Vitrakvi 100mg Capsules
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the tablet.
Continue taking this medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better. If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take an extra dose. Instead, take your next dose at the usual time.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store this medication at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult your pharmacist. You may also want to check if there are any drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (less than 6 hours), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take Vitrakvi exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually twice a day, with or without food.
- Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. Swallow them whole.
- Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Vitrakvi, as it can increase the amount of medicine in your body and lead to more side effects.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's Wort.
- Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose, as Vitrakvi can harm an unborn baby. Men with female partners of reproductive potential should also use effective contraception.
- Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of liver problems: dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin or eyes
Signs of low calcium levels: muscle cramps or spasms, numbness and tingling, or seizures
Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI): blood in the urine, burning or pain when passing urine, feeling the need to pass urine often or right away, fever, lower stomach pain, or pelvic pain
Feeling confused
Memory problems or loss
Depression or other mood changes
Trouble speaking
Bone pain
Trouble walking
Falls
Change in balance
Shakiness
Swelling in the arms or legs
Shortness of breath
Low white blood cell counts, which may increase the risk of infection; if you experience signs of infection such as fever, chills, or sore throat, contact your doctor right away
Other Possible Side Effects
Most people do not experience significant side effects, but some may occur. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention if they bother you or do not go away:
Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting, or decreased appetite
Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak
Trouble sleeping
Cough
Headache
Stuffy nose
Weight gain
Back, muscle, or joint pain
Muscle weakness
Pain in arms or legs
Reporting Side Effects
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- New or worsening dizziness, lightheadedness, or problems with balance (ataxia)
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in hands or feet (paresthesia)
- Memory problems, confusion, or difficulty concentrating
- Unexplained fatigue or weakness
- Signs of liver problems: yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pain in the upper right side of your stomach, unusual bleeding or bruising
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Unusual muscle or joint pain
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This medication can interact with various drugs, such as those used to treat HIV, infections, or seizures.
If you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 1 week after your last dose.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions or health problems that may affect your use of this medication. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to:
Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications (prescription and OTC), natural products, vitamins, and health problems.
Verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions.
Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
To minimize potential interactions, avoid consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking this medication. Be aware that this drug may increase the risk of fractures; therefore, consult your doctor to discuss this potential risk.
When administering this medication to children, exercise caution, as they may be more susceptible to certain side effects. Additionally, this drug may affect fertility, making it more challenging to conceive. Discuss this possibility with your doctor.
Due to the potential harm this medication can cause to an unborn baby, a pregnancy test will be conducted before initiating treatment to confirm that you are not pregnant. If you or your partner may become pregnant, it is crucial to use birth control during treatment and for a specified period after the final dose. Consult your doctor to determine the recommended duration of birth control use. If pregnancy occurs, notify your doctor immediately.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Exaggerated adverse reactions, particularly neurological events (e.g., dizziness, ataxia) and gastrointestinal disturbances.
What to Do:
There is no specific antidote for larotrectinib overdose. Management should consist of general supportive measures and treatment of symptoms. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control Center) immediately or seek emergency medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John's Wort): May significantly decrease larotrectinib exposure, leading to reduced efficacy. Avoid co-administration.
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, grapefruit juice): May significantly increase larotrectinib exposure, leading to increased adverse reactions. Reduce larotrectinib dose by 50% if co-administered.
Moderate Interactions
- Moderate CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., bosentan, efavirenz, etravirine, modafinil): May decrease larotrectinib exposure. Consider alternative agents or monitor for reduced efficacy.
- Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin, diltiazem, verapamil, fluconazole): May increase larotrectinib exposure. Consider reducing larotrectinib dose by 25% if co-administered.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline hematologic parameters.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: To establish baseline hepatic function and monitor for hepatotoxicity.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: To establish baseline renal function and guide dose adjustments if needed.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: To establish baseline neurological status, as neurological adverse reactions (e.g., dizziness, ataxia, paresthesia) are common.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Every 2 weeks for the first month, then monthly for the next 2 months, and then periodically as clinically indicated.
Target: Within normal limits or stable from baseline.
Action Threshold: Grade 3 or 4 elevation (e.g., AST/ALT >5x ULN or total bilirubin >3x ULN) may require dose interruption or reduction.
Frequency: Regularly, as clinically indicated, especially during the first few months of treatment.
Target: Stable or improving symptoms.
Action Threshold: New or worsening Grade 2 or higher neurological symptoms may require dose interruption or reduction.
Frequency: Regularly, as clinically indicated.
Target: Normal growth and development for age.
Action Threshold: Significant deviations may require evaluation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Dizziness
- Gait disturbance/ataxia
- Paresthesia (numbness, tingling)
- Cognitive impairment (e.g., memory impairment, confusion)
- Musculoskeletal pain (arthralgia, myalgia)
- Fatigue
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Elevated liver enzymes (jaundice, dark urine, right upper quadrant pain)
- Fever
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Vitrakvi can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Based on animal studies, larotrectinib may cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
It is not known whether larotrectinib or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with Vitrakvi and for 1 month after the last dose.
Pediatric Use
Vitrakvi is approved for pediatric patients with TRK fusion-positive solid tumors. Dose is based on Body Surface Area (BSA) for pediatric patients. Neurological adverse reactions and musculoskeletal adverse reactions (e.g., arthralgia, myalgia) are common in pediatric patients. Growth and development should be monitored.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustment is required for geriatric patients. Clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Larotrectinib was the first tumor-agnostic therapy approved by the FDA for solid tumors with NTRK gene fusions, regardless of tumor type.
- It is crucial to confirm the presence of an NTRK gene fusion using a validated diagnostic test (e.g., NGS) before initiating therapy.
- While generally well-tolerated, neurological adverse events (dizziness, ataxia, paresthesia) are common and require careful monitoring and potential dose modification.
- Hepatotoxicity can occur; regular monitoring of liver function tests is important.
- Larotrectinib is a substrate of CYP3A4, making drug-drug interactions with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers clinically significant and requiring dose adjustments.
- Due to its high cost, patient assistance programs and insurance coverage verification are essential.
Alternative Therapies
- Entrectinib (another TRK inhibitor, also approved for NTRK fusion-positive solid tumors)
- Other targeted therapies or chemotherapy regimens depending on the specific tumor type and patient characteristics if NTRK fusion is not present or if resistance develops.