What is Erivedge?
Erivedge, also known as vismodegib (Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors), belongs to the class of drugs called hedgehog pathway inhibitors. Vismodegib blocks the action of an enzyme that tells cancer cells to grow. It can slow or stop the growth of cancerous cells and shrink tumors.Erivedge can be used for the treatment of basal-cell carcinoma, a form of cancer of the skin that has spread.Erivedge can also be used for basal cell cancer that is resistant to surgery, radiation therapy, or that has returned after surgery.
Side effects of Erivedge
If you experience a severe allergic reaction to Erivedge (hives or difficulty breathing), a fever, a swollen throat, burning eyes, or skin pain, or rashes or blisters on your skin or a sore throat,If you experience a severe drug reaction, seek medical attention. This can include a skin rash or swollen-looking glands. Other symptoms may be muscle pain, weakness, or unusual bruises.
Erivedge can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Muscle pain or muscle spasms.
Vismodegib may affect the growth of bones in children. If your child's growth isn't normal while taking this medication or after you stop using it, tell your doctor.If you have missed a period, call your doctor immediately. It could be an unwanted side effect or a sign of pregnancy.
Some of the most common Erivedge side effects include:
- Nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite
- Diarrhea, constipation;
- Tired feeling
- Joint pain, muscle spasms;
- Hair loss;
- Weight loss;
- Reduced sense of taste
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
If you're pregnant, do not take Erivedge. Men and women who use this medication should both use birth control. Vismodegib may harm an unborn child if either the mother or father uses it.
Women: Prevent pregnancy by using effective birth control while taking this medication and for 24 months following your last dose. If you stop using birth control or your period has been delayed, call your doctor immediately.
Men: Use a condom made of latex and spermicide whenever you are having sexual relations, regardless of whether you've had a vasectomie. Use condoms, spermicides, and other contraceptives for at least three months after stopping Erivedge.If you become pregnant while taking Erivedge, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to vismodegib, then Erivedge should be avoided.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Erivedge will be safe for you:
- A muscle disorder;
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
Vismodegib may harm an unborn child if either the mother or father are taking this medication.
- You will need to take a pregnancy check within seven days of starting Erivedge if you're female. Use birth control for 24 months following your last dose and while taking this medication.
- Use birth control if you're a male and your partner can get pregnant. Continue to use birth control at least three months after your last dose.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
You may find your name on a registry for pregnant women to monitor the effect of vismodegib.You should not breastfeed if you are taking this medication or for 24 months following your last dose.
How to take Erivedge?
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instructions sheets. Read all the instructions on the prescription label.Erivedge can be taken once daily, with or without food.Do not open, crush, chew, or break the capsule.Your doctor will conduct tests to detect any side effects that may occur during the treatment with Erivedge.If you experience certain side effects, your treatment may be stopped temporarily or permanently.You should not discontinue taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.Keep tightly sealed at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for basal cell carcinoma:
Take 150 mg orally, once daily, until the disease progresses or toxicity is unacceptable.
Comments:
If you experience intolerable side effects, stop the therapy until they improve or resolve.
The study did not include treatment durations less than eight weeks before interruptions.
Adults with metastatic basal-cell carcinoma or locally advanced basal-cell carcinoma who have recurred after surgery, are ineligible for surgery, and aren't candidates for radiation
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the dose you missed. Use your next dose as usual. Use only one dose at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
Avoid this
Don't donate blood during your Erivedge treatment or for 24 months following the end of your treatment.Don't donate any semen if you are taking this medication for 3 months following the end of your treatment.
Interaction with other drug
Vismodegib may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
