Uses
What is Erivedge used for?
Erivedge (vismodegib) is commonly used to treat a certain type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma (BCC) that has spread to other parts of the body, or that has come back after surgery or cannot be treated with surgery or radiation.
BCC is a cancer that grows on parts of your skin that get a lot of sun. BCC is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually starts as small shiny bumps on your nose or other parts of your face, but it can be found on any part of your body. People with fair skin are more likely to get this type of skin cancer.
Erivedge may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Erivedge work (mechanism of action)?
Erivedge blocks a pathway in your body called the Hedgehog pathway. Abnormal signals from this pathway may cause basal cell cancer to grow. Blocking the signals from the Hedgehog pathway may slow down the growth of the cancer.
How is Erivedge supplied (dosage forms)?
Erivedge is available in the following dosage form that is taken by mouth.
- 150 mg oral capsules
How should I store Erivedge?
Erivedge should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the bottle tightly closed to protect from moisture.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Erivedge?
The most common side effects of Erivedge are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Muscle spasms (see below)
- Hair loss
- Loss of taste or change in how things taste
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Tiredness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Joint pain
There may be other side effects of Erivedge that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Erivedge?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Erivedge are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Skin Reactions. Erivedge may cause severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), or DRESS, which stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. These reactions can be life-threatening or result in death. You may need to permanently stop Erivedge if you develop a severe skin reaction. Stop Erivedge and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a severe skin reaction.
- Blisters or peeling of your skin
- Blisters on your lips or around your mouth or eyes
- Mouth sores or genital sores
- High fever or flu-like symptoms
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Skin pain and burning
Muscle Problems. Everidge may cause muscle problems, including muscle spasms or muscle pain. Sometimes these problems can be serious. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, or if these get worse while taking Erivedge.
Bone Growth Problems. Using Erivedge in children may cause permanent bone growth problems which can affect the child’s height. Erivedge is not approved for children.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Erivedge?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Erivedge.
- Erivedge
- Vismodegib
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Erivedge.
What should I know about Erivedge before using it?
Do not take Erivedge unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Swallow Erivedge whole. Do not open or crush the capsules.
Do not share Erivedge with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Erivedge out of the reach of children.
Erivedge can cause your menstrual periods to stop (amenorrhea). It is not known if this is permanent. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are worried about fertility.
Do not donate blood or blood products while taking Erivedge or for 24 months after your final dose. Erivedge may cause harm to an unborn baby exposed to blood donated from a person taking Erivedge. See the Pregnancy section below for more details.
Do not donate semen while you are taking Erivedge or for 3 months after your last dose. Erivedge passes into semen. See the Pregnancy section below for more details.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Erivedge?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Erivedge is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. Erivedge may cause death or serious harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. A negative pregnancy test is necessary within 7 days before starting Erivedge. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control while you are taking Erivedge and for 24 months after your last dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about your birth control options.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have unprotected sex or if you think your birth control has failed. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
Erivedge is present in semen. Use condoms, even after a vasectomy, with partners who are pregnant or may become pregnant during treatment with Erivedge and for 3 months after your final dose. Do not donate semen while taking Erivedge or for 3 months after your final dose. Tell your healthcare provider right away if your partner becomes pregnant or thinks they are pregnant while you are taking Erivedge.
There is a Pregnancy Exposure Registry that monitors the health of you and your unborn baby if you are exposed to Erivedge during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you think you or your partner may have been exposed to Erivedge during pregnancy. If you become pregnant during treatment with Erivedge, you or your healthcare provider should report your pregnancy to Genentech at 888-835-2555.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Erivedge passes into breast milk. You should not breastfeed during treatment with Erivedge or for 24 months after your final dose. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Erivedge?
For more information about Erivedge, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.erivedge.com or call them at 855-737-4833.
Interactions
Does Erivedge interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Erivedge and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Erivedge.
Does Erivedge interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Erivedge and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Erivedge?
If you or someone else has used too much Erivedge, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Erivedge?
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next scheduled dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Erivedge (vismodegib)?
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