Cost, effects, applications, and other details regarding Voranigo medication
Revamped Article:
Voranigo, a brand-name oral pill, finds its prime use in tackling certain brain tumors. The active ingredient in Voranigo is vorasidenib. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval to use Voranigo for treating grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in adults and children aged 12 years and older. These brain tumors are part of a larger, notorious group known as gliomas. Astrocytomas originate from star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes, whereas oligodendrogliomas stem from a different cell type called oligodendrocytes. Both cell types play crucial roles in the brain.
Grade 2 brain tumors are considered slow-growing, low-grade tumors that have the potential to infiltrate surrounding brain tissue. Voranigo is prescribed when a biopsy or surgery has removed all or part of a tumor in such cases.
The Nitty-Gritty Details
Here's a quick rundown on some essential characteristics of Voranigo:
- Drug Class: Voranigo falls under isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and -2 inhibitors, a type of targeted cancer therapy.
- Generic Availability: Voranigo is not available in generic form at this time.
- Prescription Needed: Yes, a prescription is required to get your hands on Voranigo.
- Controlled Substance: No, Voranigo is not a controlled substance.
less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb])
Kids and the Big Question: Is Voranigo available in a generic version?
20 mg once per day
As of now, Voranigo exists solely as a brand-name medication. No generic form is available yet.
A generic drug is essentially an identical copy of the active ingredient found in a brand-name medication. Generics are often cheaper than their brand-name counterparts.
40 kg or more
Cost and Coupon Shenanigans
40 mg once per day
Medication costs can vary, depending on insurance plans, locations, and the pharmacy you choose. To help manage the costs, financial and insurance assistance programs are available. ServierONE is one such program specifically designed for Voranigo users. You can call 800-813-5905 or visit the program website for more information and to find out if you qualify for support like copay cards.
Tummy Troubles, Side Effects, and Last Calls
Like any medication, Voranigo can cause minor or serious side effects. Milder side effects might include fatigue, headaches, nausea, and diarrhea, while constipation, reduced appetite, muscle or joint pain, COVID-19, decreased white blood cell count, and elevated liver enzymes also feature on the list.
In some rare cases, more severe side effects could occur. Call your doctor immediately if you experience liver problems, seizures, or allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from mild to severe – if you notice a rash, contact your doctor right away.
• 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
As the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks and reviews side effects of approved drugs, your experiences can help make medications safer for everyone. If you develop a side effect while taking Voranigo, report it to MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.
Sizing Up Voranigo for Glioblastoma
While Voranigo is FDA-approved for IDH-mutant gliomas, it's not recommended for glioblastoma, a more aggressive type of brain tumor. Glioblastoma treatment options often encompass surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, Tumor Treating Fields (TTF), and immunotherapy.
Common treatments for glioblastoma include surgical resection, radiation therapy, chemotherapy drugs like temozolomide, TTF devices, and immunotherapy approaches. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies are also under investigation as potential future alternatives for glioblastoma, though none are currently FDA-approved for this specific use.
Voranigo's efficacy for glioblastoma has yet to be established. However, if your tumor has the IDH mutation, it's essential to discuss potential off-label treatments with your healthcare provider.
Voranigo and the Immune System
Although Voranigo is a type of targeted cancer therapy, it does not belong to the chemotherapy family. Unlike chemotherapy, whichaims to kill fast-growing cells, Voranigo works by blocking certain proteins specific to cancer cells, minimizing impact on healthy cells. Nevertheless, Voranigo can still induce unwanted side effects.
Before starting Voranigo, discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider. Voranigo might not be suitable if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have liver or kidney problems, or have experienced previous allergic reactions to this or similar drugs.
- In addition to treating certain brain tumors, Voranigo may also be associated with other brain disorders due to its neurological effects.
- As a type of targeted cancer therapy, Voranigo falls under the category of isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and -2 inhibitors, which are not yet available in generic form at pharmacies.
- While Voranigo is not a controlled substance, it is crucial to consult a medical professional before using it, especially in cases of other medical-conditions such as liver or kidney problems, or a history of allergic reactions to similar drugs.
- For children under 40 kg, the recommended dosage of Voranigo is 20 mg once per day, while for children 40 kg and above, the dosage increases to 40 mg once per day.
- Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy might be used in conjunction with Voranigo or may be considered as alternatives for certain types of brain tumors, such as glioblastoma.
- The FDA is continually monitoring the safety and effectiveness of drugs, and reporting any side effects experienced while taking Voranigo can help contribute to future health-and-wellness research.
- It's important to be aware of potential side effects when taking Voranigo, which may include mild symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and nausea, as well as more severe effects such as liver problems, seizures, and allergic reactions.
- Mental-health issues can also be associated with brain tumors and the treatments used, such as Voranigo, so addressing any symptoms related to mental health is vital in the overall care and well-being of individuals undergoing treatment for these conditions.
