Cost, effects, applications, administration, and additional details regarding Voranigo
Heyy there! Voranigo is a brand-name pill that's used to treat specific brain tumors. It's known as vorasidenib and works by targeting certain genes in your cells.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the green light for Voranigo to treat grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in adults and individuals aged 12 years and older. These are not your everyday brain tumors - they're a type of tumor called gliomas, and these ones start in brain cells called either astrocytes or oligodendrocytes.
There are different types of brain tumors, and they're graded from 1 to 4 depending on how quickly they're likely to grow and spread. Grade 2 brain tumors are slow-growing, but they can still grow into nearby tissue. Voranigo is used for grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas that have a specific genetic mutation.
Before prescribing Voranigo, your doc will likely take a small sample of the tumor (a biopsy) to check for that mutation. If your tumor's got it, then Voranigo might be the ticket!
Now, as with any medication, Voranigo can cause some potential side effects. Here are a few you might encounter:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Reduced appetite
- Pain or stiffness in muscles or joints
- Potential issues with COVID-19
- Decreased white blood cell count
- Increased liver enzymes
less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb])
In some cases, these side effects can be pretty serious, so if you've got concerns or they're bothering you, make sure to reach out to your doctor or pharmacist.
20 mg once per day
If you need some help paying for Voranigo or figuring out your insurance, there's a program called ServierONE that can offer copay assistance. You can reach them at 800-813-5905, or check out their website for more info.
As for the cost of Voranigo, it can vary depending on your insurance, location, and pharmacy.
40 kg or more
Voranigo is currently only available as a brand-name medication, so there's no generic option available right now. If you're curious about what that means, a generic drug is basically an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to be cheaper than brand-names.
40 mg once per day
There are some alternative treatments available for grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, depending on your particular situation. Some of these options include radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy, temozolomide, or treatment deferral strategies. If you're interested in learning more about these alternatives, have a chat with your doctor!
Now, there are a few things you should tell your doctor about before starting Voranigo. These include liver problems, kidney problems, previous allergic reactions to similar drugs, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and if you're a smoker.
That's the lowdown on Voranigo - remember, always chat with your doctor if you've got questions or concerns! And make sure to keep this info handy for any follow-up appointments - just in case! 😉
Important Note: This information is meant to help educate, but it's not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you've got questions or concerns about your specific situation, it's best to get in touch with your doctor or pharmacist!
• 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
Sources:
- Voranigo Prescribing Information. (n.d.). Servier Pharmaceuticals. https://www.voranigo.com/pdfs/voranigo-prescribing-information.pdf
- Astrocytomas and Oligodendrogliomas. (2021, October 28). American Brain Tumor Association. https://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-information/brain-tumor-types/low-grade-glioma/low-grade-astrocytomas-and-oligodendrogliomas/
- Friedman HS, Sneider V, Kunwar S, et al. 2020 NCCN Guidelines for Adult Brain Tumors. Neuro-Oncology. 2020;22(8 Suppl 5):v191-v200. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7440717/
- Stupp R, Mason WP, Van den Bent MJ, et al. Radiotherapy Plus Concomitant and Adjuvant Temozolomide for Glioblastoma. New England Journal of Medicine. 2005;353(1):17-26. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa043337
- Chi EH, Brandsma D, Gilbert MR, et al. Immunotherapy for Glioma: Current Challenges and Future Directions. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2021;19(1):669. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7959852/
- Liu L, Zhang H, Yang Y, et al. Molecular Classification of Gliomas: Current Update and Clinical Application. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2021;19(1):420. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7818575/
Voranigo, while specifically treating grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, may not be effective for other types of brain tumors or other brain disorders. Cancer treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, and in the realm of oncology, pharmaceutical science plays a crucial role.
In some cases, the side effects of Voranigo could potentially interfere with an individual's health and wellness, affecting their daily life. For instance, severe fatigue, headaches, or digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation might require medical attention.
It's important to be aware that Voranigo is only available as a brand-name medication, meaning a generic equivalent isn't currently accessible, which might impact its cost. Financial aid programs, such as ServierONE, can help with copay assistance for those who need it.
In light of the potential side effects and drug interactions, individuals taking Voranigo should maintain open and honest communication with their medical team, consisting of doctors and pharmacists, to ensure proper management of their medical-conditions and health-and-wellness.
