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Erivedge contains Vismodegib, which is used to treat metastatic basal cell carcinoma that is symptomatic or has progressed to sites that cannot be treated with surgery or radiation. However, there is still a risk of some side effects when taking Erivedge.
1. Uses of Erivedge
What is Erivedge? The active ingredient in Erivedge is Vismodegib. This is a targeted therapy through inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway (Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitor). More specifically, Erivedge targets a sequence of signals or events that promote cancer growth, thereby slowing or stopping tumor growth.
Erivedge is indicated in the treatment of symptomatic metastatic basal cell carcinoma or advanced basal cell carcinoma to a site unsuitable for surgery or radiotherapy.
2. How to use Erivedge (Vismodegib)
Erivedge (Vismodegib) is available in capsule form to be taken orally once daily. Erivedge capsules should be swallowed whole with an adequate amount of water and should not be crushed, chewed or opened by the patient. The time to take Erivedge can be before or after a meal. If a dose is missed, the patient should skip the missed dose and return to the normal dosing schedule. In addition, patients must ensure that Erivedge is taken at the correct dose as directed by the doctor.
Store Erivedge in the original manufacturer's packaging, in a dry place and at room temperature. Erivedge is not suitable for storage in an airtight container and must be kept out of reach of children and pets.
3. Erivedge (Vismodegib) side effects
Patients can take steps to manage the side effects of Vismodegib under the guidance of their treating physician.
3.1. Muscle problems Muscle spasms and muscle pain may occur while taking Erivedge . Patients should talk to their doctor if they need to use medications to treat muscle pain. At the same time, the patient should pay attention to drink plenty of water, apply heat when the muscle spasm begins and ice when the muscle contraction has passed.
3.2. Hair loss, hair The hair of patients taking Erivedge may become thin, break easily, or fall out. This condition usually begins after 2 to 3 weeks of treatment with Erivedge. Along with that, the patient may experience hair loss in some areas of the body, including pubic hair, armpit hair, leg / arm hair, eyelashes and nose hair. Hair usually begins to grow back soon after finishing treatment with Erivedge.
3.3. Nausea, vomiting Erivedge may cause nausea and vomiting, so talk to your doctor or nurse for a prescription for medications to control this.
3.4. Diarrhea Diarrhea is a possible side effect of Erivedge,, your doctor may prescribe several medications to control this condition.
3.5. Fatigue is not relieved even with rest Fatigue is very common during cancer treatment with Erivedge , Erivedge users often feel exhausted and not relieved by rest. Therefore, during cancer treatment with Erivedge and for some time afterwards, patients need to adjust their schedule to control fatigue, plan time to rest to save energy for other patients. more important activities. Besides that. Proper exercise can also help patients fight fatigue.
3.6. Decreased appetite and changes in appetite Patients may experience a metallic taste or tasteless foods, even foods they used to enjoy prior to Erivedge treatment. making it difficult to eat. These symptoms may persist for several months or longer after treatment ends.
4. Some other notes when using Erivedge
4.1. Blood or sperm donation Patients should not donate blood while taking Erivedge and for at least 24 months after stopping the drug. Also, men should not donate sperm while receiving Erivedge and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
4.2. Reproductive concerns Babies exposed to Erivedge may experience some serious birth defects. Women should have a negative pregnancy test within 7 days before starting Erivedge. Also, the patient should not become pregnant while on treatment and for at least 24 months after the last dose of Erivedge. Using effective birth control methods is essential, even if your menstrual cycle stops. Women should not breast-feed while on treatment and for at least 24 months after the last dose of Erivedge. Erivedge can cause a woman's menstrual cycle to become irregular or stop permanently. As a result, women may experience menopausal effects including hot flashes and vaginal dryness; Men should not have children while being treated with Erivedge and for at least 3 months after the last dose, and always use condoms (even with a vasectomy) to protect their sexual partners from exposure. Erivedge or protect yourself if your sexual partner is taking medication; Patients may consider sperm or egg banks if they want to have children in the future. Discuss these options with your treating physician.
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Reference source: oncolink.org
