Cost, effects, applications, dosage, and related details regarding Voranigo medication
Voranigo, available as an oral tablet, is a brand-shamed treatment for specific brain tumors. The active ingredient in Voranigo is vorasidenib.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has green-lit Voranigo to treat grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and above. This medication is used in specific scenarios to manage these brain tumors. For a comprehensive list, check out the "Voranigo uses" section.
Key Points
- Drug class: Voranigo falls under the category of isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitor, a type of targeted cancer therapy.
- Generic available?: At the moment, Voranigo lacks a generic version.
- Prescription required?: Yes, a prescription is mandatory to get your hands on Voranigo.
- Controlled substance?: No.
Voranigo's Generic Counterpart
Presently, Voranigo can only be obtained under its brand name. It's not yet available in its generic form.
A generic drug is essentially the same as the active ingredient found in a brand-name medication. Generics are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs.
Cost and Coupons for Voranigo
Like all medications, the costs associated with Voranigo can vary. Your actual price will depend on factors like your insurance plan, location, and the pharmacy you use.
If you find yourself in financial straits and uncertain about insurance coverage, assistance programs and resources are at your disposal.
The ServierONE assistance program is designed for Voranigo users. For more information and to determine if you're eligible for assistance such as copay cards, call 800-813-5905 or visit the program website.
Possible Side Effects of Voranigo
Mild to severe side effects can arise from Voranigo use. Here's a rundown of some of the notable side effects:
Mild Side Effects
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Diminished appetite
- Muscle or joint pain
- COVID-19
- Lowered white blood cell count
- Increased liver enzymes
Most side effects tend to subside within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or persist, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects from Voranigo are uncommon, but they can occur. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects. In an emergency, dial 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:
- Liver issues, featuring:
- Pain in the upper right part of your abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Severe tiredness or weakness
- Dark urine
- Jaundice
- Seizures, characterized by:
- Staring into space
- Rapid blinking
- Sudden stiffening of arms and body
- Jerking body movements
- Loss of consciousness
In case of an allergic reaction to Voranigo, seek medical attention promptly. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe.
Voranigo Uses
Brain Tumor Treatment
Voranigo has received FDA approval for specific brain tumors called astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in adults and teenagers aged 12 years and above.
More specifically, Voranigo targets brain tumors with a particular genetic mutation (an abnormal change in a gene). These mutations can manifest in genes such as isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) or isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2). Prior to prescribing Voranigo, your healthcare provider will likely conduct a biopsy to establish if the tumor cells exhibit this mutation.
Symptoms of grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas can include headaches, especially those that intensify in the morning, nausea and vomiting, problems with vision, hearing, or speech, balance issues, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, changes in personality or behavior, and, in some cases, seizures.
Voranigo works as a targeted cancer therapy, aiding in the slowdown of brain tumor growth and prevention of the tumor from worsening. This treatment is usually administered after a biopsy or surgery to remove all or part of the tumor.
Children and Voranigo
Voranigo is authorized for use in children aged 12 years and above to treat grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas bearing an IDH1 or IDH2 mutation.
Voranigo has not been extensively studied in children under 12 years old. It hasn't been established that the medication is safe or effective for this age group.
less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb])
Dosage Guide for Voranigo
The dosage you'll receive will depend on factors like your age, body weight, and if you encounter certain side effects. Here's a general guideline on dosage:
Drug Forms and Strengths
Voranigo comes in two strengths: 10 milligrams (mg) and 40 mg, as oral tablets.
Dosage for Brain Tumors
Voranigo is used for specific brain tumors referred to as astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas.
20 mg once per day
The standard recommended dosage for adults is 40 mg a day.
Children's Dosage
For children aged 12 and upwards, Voranigo is utilized to treat astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas.
The dosage for children depends on their body weight:
| Child's weight in Kilograms (Kg) | Dosage || --- | --- || Less than 40 Kg (around 88 pounds [lb]) | 20 mg once per day || 40 Kg or more | 40 mg once per day |
Important Notes About Taking Voranigo
For a detailed account of essential dosage aspects, check out "About taking Voranigo".
A Word on Interactions
Voranigo can interact with several other medications. Before taking Voranigo, inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you're using. This isn't an exhaustive list of possible interactions. If you have queries about potential drug interactions tailored to your situation, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Medications, Foods, and Supplements
Some medications, supplements, and foods that can interact with Voranigo are:
- Ciprofloxacin
- Cyclosporine
- Fluvoxamine
- Phenytoin
- Rifampin
- Hormonal birth control methods (pill, minipill, patch)
40 kg or more
Alcohol Interaction
It may not be safe to consume alcohol while taking Voranigo. Alcohol and Voranigo may cause similar side effects, such as headache, nausea, diarrhea, and liver problems. If you have questions about consuming alcohol with Voranigo, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Alternatives to Voranigo
Other brain tumor treatments are available to tackle your condition. Some may be a better fit for you. If you're interested in finding an alternative to Voranigo, discuss it with your healthcare provider.
The following treatments can be considered alternatives to Voranigo:
- Chemotherapy with drugs such as:
- PCV combination regimen (procarbazine, lomustine [CCNU], and vincristine)
- Temozolomide
- Radiation therapy
40 mg once per day
Considerations When Using Voranigo
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Voranigo isn't typically recommended during pregnancy. If you're pregnant, discussing your treatment options with your healthcare provider is crucial.
If you're planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, inform your healthcare provider before taking Voranigo. Your healthcare provider will likely suggest birth control options to use during Voranigo treatment.
Fertility
Voranigo can reduce fertility in both men and women who take the medication. If you want to have children in the future, discuss your options with your healthcare provider before starting Voranigo treatment.
Breastfeeding
Voranigo should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you're currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, consult your healthcare provider before taking this medication. Your healthcare provider may suggest a different treatment for your condition or recommend alternative ways to feed a child who is breastfed.
How Voranigo Works
Voranigo targets specific brain tumors called grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, specifically those with a certain genetic mutation (an abnormal change in a gene). These mutations are usually found in the gene for isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) or isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2).
What Voranigo does
Voranigo works by inhibiting the action of abnormal IDH1 and IDH2 enzymes in brain tumor cells. By doing so, it slows down the growth of the tumor cells, preventing the brain tumor from growing and getting worse.
Frequently Asked Questions About Voranigo
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Voranigo.
Can Voranigo be used for glioblastoma?
Voranigo is not authorized to treat glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is a type of brain tumor known for its aggressiveness and rapid growth. It is also called a grade 4 astrocytoma. Learn more.
Some glioblastomas may have the same genetic mutation that Voranigo targets. However, Voranigo hasn't been studied for glioblastoma. It's not known whether this drug is effective for this type of brain tumor.
If you're interested in taking Voranigo for glioblastoma, consult your healthcare provider.
Is Voranigo chemotherapy?
No, Voranigo is not chemotherapy. Rather, it's a targeted therapy.
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that works by killing all the cells in your body that are growing and multiplying rapidly, including cancer cells but also healthy cells like blood cells. As a result, chemotherapy can often cause many side effects throughout your body.
Targeted therapies work by blocking certain proteins or processes that specifically help cancer cells grow rapidly. As a result, these drugs work more selectively on cancer cells, causing fewer overall side effects compared to chemotherapy.
If you have questions about chemotherapy versus Voranigo, consult your healthcare provider.
Medication Safety and 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, discuss your health history with your healthcare provider. Voranigo may not be suitable for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to communicate with your provider if any of the following apply to you:
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Smoking
For more information about potential negative effects of Voranigo, see the "Voranigo side effects" section.
Legal Warning
Medical News Today has made every effort to ensure that all information is accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on medications and treatment options. This drug information is subject to change and may not cover all possible uses, 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 situations.
- Voranigo is a brand-named treatment for specific brain tumors, particularly astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and above.
- The active ingredient in Voranigo is vorasidenib, and it falls under the category of isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitor, a type of targeted cancer therapy.
- Voranigo is used in certain scenarios to manage certain brain tumors, and a comprehensive list of its uses can be found in the "Voranigo uses" section.
- At the moment, a generic version of Voranigo is not available.
- Possible side effects from Voranigo use can range from mild to severe, including fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, muscle or joint pain, COVID-19, lowered white blood cell count, increased liver enzymes, and liver issues such as pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, loss of appetite, severe tiredness or weakness, dark urine, and jaundice.
- Alternatives to Voranigo for brain tumor treatment can include chemotherapy with drugs such as PCV combination regimen, temozolomide, and radiation therapy.
- If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, Voranigo is generally not recommended, and you should discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider. Additionally, Voranigo can reduce fertility in both men and women who take the medication.
