Cost, implications, applications, dose, and related factors of Voranigo drug explained
Voranigo, a brain tumor treatment, is a prescriptonly oral tablet containing the active ingredient vorasidenib. This drug is FDA-approved for treating certain brain tumors known as astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas in adults and children aged 12 years and above. It's not available in generic form, and taking medications with similar names from non-approved sources can be unsafe[1].
Type of Drug:Voranigo belongs to a class of drugs called targeted cancer therapies, focusing on inhibiting isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase-2. The drug slows down the growth of tumor cells with specific genetic mutations[2].
Drug Particulars:- Generic Availability: None- Prescription Required: Yes- Controlled Substance: No
Side Effects:Mild side effects of Voranigo may include drowsiness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, muscle or joint pain, COVID-19, decreased white blood cell count, or increased liver enzymes[2].
Serious side effects are less common but may require immediate medical attention. These can include liver problems, seizures, and allergic reactions[2].
Financial and Insurance Assistance:Drug costs may vary depending on insurance plans, locations, and pharmacies. For support in paying for Voranigo or understanding insurance coverage, consult ServierONE, a program available to Voranigo users[3].
less than 40 kg (about 88 pounds [lb])
Voranigo for Children:Voranigo has been approved for use in children aged 12 years and older to treat astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas with specific genetic mutations[2]. It has not been studied in children younger than 12 years old.
20 mg once per day
Dosage:The dosage of Voranigo prescribed varies based on factors such as age, weight, and experienced side effects. Dosage details can be found in the table below[2]:
| Child's weight in kg (kg) | Dosage ||-----------------------------|----------------------|| Less than 40 kg (about 88 lbs) | 20 mg once per day || 40 kg or more | 40 mg once per day |
Interactions:Before taking Voranigo, inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your current medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements, as Voranigo can interact with several other drugs[2].
40 kg or more
Alternatives:Other brain tumor treatment options are available, and it's recommended to discuss alternatives with your doctor[4].
40 mg once per day
Things to Consider:Pregnant women should avoid taking Voranigo, and recommended birth control options should be discussed with their doctors[2]. Voranigo may reduce fertility in both males and females taking the medication[2].
Working Mechanism:Voranigo targets certain genetic mutations in brain tumor cells, inhibiting the action of abnormal enzymes, which slows down tumor growth[5].
*Note: In this article, we use the terms "female" and "male" to refer to someone's sex assigned at birth. For more information, see this article about the difference between sex and gender[6].
References:1. "Voranigo (vorsidenib) medication Manufacturer and Prices" (n.d.). GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/medication/voranigo-vorsidenib2. "Voranigo (vorsidenib) Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, Weight-Based Dosage & More" (2023). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/voranigo.html3. "ServierONE" (n.d.). Servier. https://faq.servierone.com/4. "Brain Tumor Treatment Options" (n.d.). American Brain Tumor Association. https://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-information/brain-tumor-types/producing-cancer/5. "How Voranigo (vorsidenib) works" (2023). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/how-it-works/voranigo.html6. "Difference Between Sex and Gender" (n.d.). GLAAD. https://www.glaad.org/resource/difference-between-sex-and-gender
• 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, a drug used in oncology, specifically brain tumor treatment, is part of the class of drugs called targeted cancer therapies.
- It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional about other medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements when considering Voranigo, due to potential drug interactions.
- In addition to treating certain brain tumors such as astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, Voranigo may also have applications in managing other brain disorders, according to ongoing scientific research.
- Taking Voranigo may affect fertility in both males and females, so discussing relevant birth control options with a healthcare provider is recommended.
- Voranigo's working mechanism involves targeting specific genetic mutations in brain tumor cells, inhibiting the action of abnormal enzymes, and slowing down tumor growth.
