Precautions
Your First Chemotherapy Treatment: What to Expect
- Types of Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can be administered via pills, capsules or medicated liquid. ...
- Before Starting Chemotherapy. If possible, ask your healthcare provider for a tour of your infusion center. ...
- During Your First Chemotherapy Infusion. Plan to spend the day at the hospital or treatment center. ...
- After Chemotherapy. ...
What to expect with chemotherapy?
Mercaptopurine is a chemotherapy drug used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and acute promyelocytic leukaemia (a rare form of AML). It may sometimes be used to treat other cancers. It is best to read this information with our general information about chemotherapy and the type of cancer you have.
Is mercaptopurine considered chemotherapy?
Types of Chemotherapy
- Alkylating Agents. Alkylating agents are most active in the resting phase of the cell. ...
- Plant Alkaloids. Plant alkaloids are chemotherapy treatments derived made from certain types of plants. ...
- Antitumor Antibiotics. ...
- Antimetabolites. ...
- Topoisomerase Inhibitors. ...
- Miscellaneous Antineoplastics. ...
What are the different types of chemotherapy?
Types of chemotherapy drugs
- Alkylating agents. They work by disrupting the DNA inside cells, which prevents them from dividing. ...
- Antimetabolites. The cell eventually starves to death after consuming them. ...
- Plant alkaloids. They can work throughout a cell’s growth cycle, but they are most effective during certain phases.
- Anti-tumor antibiotics. ...
What drugs are in chemotherapy?
How long do you take Erivedge?
In a clinical study of 104 adults with advanced BCC, 96 of whom were evaluated for overall response rate, half of the patients took Erivedge for more than 10 months, and half took Erivedge for less than 10 months. Patients stayed on Erivedge anywhere from 3 weeks to 19 months.
How effective is Erivedge?
Erivedge targets a specific biological pathway (the Hedgehog pathway) that is thought to play a role in more than 90% of cases of basal cell carcinoma.
Is basal cell carcinoma treated with chemotherapy?
Basal cell carcinoma very rarely reaches an advanced stage, so systemic chemotherapy is not typically used to treat these cancers. Advanced basal cell cancers are more likely to be treated with targeted therapy.
Is vismodegib chemotherapy?
Vismodegib is the generic for the trade chemotherapy drug Erivedge. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Erivedge when referring to the generic drug name Vismodegib. Drug type: Vismodegib is a targeted therapy.
How much does Erivedge cost per month?
Our monthly flat rate of $49 per medication covers the cost of our services in applying for the program and requesting your ongoing refills on your behalf.
Does Erivedge cause hair loss?
Your hair may become thin, brittle, or may fall out. This typically begins two to three weeks after treatment starts. This hair loss can be all body hair, including pubic, underarm, legs/arms, eyelashes, and nose hairs.
Do you need chemo or radiation with basal cell carcinoma?
Radiation therapy can also be useful for some patients who, for other health reasons, can't have surgery. Radiation therapy can often cure small basal or squamous cell skin cancers and can delay the growth of more advanced cancers. Radiation is also useful when combined with other treatments.
What is the best treatment for basal cell carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma is most often treated with surgery to remove all of the cancer and some of the healthy tissue around it. Options might include: Surgical excision. In this procedure, your doctor cuts out the cancerous lesion and a surrounding margin of healthy skin.
Should I worry if I have basal cell carcinoma?
BCCs rarely spread beyond the original tumor site. But these lesions can grow and become disfiguring and dangerous. Untreated BCCs can become locally invasive, grow wide and deep into the skin and destroy skin, tissue and bone.
Is Erivedge a targeted therapy?
Vismodegib (Erivedge) and sonidegib (Odomzo) are targeted drugs that can be used to treat some advanced or recurrent basal cell skin cancers.
How much does Erivedge cost?
The cost for Erivedge oral capsule 150 mg is around $13,026 for a supply of 28 capsules, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.
What is Erivedge used for?
Erivedge® (vismodegib) capsule is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a type of skin cancer, called basal cell carcinoma, that has spread to other parts of the body or that has come back after surgery or that your healthcare provider decides cannot be treated with surgery or radiation.
What is Erivedge used for?
Erivedge® (vismodegib) capsule is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a type of skin cancer, called basal cell carcinoma, that has spread to other parts of the body or that has come back after surgery or that your healthcare provider decides cannot be treated with surgery or radiation.
How much does Erivedge cost?
The cost for Erivedge oral capsule 150 mg is around $13,026 for a supply of 28 capsules, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.
What is the half life of Erivedge?
The estimated elimination half-life of vismodegib is 12 days after a single dose and 4 days after continuous once-daily administration.
How long do you take vismodegib?
Overall, median duration of treatment on vismodegib was 12.9 months, with some patients continuing on treatment with vismodegib for more than 3 years.
What should I avoid while taking Erivedge?
Do not donate blood or blood products while you are taking Erivedge and for 24 months after your final dose
How long after Erivedge can you breastfeed?
It is not known if Erivedge passes into your breast milk. You should not breastfeed during treatment and for 24 months after your final dose of Erivedge. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during this time.
How long after taking erivedge can you have a baby?
You should talk with your healthcare provider about the risks of Erivedge to your unborn child. Your healthcare provider will do a pregnancy test within 7 days before you start taking Erivedge. In order to avoid pregnancy, you should use birth control during treatment and for 24 months after your final dose of Erivedge.
What is the most important information about erivedge?
What is the most important information I should know about Erivedge? Erivedge can cause your baby to die before it is born (be stillborn) or cause your baby to have severe birth defects.
What are the symptoms of erivedge?
Blisters on your lip, or around your mouth or eyes. Mouth sores or genital sores. High fever or flu-like symptoms. Enlarged lymph nodes. Skin pain and burning. Your healthcare provider may permanently stop Erivedge if you develop a severe skin reaction. Bone growth problems.
How to report side effects of Genentech?
You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555. Please see full Prescribing Information, for additional Important Safety Information, including serious side effects, and the Medication Guide.
What is the prescription for Vismodegib?
Indication. (vismodegib) capsule is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a type of skin cancer, called basal cell carcinoma, that has spread to other parts of the body or that has come back after surgery or that your healthcare provider decides cannot be treated with surgery or radiation.
How should I take Erivedge?
Take Erivedge exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
What other drugs will affect Erivedge?
Other drugs may interact with vismodegib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products . Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
What is erivedge used for?
Erivedge is used to treat basal cell carcinoma that has spread to other parts of the body. Erivedge may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Why is my name listed on a pregnancy registry?
If you become pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of vismodegib on the baby.
How long after last erivedge?
For Women: Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 24 months after your last dose.
Can you share Erivedge with children?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Erivedge only for the indication prescribed.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
diarrhea, constipation; tired feeling; joint pain, muscle spasms; hair loss; weight loss; or. decreased sense of taste. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Why is this medicine prescribed?
Vismodegib is in a class of medications called hedgehog pathway inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of a protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells and may help shrink tumors.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
What should I do in case of overdose?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at [WEB]. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
How does Vismodegib work?
Vismodegib is in a class of medications called hedgehog pathway inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of a protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells and may help shrink tumors.
How long after Vismodegib can you donate blood?
Do not donate blood while you are taking vismodegib and for 7 months after your treatment.
How long after Erivedge can you breastfeed?
It is not known if Erivedge passes into your breast milk. You should not breastfeed during treatment and for 24 months after your final dose of Erivedge. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during this time.
How long does it take for Erivedge to improve?
Half of the patients who responded to Erivedge saw improvement for less than 7.6 months, and half saw improvement for more than 7.6 months.
Does erivedge shrink BCC?
Erivedge may cause your advanced BCC to shrink, or it may help control your disease.
Can erivedge cause side effects?
Keep in mind that everyone's results are different. Erivedge can cause side effects, some of which can be serious. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of Erivedge.
What is the name of the medicine that is used to treat basal cell carcinoma?
Erivedge. ®. (vismodegib) capsule is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a type of skin cancer, called basal cell carcinoma, that has spread to other parts of the body or that has come back after surgery or that your healthcare provider decides cannot be treated with surgery or radiation.
How to tell if you have a severe skin reaction?
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following signs or symptoms of a severe skin reaction, including: Blisters or peeling of your skin. Blisters on your lip, or around your mouth or eyes. Mouth sores or genital sores. High fever or flu-like symptoms.
What is the prescription for Vismodegib?
Indication. (vismodegib) capsule is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a type of skin cancer, called basal cell carcinoma, that has spread to other parts of the body or that has come back after surgery or that your healthcare provider decides cannot be treated with surgery or radiation.
What to do after vismodegib?
Advise female patients to use effective contraception during and after vismodegib therapy. Advise male patients of the potential risk of vismodegib exposure through semen and recommend use of condoms with a pregnant partner or female partner of reproductive potential.
What are the symptoms of a swollen face?
fast or irregular heartbeat. headache. increased thirst. loss of consciousness. muscle pain or cramps. nausea. pain in the lower back or side. seizures. swelling of the face, ankles, or hands.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention 1 Bloody or cloudy urine 2 confusion 3 decreased urine output 4 dizziness 5 dry mouth 6 fast or irregular heartbeat 7 headache 8 increased thirst 9 loss of consciousness 10 muscle pain or cramps 11 nausea 12 pain in the lower back or side 13 seizures 14 swelling of the face, ankles, or hands 15 thirst 16 unusual tiredness or weakness 17 vomiting
Is Vismodegib a teratogenic drug?
Oral route (Capsule) Vismodegib can result in embryo-fetal death or severe birth defects when administered to a pregnant woman. Animal data indicate vismodegib is embryotoxic, fetotoxic, and teratogenic. Pregnancy status should be verified 7 days prior to treatment initiation. Advise pregnant women of the potential risks to a fetus.
Does Vismodegib go away?
Some side effects of vismodegib may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Does Erivedge cause side effects?
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention. Along with its needed effects, vismodegib (the active ingredient contained in Erivedge ) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur ...
What to do if side effects persist?
If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
What to tell your dentist before surgery?
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
How much can you save on prescriptions?
Save up to 80% on your prescriptions.
What to do if you think you are pregnant?
If you or your partner become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
Does Vismodegib pass into semen?
Vismodegib passes into semen. Men taking vismodegib, even men who have had a vasectomy, must use condoms with spermicide during sex with women who are pregnant or of childbearing age, both during treatment with vismodegib and for 3 months after the last dose of this medication. Men should also not donate sperm during this time.
Can you take Vismodegib while pregnant?
Vismodegib must not be used during pregnancy because it may cause serious harm (possibly death) to an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age must have a negative pregnancy test within 7 days before starting this medication. They must also use a reliable form of birth control before starting vismodegib, while taking it, ...
Can you take birth control while pregnant?
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Men and women must use an effective form of birth control (such as condoms with spermicide and birth control pills) while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss reliable forms of birth control.
What is Oro's hedgehog?
Oro was a postdoctoral student working on a then-obscure signaling pathway nicknamed sonic hedgehog. Hedgehog, it turned out, makes basal cell carcinoma and other tumors grow. Erivedge blocks hedgehog signals. "The reason I have this excitement is I was there when this was discovered," Oro tells WebMD in an emotional interview.
What are the side effects of erivedge?
The Erivedge label carries a "black box" warning of the potential risks of death and severe birth defects if the drug is taken by pregnant women. Side effects of Erivedge include: 1 Muscle spasms, some of them severe. 2 Altered taste. "Food becomes tinny tasting," Oro says. "Often we see weight loss because patients don't eat as much. For cancer patients, this is not a good thing." 3 Hair loss (strong hedgehog signaling is needed to maintain hair growth). 4 Fatigue. 5 Weight loss.
How long does it take for BCC to respond to treatment?
Overall, 43% of the patients with locally advanced BCC responded to treatment, usually within months.
What is the black box on Erivedge?
The Erivedge label carries a "black box" warning of the potential risks of death and severe birth defects if the drug is taken by pregnant women. Side effects of Erivedge include:
Is hedgehog bad for you?
There is of course a downside. Hedgehog is an important signaling pathway. Blocking it causes serious side effects. Overall, 12% of patients in the advanced BCC study had to stop taking the drug. And seven patients died during the clinical trial, although none of the deaths were attributed to side effects.
Can BCC spread to other parts of the body?
Even more rarely, BCC tumors spread to other parts of the body; again surgery isn't an option. And until last January, there was no other option. Erivedge approval was based on a phase 2 trial. Larger, placebo -controlled phase 3 studies usually are needed for approval. But the FDA was impressed by the study results:
Is Erivedge effective for BCC?
Erivedge Effective for Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma. BCC is the most common of all skin cancers. It's slow growing and is often cured by cutting it away. But rarely, the tumors are so advanced or in such bad places that surgery isn't an option. Even more rarely, BCC tumors spread to other parts of the body; again surgery isn't an option.
What is the generic name for Erivedge?
Vismodegib is the generic for the trade chemotherapy drug Erivedge. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Erivedge when referring to the generic drug name Vismodegib.
Can you be pregnant while taking Vismodegib?
If you are female, you will be checked for pregnancy while you are taking Vismodegib. You will be checked regularly by your health care professional while you are taking Vismodegib, to monitor side effects and check your response to therapy
Can you take aspirin before Vismodegib?
Before starting Vismodegib treatment, make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal remedies, etc.). Do not take aspirin, or products containing aspirin unless your doctor specifically permits this.
How much vismodegib is saturable?
The single dose absolute bioavailability of vismodegib is 32%. Absorption is saturable as evidenced by the lack of dose proportional increase in exposure after a single dose of 270 mg or 540 mg vismodegib.
How long does it take for Vismodegib to reach steady state?
Following daily oral dosing, the pharmacokinetics of vismodegib appear to be nonlinear with steady state achieved within 7 days. Increasing the dose from 150 mg to 540 mg (1 to 3.6 times the recommended dose) does not result in higher steady state plasma concentrations. Average plasma concentration of vismodegib at steady state (Css,avg) is ~23 μM following 150 mg once daily dose.
How long does Vismodegib last?
The estimated elimination half-life (t½) of vismodegib is 4 days after continuous once-daily dosing and 12 days after a single dose.
What is Vismodegib inhibitor?
Vismodegib is an inhibitor of the Hedgehog pathway. Vismodegib binds to and inhibits Smoothened, a transmembrane protein involved in Hedgehog signal transduction.
How to report erivedge side effects?
These are not all the possible side effects of ERIVEDGE. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Genentech, Inc. at 1-888-835-2555.
What is the volume of Vismodegib?
The volume of distribution of vismodegib ranges from 16.4 to 26.6 L. Vismodegib plasma protein binding in patients is > 99%. Vismodegib binds to both human serum albumin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) and binding to AAG is saturable.
What are the symptoms of a severe skin reaction?
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following signs or symptoms of a severe skin reaction, including: blisters or peeling of your skin. high fever or flu-like symptoms. blisters on your lip, or around your mouth or eyes. enlarged lymph nodes.
