Voranigo: A Brain Tumor Treatment
Cost, effectiveness, potential adverse effects, applications, and recommended dosage of Voranigo medication
Voranigo, a brand-name pill, gets prescribed for certain brain tumors. The active ingredient in Voranigo is vorasidenib, functioning as an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitor, a form of targeted cancer therapy[1]. This article will give you an indecent rundown of what this drug is, its uses, cost, side effects, and more.
Drug Class
Voranigo falls under the category of isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitors, a unique type of targeted cancer therapy[1]. Alas, no generic alternative exists for this treatment.
Treating Brain Tumors
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the green light to Voranigo to manage grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over. These are specific types of brain tumors[1]. These brain tumors call gliomas, with astrocytomas originating from certain brain cells called astrocytes, while oligodendrogliomas stem from brain cells called oligodendrocytes[1].
Brain tumors are graded on a scale of 1 to 4, representing how likely they are to grow and spread[1]. Grade 2 tumors are considered slow-growing and less aggressive. Unfortunately, they can still spread into nearby brain tissue[1].
However, Voranigo's approval is limited to tumors carrying a specific genetic mutation, either isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) or isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2)[1]. A biopsy or surgery is typically required to detect such mutations before prescribing Voranigo.
Brain Tumor Symptoms
Symptoms of grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas can include:
- Persistent morning headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in vision, hearing, or speech
- Balance issues
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Changes in personality or behavior
- Seizures
less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb])
When taking Voranigo, monitor for these symptoms and notify your healthcare provider if you notice any changes[1].
Cost and Financial Assistance
20 mg once per day
Voranigo's cost varies depending on insurance, location, and pharmacy[1]. For those requiring financial aid, programs like ServierONE can help manage the costs. To determine eligibility, call 800-813-5905 or visit their website[1].
Side Effects
Mild side effects of Voranigo can include:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Muscle and joint pain
- COVID-19
- Lowered white blood cell count
- Increased liver enzymes
40 kg or more
If these side effects worsen or persist, consult a healthcare professional[1].
Serious side effects of Voranigo are less common but possible. In case of severe side effects, contact your doctor or emergency services immediately[1]. These can include:
40 mg once per day
- Liver problems, potentially causing symptoms like:
- Upper right abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme tiredness/weakness
- Dark-colored urine
- Jaundice
- Seizures, possibly manifesting symptoms like:
- Staring into space
- Rapid blinking
- Sudden stiffening of limbs
- Jerking body movements
- Loss of consciousness
In rarer cases, Voranigo could cause an allergic reaction[1]. If you notice hives, swelling, or trouble breathing, inform your healthcare provider promptly[1].
For instances where the FDA wants to learn about your experiences with Voranigo, visit MedWatch or phone 800-FDA-1088[1].
*Disclaimer: This article should not be utilized as a substitute for professional healthcare advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider for any medications or health-related queries.*
References
[1] Vorasidenib (Voranigo) Tablets: Medication Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/212609s000lbl.pdf#:~:text=Voranigo%20(vorasidenib)%20tablets%20are,Voranigo%20in%20patients%20with%20 glioma
[2] Baohong Zhong, Andrea Schmitz, Bestrom He, et al. Efficacy and Tolerability of Vorasidenib (VoranigoTM) in >100 Patients with IDH-Mutant Cholangiocarcinoma. Journal of Clinical Oncology 37, no. 35 (September 10, 2019): 3182-3191. Retrieved from https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.19.01858
• 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
[3] Joshua A. Levine, MD, and Mark Gilbert, MD, MS. Vorasidenib (VoranigoTM): An Approved Drug for IDH1-Mutant Glioma. American Cancer Society. November 30, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/vorasidenib-voranigotm-approved-for-treatment-of-idh1-mutant-glioma.html
- Voranigo, a targeted cancer therapy for certain brain tumors, functions by inhibiting isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2.
- Voranigo is classified as an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 inhibitor, a unique type of targeted cancer therapy.
- In the realm of medical-conditions, brain tumors are just one of the many health-and-wellness issues that science seeks to understand and address.
- Other brain disorders like epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease fall under the category of neurological-disorders, a field that requires extensive study in science.
- Fitness-and-exercise, coupled with proper nutrition, plays a crucial role in maintaining good mental-health and overall well-being.
- Skin-care, a vital aspect of personal maintenance, also falls under the broader health-and-wellness umbrella, and can impact both physical appearance and self-esteem.
- Cancer, such as glioma, affects thousands of individuals worldwide, making it a significant research area in oncology.
- Breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals, including drugs like Voranigo, can lead to improved treatments and prognoses, contributing to advancements in space-and-astronomy as human lifespan extends.
