Erivedge

1 What is Erivedge?

Brand: Erivedge

Generic: Vismodegib

Erivedge is Hedgehog pathway inhibitor used for the treatment metastatic basal cell carcinoma. This drug can also be used for recurrent advanced basal cell carcinoma in which resection or radiation is not possible. This drug requires a prescription.

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2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Erivedge, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

Studies in children regarding the correlation of age to the effects of vismodegib have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established. Studies in the elderly have not reported any geriatric-specific problems.

Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the risks and benefits of this drug before breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

  • Aluminum Carbonate
  • Basic Aluminum Hydroxide
  • Aluminum Phosphate
  • Calcium
  • Carbonate
  • Cimetidine
  • Dexlansoprazole
  • Dihydroxyaluminum
  • Aminoacetate
  • Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate
  • Esomeprazole
  • Famotidine
  • Lansoprazole
  • Magaldrate
  • Magnesium Carbonate
  • Magnesium Hydroxide
  • Magnesium Oxide
  • Magnesium
  • Trisilicate
  • Nizatidine
  • Omeprazole
  • Pantoprazole
  • Rabeprazole
  • or Ranitidine

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems.

3 Proper Usage

To use Erivedge correctly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

This drug must be taken exactly as directed by your healthcare professional. To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed in the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

You may take this drug with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole and refrain from breaking, crushing, or opening it. This drug must be taken at the same time of each day.

The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. Adults with advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma are given 150 milligrams once a day.

Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

4 Precautions to Take

In using Erivedge, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor.

Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. Unwanted effects can be screened using blood tests. This drug has teratogenic potential and is contraindicated to pregnancy. Birth control should be practiced to prevent the occurrence of pregnant.

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you think you have become pregnant while taking this drug. Males taking drug can also produce unwanted effects and should use spermicides or condoms to prevent body fluid transmission. Donating blood or blood products is not recommended while taking this drug and for 7 months after stopping it.

Consult with your healthcare professional before taking any other prescription or non-prescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Erivedge.

Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur. Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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