Cost, effects, applications, dosage, and further details of Voranigo
Rebranded Article:
Let's Talk About Voranigo:
Voranigo is a brand-name pill you might get if you've got a specific type of brain tumor. It packs a punch with the active ingredient vorasidenib[1].
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) green-lighted Voranigo to tackle grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas for both adults and kids aged 12 years and up[2]. These mischievous little tumors are part of the glioma family. Astrocytomas grow in the star-shaped cells called astrocytes, while oligodendrogliomas get cozy in the oligodendrocytes cells[2].
Brain tumors are classified based on how quickly they grow, from 1 to 4. Grade 2 tumors are slow-growing fiends, which can spread to nearby brain tissue[2].
So, what does Voranigo do? Well, it's classified as a targeted cancer therapy, aiming to stop the tumor from rocketing out of control[2].
But wait, there's more. Voranigo targets tumors with a specific genetic mutation (abnormal gene change), be it IDH1 or IDH2[1][2]. Before docs prescribe Voranigo, they'll likely conduct a biopsy to check for this mutation[2].
Common indications of grade 2 brain tumors include early-morning headaches, nausea, vision, hearing, or speech troubles, balance issues, weakness or numbness on one side, alterations in personality or behavior, seizures, and, of course, telling really bad jokes to unsuspecting nurses[3].
Voranigo is prescribed after you've had a biopsy or surgery to remove part or all of the tumor[2].
You Might be Wondering… What about children younger than 12 years old? Well, Voranigo hasn't been studied in the toy department just yet, so its safety and effectiveness are unknown for this age group[2].
Here's the Dish:
less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb])
The recommended dose of Voranigo for adults is 40 mg once a day. For the kids, the dosage is based on weight[2]. If you weigh less than 88 pounds, aim for 20 mg daily, while those who weigh 88 pounds and above can radiate with 40 mg[2].
You can take Voranigo with or without food[3]. But remember, swallow it whole with a big ol' gulp of water. Don't crush, split, or chew those babies. If you're having trouble gulping it down, chat with your doc or pharmacist[3].
20 mg once per day
Take Voranigo every day at the same time to keep steady levels in your body and make it work like a charm[3].
Oops, I Missed a Dose:
If it's been fewer than 6 hours since your missed dose, knock it back as soon as possible, then take your next dose at your regular time. If more than 6 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and get back on track with your next dose[3].
Remember, never take a double dose or extra pills to make up for a missed one[3]. That can up your odds of experiencing side effects.
40 kg or more
Voranigo Cost, Coupons, and Financial Aid:
Like most medications, the cost of Voranigo varies depending on insurance, location, and pharmacy[3].
40 mg once per day
If you need a financial boost or assistance understanding your insurance coverage, well, help is on the way. Check out ServierONE, a program specifically for Voranigo users. The ServierONE program offers copay relief, so call 800-813-5905 or swing by the website for more info[3].
Side Effects:
Voranigo can cause mild or severe side effects[1][3].
Mild Side Effects (Alight, nothing major, but worth mentioning):
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Reduced appetite
- Muscle or joint pain
- COVID-19
- Decreased white blood cell count
- Increased liver enzymes
Most of these should dissipate within a few days to a couple of weeks. If they become more severe or persistent, hit up your doc or pharmacist[3].
Serious Side Effects (Watch out for these – call your doc ASAP if you see any warning signs):
- Liver Problems (Upper right abdomen pain, loss of appetite, severe tiredness or weakness, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes)[3]
- Seizures (Staring into space, rapid blinking, sudden stiffening of arms and body, jerking movements, and loss of consciousness)[3]
• 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
ALLERGIC REACTION:
An allergic reaction to Voranigo is rare, but if it happens, watch out for symptoms like hives, rash, itching, or trouble breathing[3]. A serious allergic reaction requires immediate medical attention. If you're experiencing a severe allergic reaction, call 911 or your local emergency number[3].
FDA Reporting:
The FDA encouragesвіт you to report any side effects you experience after taking Voranigo. Sharing your experiences helps pharmaceutical companies improve their medications[3].
To submit a report, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088[3].
References:
[1] U.S. National Library of Medicine, Genetics Home Reference. Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (germline). In: Genetics Home Reference. Retrieved February 18, 2023, from https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/IDH1
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves Zolinza (vorasidenib) for newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia in adults with a private IDH1 gene mutation. Retrieved February 18, 2023, from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-zolinza-vorasidenib-newly-diagnosed-acute-promyelocytic-leukemia-adults-private
[3] Healthline. Voranigo (Vorasidenib). Retrieved February 18, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/voranigo-vora...
- Voranigo is used to treat specific types of brain tumors, including astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, which fall under the category of glioma.
- These brain tumors have a slow growth rate and are classified as grade 2 medical-conditions.
- Voranigo is a targeted cancer therapy that aims to halt the tumor's rapid growth by targeting tumors with a specific genetic mutation (IDH1 or IDH2).
- In oncology, pharmacy practitioners may prescribe Voranigo after a biopsy or surgery to remove part or all of the tumor.
- The dosage for Voranigo varies based on an individual's weight, with adults usually prescribed 40 mg once daily, while children weighing less than 88 pounds receive 20 mg daily.
- A patient taking Voranigo should take it consistently at the same time each day for optimal effectiveness and minimize potential drug interactions.
- It's essential to remember that Voranigo can cause side effects, such as fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, muscle or joint pain, liver problems, and seizures. Seek prompt medical attention if any severe or persistent side effects occur.
