Cost, implications, applications, dosage, and additional details about Voranigo
Rewritten Article:
Voranigo: A Unique Treatment for Specific Brain Tumors
Voranigo is a brand-badass medication that's prescribed for certain brain tumors. This badass pill is packed with the active ingredient vorasidenib.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the green light for Voranigo to treat grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in folks aged 12 and up. This badass medication is used to tackle these brain tumors in specific situations. Dive into the "Voranigo uses" section to learn more.
Drug details
Here's the scoop on Voranigo:
- It belongs to the isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitor family, a type of targeted cancer therapy.
- There's no generic version available.
- You'll need a prescription to score some Voranigo, and it's not classified as a controlled substance.
Voranigo generic
At the moment, Voranigo is available only as a brand-name pill. There's no generic alternative on the shelves yet.
A generic drug is a copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics are usually cheaper than brand-name drugs.
Voranigo cost and coupons
Like all prescriptions, Voranigo's cost varies. The actual cost you'll shell out depends on your insurance, location, and the pharmacy you visit.
If you need help paying for Voranigo or sorting out your insurance coverage, support is out there. Check out the ServierONE program, which offers copay cards to eligible individuals. Call 800-813-5905 or visit the program's website to find out more.
Voranigo side effects
Voranigo can trigger mild or severe side effects. These are some key side effects you might experience while taking Voranigo:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Reduced appetite
- Pain or stiffness in your muscles or joints
- COVID-19
- Decreased white blood cell count
- Increased liver enzymes
Some of these side effects might go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they get more severe or stick around, chat with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Voranigo are rare, but they can happen. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your situation feels life-threatening.
Possible serious side effects and their symptoms can include:
- Liver problems with symptoms like:
- Pain in the upper right side of your stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme tiredness or weakness
- Dark urine
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Seizures with symptoms like:
- Staring into space
- Rapid blinking
- Sudden stiffening of your limbs
- Jerking body movements
- Loss of consciousness
ALLERGIC REACTIONFor some, Voranigo might trigger an allergic reaction. However, this side effect wasn't spotted in the drug's studies.
If you notice an allergic reaction, contact your doctor right away. For mild symptoms, such as a rash, your doctor will advise treatment options and possibly suggest you keep taking the medication. For severe symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. If you've had a serious allergic reaction to Voranigo, your doctor may recommend a different treatment.
Voranigo uses
Voranigo for certain brain tumors
Voranigo has FDA approval to treat specific brain tumors in adults and individuals aged 12 and up.
less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb])
It's approved for grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, a group of brain tumors called gliomas. Astrocytomas start in brain cells called astrocytes, while oligodendrogliomas start in brain cells called oligodendrocytes. These cells play distinct roles in your brain.
Brain tumors are graded from 1 to 4 depending on how rapidly they're likely to grow and spread. Grade 2 brain tumors are deemed slow-growing, but they can invade nearby brain tissue.
Voranigo is approved for grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas that have a specific genetic mutation (an abnormal change in a gene). Voranigo is FDA-approved for tumors with an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) or isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2) mutation. Before prescribing Voranigo, your doctor will likely take a biopsy to check if cells from the tumor contain this mutation.
Symptoms of grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas can include:
- Headaches, particularly those worse in the morning
- Nausea and vomiting
- Problems with vision, hearing, or speech
- Balance problems
- Weakness or numbness on one side of your body
- Changes in personality or behavior
- Seizures
20 mg once per day
Voranigo is a targeted cancer therapy that helps halt the growth of the brain tumor and prevent it from getting worse. For this purpose, Voranigo is prescribed after you've had a biopsy or surgery to remove all or part of the tumor.
Voranigo and children
Voranigo is approved for use in children aged 12 and up to treat grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas with an IDH1 or IDH2 mutation.
Voranigo hasn't been studied in children younger than 12. It's not known whether the drug is safe or effective in this age group.
Voranigo dosage
The dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors, including your age, weight, and whether you experience certain side effects with Voranigo. The following information provides common dosages:
- Voranigo comes as an oral tablet and is available in two strengths: 10 milligrams (mg) and 40 mg.
- The usual recommended dosage for adults is 40 mg once a day.
- The dosage for children depends on their body weight, as follows:
- Less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds): 20 mg once a day
- 40 kg or more: 40 mg once a day
About taking Voranigo
Here's some key info about when to take Voranigo and other dosage tips:
- Take Voranigo once a day. Stick to the same time each day to maintain a steady level of the drug in your body.
- If you miss a dose and it's been 6 hours or less since the dose was due, take it as soon as possible. Then take your next dose at your usual time. If it's been more than 6 hours since the dose was due, skip it and take your next dose at your usual time. Avoid doubling up or taking extra doses to make up for missed doses.
- You can take Voranigo with or without food.
- Swallow Voranigo tablets whole with some water. Don't crush, split, or chew the tablets. If you have difficulties swallowing the tablets, chat with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Voranigo is meant to be a long-term treatment. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about your treatment plan.
- Voranigo starts working as soon as you start taking it, but you might not notice it working. The medication helps slow the growth of the brain tumor and prevent it from getting worse.
40 kg or more
Overdose
Never take more Voranigo than prescribed. Overwhelming your body with Voranigo may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.
What to do in case you take too much Voranigo
If you think you've take too much, contact your doctor immediately. You can also call America's Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or visit its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number right away, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Voranigo interactions
40 mg once per day
Voranigo can interact with several other medications.
Before taking Voranigo, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Fill them in on all your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and vitamins. Being open about your medication list can help you avoid potential interactions.
Interactions with medications, foods, and supplements
Here are some medications, supplements, and foods that can interact with Voranigo:
- 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
Alcohol interaction
It might not be safe to imbibe alcohol while taking Voranigo. Alcohol and Voranigo can cause similar side effects, such as headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and liver problems. If you have questions about whether boozing and Voranigo mix, chat with your doctor or pharmacist.
Alternatives
Other brain tumor treatments are available that can tackle your condition. Here are some alternatives to Voranigo:
- Chemotherapy with drugs such as:
- PCV combination regimen (procarbazine, lomustine [CCNU], and vincristine)
- Temozolomide
- Radiation therapy
Things to consider when taking Voranigo
Voranigo and pregnancy
Voranigo can cause fetal harm and should not normally be taken during pregnancy. If you're pregnant (or planning to be), talk with your doctor about your treatment options.
If you're considering a pregnancy or could get pregnant, talk with your doctor before starting Voranigo treatment. Your doctor will likely suggest birth control options to use during Voranigo treatment.
Voranigo and fertility
Voranigo can reduce fertility in both males and females who take the medication. If you want to have children in the future, talk with your doctor about your options before starting Voranigo treatment.
Voranigo and birth control
Voranigo is not safe to take during pregnancy. If you're sexually active and you or your partner could get pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control options during Voranigo treatment.
For females taking Voranigo
If you could get pregnant, use a non-hormonal form of birth control, such as condoms, while taking Voranigo and for 3 months after your last dose. Voranigo can make some forms of hormonal birth control, such as the pill, less effective at preventing pregnancy.
• 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
For males taking Voranigo
If you have a sexual partner who could 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, chat with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest an alternative treatment for your condition or recommend other ways to feed a baby who is breastfed.
- Voranigo is a unique brand-name medication, specifically designed to treat certain brain tumors in individuals aged 12 and up, such as grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, which belong to a group of brain tumors called gliomas.
- This medication is a targeted cancer therapy, belonging to the isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitor family, working to halt the growth of specific brain tumors.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Voranigo for the treatment of brain tumors with an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) or isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2) mutation, in situations where a biopsy has confirmed the presence of this mutation.
- Voranigo can trigger side effects, ranging from mild to severe, such as fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, reduced appetite, muscle or joint pain, COVID-19, decreased white blood cell count, and increased liver enzymes. In case of severe or persisting side effects, individuals should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
- Voranigo can interact with several other medications, supplements, and foods, so it is essential to discuss all current medications with a healthcare provider before starting treatment with Voranigo.
- In terms of mental health and overall wellness, it is important to consider potential interactions between Voranigo and other medications, including hormonal forms of birth control, and seek alternative treatments or proper management strategies when necessary, as Voranigo can impact fertility and serve as a potential hindrance for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
