Cost, effects, applications, administration, and additional details regarding Voranigo medication
Rewritten Article:
Voranigo, a brand-name tablet, is prescribed for certain brain tumors, containing the active ingredient vorasidenib. The FDA has granted approval for Voranigo to tackle grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in both adults and children over 12 years old. This medication serves a unique role in managing these brain tumor types in certain situations. For more details, dive into our "Voranigo uses" section.
Check out the key information about Voranigo below:
- Pharmaceutical Class: Voranigo belongs to the family of isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitors, categorized as a type of targeted cancer therapy.
- Availability: No generic version of Voranigo is currently accessible.
- Prescription Needed: Yes, a trip to your doctor is necessary to snag a prescription.
- Controlled Substance: No, it isn't a controlled substance.
Generic Voranigo and Cost
Since Voranigo is only available as a brand-name medication, it doesn't have a generic counterpart yet. It's worth noting that generic drugs are usually less expensive than their brand-name counterparts, as they are simply exact copies of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.
Voranigo Cost and Coupons
The cost of Voranigo can vary, depending on factors such as your insurance plan, location, and the pharmacy you choose.
Financial Assistance: For those encountering financial difficulties when it comes to paying for Voranigo or figuring out insurance coverage, support is attainable.
ServierONE, a program specifically designed for Voranigo, is available. You can reach them at 800-813-5905 or visit their official website to learn more about potential support such as copay cards.
Side Effects of Voranigo
Voranigo can induce both minor and severe side effects. Below you'll find a concise list of some key side effects you might encounter. Remember, this list does not cover all potential side effects. For comprehensive information, consult your healthcare professional or check out the "Voranigo side effects" section.
Mild Side Effects:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Appetite loss
- Muscle and joint pain
- COVID-19 symptoms
- Decreased white blood cell count
- Increased liver enzymes
Most of these mild side effects should subside within a few days to a couple of weeks. If they become severe or persist, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects:
Serious side effects from Voranigo are uncommon but can occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately, or call 911 or your local emergency number if the situation feels urgent.
- Liver Problems: Symptoms might include abdominal pain in the upper right section, loss of appetite, severe tiredness, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), and dark urine.
- Seizures: Characterized by gaze fixation, rapid blinking, sudden stiffening of the arms and body, jerking body movements, and loss of consciousness.
ALLERGIC REACTION: Although not reported during the drug's studies, Voranigo could potentially induce an allergic reaction for some individuals.
Ways to Manage:
For mild allergic reactions (such as a rash), reach out to your doctor as soon as possible so they can advise you on the most effective methods to alleviate your symptoms. If you encounter severe symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. In cases of severe allergic reactions to Voranigo, your doctor might recommend a different medication.
less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb])
Uses of Voranigo
Voranigo for Certain Brain Tumors:
Voranigo is FDA-approved to tackle certain brain tumors, called astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, in individuals over 12 years old.
Voranigo is prescribed for these specific brain tumors in particular circumstances when these tumors have a specific genetic mutation. Typically, these mutations involve either isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) or isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2). Before prescribing Voranigo, your doctor will likely perform a biopsy to confirm whether cells from the tumor carry this mutation.
20 mg once per day
Symptoms of grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas can include:
- Persistent morning headaches
- 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
- Seizures
Voranigo functions as a targeted cancer therapy that helps inhibit the brain tumor from growing and worsening. To learn more, delve into our "Voranigo uses" section.
Voranigo and Children:
Voranigo is authorized for use in children older than 12 years to treat astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas with IDH1 or IDH2 mutations.
Voranigo has not been studied in children under 12 years of age. Its safety and effectiveness in this age group are unknown.
Voranigo Dosage
The optimal dosage for Voranigo will vary based on factors such as age, body weight, and side effects. The following information provides insights into commonly used and recommended dosages. However, always adhere to the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
40 kg or more
Drug Forms and Strengths:
Voranigo comes in the form of oral tablets, available in two strengths: 10 milligrams (mg) and 40 mg.
Dosage for Certain Brain Tumors:
For adults, the typical recommended dosage is 40 mg per day.
40 mg once per day
Children's Dosage:
For children over 12 years of age, the dosage depends on the child's body weight, as follows:
- Less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb]): 20 mg once per day
- 40 kg or more: 40 mg once per day
Taking Voranigo:
Find critical information about Voranigo's dosage administration here:
- Timing: You should take Voranigo once per day. While the exact timing isn't crucial, it's helpful to take the medication around the same time every day to maintain consistent drug levels for optimal effectiveness.
- Missed Dose: If you forget to take your dose and it's been fewer than 6 hours since the dose was due, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then carry on with your regular dosing schedule. If it's been more than 6 hours since the dose was due, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose or add extra doses to make up for missed ones. Doing so may increase your risk of adverse side effects.
- Meals: Voranigo can be taken with or without food.
- Crushing, Splitting, or Chewing: Swallow Voranigo tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, split, or chew the tablets. If you have trouble swallowing the tablets, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Duration of Treatment: Voranigo is intended for long-term use. Your doctor will determine the length of your treatment based on the drug's effectiveness and safety.
- Effectiveness: Voranigo begins working as soon as you start taking it, but you might not notice its benefits immediately. The medication helps slow the growth of the brain tumor and prevent it from worsening.
Overdose:
Do not exceed the recommended Voranigo dosage as prescribed by your doctor. Taking more Voranigo than recommended may lead to unwanted side effects or an overdose.
If you think you have taken too much Voranigo: Contact your doctor immediately. For urgent situations, dial your local emergency number or visit the nearest emergency room. If your symptoms are severe and life-threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Voranigo Interactions:
Voranigo can interact with several other medications, foods, and supplements.
Before taking Voranigo, consult your doctor and pharmacist, and discuss your medication list, including all prescription, over-the-counter, and alternative therapies you are currently using. This will help you identify potential interactions and take steps to avoid them.
Interactions with Medications, Foods, and Supplements:
- Potentially Interacting Medications:
- 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 is not recommended to consume alcohol while taking Voranigo. Alcohol and Voranigo can exacerbate similar side effects, such as headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and liver problems. If you have concerns about drinking alcohol while taking Voranigo, consult 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
Alternatives:
Other brain tumor treatments are available, and your doctor may suggest an alternative that suits your needs better. Some options include:
- Chemotherapy: Treatment options include drugs like the PCV combination regimen (procarbazine, lomustine [CCNU], and vincristine) and temozolomide.
- Radiation Therapy: Often a common treatment method for brain tumors, radiation therapy may be used in combination with surgery or other treatments.
- Other Targeted Therapies and Clinical Trials: Despite Voranigo being a unique treatment for IDH-mutant gliomas, other targeted therapies or experimental treatments may be available through clinical trials, though these are not yet widely-approved or established alternatives[3][5].
- The FDA has approved Voranigo, a brand-name tablet for treating certain brain tumors, such as astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, in both adults and children over 12 years old.
- Voranigo is considered a unique type of targeted cancer therapy and belongs to the family of isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitors.
- Since Voranigo is only available as a brand-name medication, there's no generic counterpart available yet, and thus, its cost might be higher compared to generic drugs.
- Financial difficulties in paying for Voranigo or figuring out insurance coverage can be addressed by availing support from ServierONE, a program specifically designed for Voranigo.
- Voranigo can induce both minor and severe side effects, such as decreased white blood cell count, increased liver enzymes, liver problems, seizures, and allergic reactions.
- Mental-health issues and other brain disorders might co-occur with conditions such as astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, making mental-health management essential in holistic health-and-wellness plans.
- Cancer treatment can sometimes have unintended consequences, such as multiplying the risk of developing other medical-conditions or exacerbating cognitive functioning difficulties.
- The development of drugs for the treatment of other neurological disorders, like Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease, is an ongoing area of science and medical-research that holds great potential for improving patients' lives in the future.
