What is Vismodegib?
Adults can use Vismodegib to treat basal-cell carcinoma if it has spread (metastatic) to other parts of their body, if the cancer has returned after surgery, or if it is unable to be treated by surgery or radiation.Vismodegib can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Vismodegib
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes, skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash), seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience a severe drug reaction, seek medical attention. Symptoms can include a skin rash, fever, or swollen lymph glands. Other symptoms may include muscle pain, weakness, unusual bruises, or yellowing.
Vismodegib may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Pain in the muscles.\
Vismodegib may affect the growth of bones in children. If your child's growth isn't normal while taking vismodegib or after stopping it, tell your doctor.
If you have missed a period, call your doctor immediately. This could be an unwanted side effect or a sign of pregnancy.
Vismodegib can cause the following side effects:
- Nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite
- Diarrhea, constipation;
- Tired feeling
- Muscle spasms;
- Hair loss;
- Weight loss;
- Reduced sense of taste
There may be other side effects. For medical advice regarding side effects, always contact your physician first. To report side effects to the FDA directly, call them at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Fluorouracil topical, topical imiquimod, Efudex, Aldara, Cemiplimab, and Librato
Warnings
Do not use this medication if you're pregnant. Men and women who use this medicine must use birth control to avoid pregnancy. Vismodegib may harm an unborn child if either the mother or father uses it.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to vismodegib, then it is best not to use it.
Notify your doctor of any of the following conditions:
- A muscle disorder;
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
If either the mother or father uses vismodegib, it can cause harm to an unborn child.
- If that is the case, you must take a pregnancy test in 7 days to ensure that you are not expecting. Use birth control during treatment with this medication and for 24 months following your last dose.
- Use birth control if you're a man and your partner can get pregnant. Continue to use birth control at least three months after your last dose.
- Notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
You may find your name on a registry for pregnant women to track the effects vismodegib has on the child.Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine or for 24 months following your last dose.
How To take vismodegib?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.Vismodegib can be taken once daily, with or without food.Avoid opening, crushing, chewing or breaking the capsule.
Your doctor will conduct tests to detect any side effects of vismodegib.If you experience certain side effects, your treatment with vismodegib can be stopped temporarily or permanently.Do not stop using vismodegib unless your doctor advises you to.Store tightly closed, at room temperature, and away from moisture or heat.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for basal cell carcinoma:
Take 150 mg 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 8 weeks before interruptions.
Use: Adults with metastatic basal carcinoma or locally advanced basal cancer who have recurred after surgery or who do not qualify for surgery or radiation.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the missed dose. Use your next dose as usual. Do not take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Don't donate blood during treatment with vismodegib or for 24 months following your treatment.Don't donate semen if you are taking vismodegib or for the first 3 months following your treatment.
Interaction with other drug
Vismodegib may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
