 to 4, depending on how quickly they are likely to grow and spread. Grade 2 brain tumors are considered low-grade, slow-growing tumors, but they can still expand into nearby brain tissue.
Voranigo is designed to fight these brain tumors when your doctor deems it necessary after a biopsy or surgery to remove all or part of the tumor.
Voranigo and Children
Voranigo is FDA approved for use in children aged 12 and older to treat grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas.
Voranigo hasn't been tested in children younger than 12 years old. It's unknown whether it's safe or effective for this age group.
Voranigo Dosage
The dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on factors like your age, body weight, and any side effects you experience with Voranigo.
Remember, follow your doctor's instructions when it comes to your dosage!
Taking Voranigo
less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb])
Check out these tips for taking Voranigo:
- You can take this pill with or without food.
- Don't split, crush, or chew the pills. If you have trouble swallowing them, chat with your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives.
- Voranigo is meant to be a long-term treatment. If it's deemed safe and effective, you'll likely need to keep taking it for the long haul.
- Voranigo starts working right away, but you may not notice it doing its thing. It helpfully prevents brain tumors from growing and spreading.
Overdose
Avoid taking more Voranigo than your doc recommends. Overdosing on drugs can lead to unwanted side effects or worse.
What to do if you overdose
If you think you've overdosed on Voranigo, call your doctor ASAP. You can also call America's Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number or rush to the nearest emergency room right away.
20 mg once per day
Voranigo Interactions
Voranigo can interact with various other medications. To avoid potential interactions, consult your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you're taking. Also, don't forget herbs, vitamins, and supplements.
Interactions with Medications, Foods, and Supplements
Here are some meds, supplements, and foods that can interact with Voranigo:
- Medications: Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), cyclosporine, fluvoxamine, phenytoin, rifampin, hormonal forms of birth control (pill, minipill, patch).
Alcohol Interaction
Drinking alcohol while taking Voranigo may not be a smart move, as alcohol and Voranigo can cause similar side effects such as headache, nausea, diarrhea, and liver problems. If you have questions about the safety of drinking alcohol while taking Voranigo, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Alternatives to Voranigo
Other treatments for brain tumors are available. If you're interested in finding an alternative to Voranigo, talk with your doctor. They can fill you in on your options.
Possible alternatives to Voranigo include:
- Chemotherapy with drugs like PCV combination regimen (procarbazine, lomustine, vincristine) and temozolomide.
- Radiation therapy.
Things to Consider when Taking Voranigo
40 kg or more
If you have the ability to get pregnant, there are a few things you should know about pregnancy, fertility, birth control, and breastfeeding:
Voranigo and Pregnancy
Voranigo is not typically prescribed during pregnancy, as it can cause fetal harm. If you're pregnant, speak with your doctor about your treatment options.
If you're trying to conceive or could become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. They'll likely suggest birth control options to use during Voranigo treatment.
Voranigo and Fertility
Voranigo can reduce fertility in both men and women who take the medication. If you want to become parents in the future, talk with your doctor about your options before starting Voranigo treatment.
40 mg once per day
Voranigo and Birth Control
Voranigo is not safe to take during pregnancy. If you're sexually active and you or your partner can get pregnant, discuss birth control options with your doctor during Voranigo treatment.
For women taking Voranigo
If you can get pregnant, use a nonhormonal form of birth control, such as condoms, while taking Voranigo and for 3 months after your last dose. Voranigo can make hormonal birth control less effective at preventing pregnancy.
For men taking Voranigo
If you have a partner who can get pregnant, use an effective form of birth control while taking Voranigo and for 3 months after your last dose.
Voranigo and Breastfeeding
Voranigo should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you're currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, speak with your doctor before taking this medication. They may suggest a different treatment for your condition or recommend other ways to feed a child who is breastfed.
How Voranigo Works
Voranigo is used to treat certain brain tumors known as grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. It's designed to target tumors with a specific genetic mutation.
A genetic mutation is an abnormal change in a gene. A gene carries instructions for making particular proteins. When a cell has a mutated gene, it causes the cells to make abnormal versions of a particular protein.
Voranigo is approved to treat tumors that have a mutation in the gene for isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) or isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2). IDH1 and IDH2 are enzymes that help cells make energy. When the gene for these enzymes is mutated, the enzymes don't work correctly, leading to the production of a molecule that helps the tumor cells grow.
What Voranigo does
Voranigo works by blocking the action of abnormal IDH1 and IDH2 enzymes in brain tumor cells. This helps slow down the growth of the tumor cells, thereby hindering the brain tumor from growing and spreading.
Common Questions About Voranigo
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Voranigo:
Can Voranigo be used for glioblastoma?
No, Voranigo is not FDA approved to treat glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is a fast-growing and aggressive type of brain tumor. Some glioblastomas may have the same genetic mutation that Voranigo targets, but Voranigo has not been studied for its use in glioblastoma.
If you're considering taking Voranigo for glioblastoma, it's essential to consult with your healthcare professional.
Is Voranigo chemotherapy?
No, Voranigo is not chemotherapy. Rather, it is a targeted cancer therapy drug that specifically attacks tumors carrying the IDH1 or IDH2 mutation.
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that is designed to kill all rapidly dividing cells in your body, including cancer cells and healthy cells. Targeted therapies work differently by blocking certain proteins or processes that specifically help cancer cells grow rapidly. They typically have less of an impact on healthy cells than chemotherapy.
If you have questions about chemotherapy versus targeted therapies, it's best to chat with your doctor.
Voranigo Precautions
• 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
Before taking Voranigo, it's essential to discuss your medical history with your doctor. Voranigo may not be suitable for individuals with specific medical conditions or other factors affecting their health. Make sure to discuss the following with your doctor if they apply to you:
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Previous allergic reactions to this or similar drugs
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Smoking
Note: For more information about the potential drawbacks of Voranigo, see the "Voranigo Side Effects" section.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to ensure that all information is accurate, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. This drug information is subject to change and is not meant to cover all possible uses, dosages, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or for all specific uses.
- Voranigo is a brand-name pill used to treat specific brain tumors, such as astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, in both adults and children over 12 years old.
- This medication belongs to a type of targeted cancer therapy called an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitor.
- Voranigo's active ingredient is vorasidenib.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Voranigo for the treatment of grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas.
- Although Voranigo isn't a controlled substance, a prescription is required to obtain it.
- As of the moment, no generic version of Voranigo is available.
- Given Voranigo's potential side effects, it's crucial to discuss any pre-existing medical conditions with a doctor before taking this medication.
- Voranigo may interact with other drugs, including medications like ciprofloxacin (Cipro), cyclosporine, fluvoxamine, phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimatane), and hormonal forms of birth control.
