Cost, implications, applications, administered amount, and other details regarding Voranigo medication
Voranigo: The Brand-name Cancer Fighter for Certain Brain Tumors
Welcome to the lowdown on Voranigo, a powerful oral tablet approved for specific brain tumors. This bad boy contains the active ingredient vorasidenib, making it a go-to for certain patients battling against astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. These are types of brain tumors that develop from star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes and cells called oligodendrocytes respectively, both part of the group known as gliomas[1].
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has okayed Voranigo for treating these tumors in adults and kids aged 12 years and above[1]. So, what makes Voranigo tick, and how's it going to fight your tumor? Read on to uncover more!
What's the deal with Voranigo?
First off, Voranigo falls under the category of 'targeted cancer therapy'. Its main mission - to ward off those troublesome cancer cells and help prevent the brain tumor from growing and worsening[1]. Remarkably, unlike many other treatments, Voranigo focuses its attacks only on the cancer cells, causing minimal harm to healthy cells. As we'll soon find out, this selective approach becomes quite beneficial in many ways.
Is there any generic alternative?
At the moment, Voranigo is solely available as a brand-name medication. Unfortunately, no generic version is available[1][3]. However, when it comes to medication costs, generic drugs usually give the upper hand, so it might be worth exploring alternative treatment options in consultation with your healthcare provider[1].
Where's the price at?
As with all medications, the price of Voranigo can vary significantly depending on the insurance plan, location, and the pharmacy used[1]. For those needing financial aid, help is accessible. A program called ServierONE is available, offering copay assistance for eligible folks[1]. But don't sweat it - your healthcare provider or pharmacist can provide you with more info and support!
What kind of side effects might I experience?
You can expect mild or severe side effects from Voranigo. Here's a rundown of some common side effects to look out for. However, keep in mind that this list doesn't cover every possibility[1]:
Mild side effects:
less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb])
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Pain or stiffness in muscles and joints
- COVID-19 (don't panic, it's rare!)
- Decreased white blood cell count
- Liver problems resulting in dark urine or jaundice (although rare, it's essential to keep an eye on this one)
- Seizures (also very uncommon)
Serious side effects may occur, but they're not typically common. If you experience any severe side effects, get in touch with your doctor immediately[1].
20 mg once per day
Is Voranigo effective against different types of brain tumors?
Voranigo has received FDA approval for stimulating growth in grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas that have a certain genetic mutation, either in the isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) or isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2)[1]. Your healthcare provider will most likely perform a biopsy to confirm whether your tumor has this mutation before prescribing Voranigo.
How long will it take for Voranigo to work?
Voranigo starts working as soon as you commence your treatment, although you may not notice the effects as you progress[1]. The medication helps slow down the growth of the brain tumor and keeps it from getting worse.
40 kg or more
Is Voranigo safe for children?
Voranigo is effective for treating grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in children aged 12 years and above[1]. However, it doesn't mean that it is safe or appropriate for kids younger than 12 years old[1]. You should consult your healthcare provider for more information and recommendations.
40 mg once per day
What should I know about taking Voranigo?
Your healthcare provider will help you determine the appropriate dosage for Voranigo, depending on factors like your age, weight, and overall health[1]. Here are some essential things to remember when taking Voranigo[1]:
- Take Voranigo once a day, keeping the same time each day
- Taking Voranigo at the same time each day helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your system, ensuring optimal performance
- If you miss a dose:
- Taking the dose as soon as possible is recommended if six hours or less have passed since the dose was due
- However, if it's been more than six hours since the dose was due, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosage schedule
- Avoid taking two doses together
- Voranigo can be taken with or without food
- Swallow Voranigo tablets whole with water
- Do not crush, split, or chew the tablets
What should I avoid while taking Voranigo?
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Voranigo, as alcoholic beverages can potentially interact with the medication and potentially amplify side effects such as headaches, nausea, diarrhea, or liver problems[1]. If you have any questions or concerns about the safety of consuming alcohol while taking Voranigo, talk with your healthcare provider.
Are there alternatives to Voranigo?
Yes, other brain tumor treatments are available[1]. If you're eager to learn more about alternatives, discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
Things to consider when taking Voranigo
Here are some essential things to consider when using Voranigo, especially if you're planning a pregnancy, concerned about fertility, or breastfeeding[1]:
• 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
- Voranigo can cause fetal harm and shouldn't typically be taken during pregnancy
- If you or your partner can become pregnant, effective methods of birth control should be used while taking Voranigo and for three months following the last dose
- Females taking Voranigo should consider using non-hormonal forms of birth control, such as condoms
- Males using Voranigo should ensure the use of an effective form of birth control
- Voranigo can potentially reduce fertility in both males and females
- Women using Voranigo should avoid breastfeeding due to the drug's propensity for causing adverse effects on nursing infants
How does Voranigo work?
Voranigo inhibits the action of abnormal IDH1 and IDH2 enzymes in brain tumor cells[1]. This reduction helps slow down the growth of the tumor cells, which thereby prevents the brain tumor from expanding and progressing.
FAQs about Voranigo
Does Voranigo work for glioblastomas?
No, Voranigo is not FDA-approved for treating glioblastomas, a highly aggressive and rapidly growing type of brain tumor. However, some glioblastomas might have the same genetic mutation that Voranigo targets. But, as of now, Voranigo hasn't been studied for glioblastomas[1]. If you're intrigued about taking Voranigo for glioblastomas, make sure to discuss this possibility with your healthcare provider.
Is Voranigo chemotherapy?
Answer: No, Voranigo is not chemotherapy. While chemotherapy targets cells that are growing and multiplying rapidly, Voranigo is specifically a targeted cancer therapy, meaning it aims to block certain proteins in cancer cells[1]. This selective approach helps minimize its effects on healthy cells and could potentially reduce side effects compared to chemotherapy.
- Voranigo, a powerful oral tablet, is approved for treating specific types of brain tumors, astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, in both adults and children aged 12 years and above by the FDA.
- It falls under the category of 'targeted cancer therapy' and works by inhibiting the action of abnormal IDH1 and IDH2 enzymes in brain tumor cells, which helps slow down the growth of tumor cells.
- Voranigo is only available as a brand-name medication, with no generic version currently available.
- The price of Voranigo can vary significantly depending on insurance plan, location, and pharmacy used, but financial aid is accessible through a program called ServierONE.
- Common side effects of Voranigo may include fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, pain or stiffness in muscles and joints, COVID-19 (though rare), decreased white blood cell count, liver problems, seizures, and jaundice.
- Voranigo should not be taken with alcoholic beverages as alcohol can potentially amplify side effects.
- As with all medications, it's important to discuss alternative treatment options, potential interactions, and any concerns with your healthcare provider before starting Voranigo.
- Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should avoid taking Voranigo as it can cause fetal harm. Effective methods of birth control should be used while taking Voranigo and for three months following the last dose.
- Voranigo should not be taken for glioblastomas as it is not FDA-approved for treating this type of brain tumor. If you're curious about using Voranigo for glioblastomas, it's essential to discuss this possibility with your healthcare provider.
- Other brain tumor treatments are available, so if you're interested in learning more about alternatives, discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
