Vitrakvi 100mg Capsules

Manufacturer BAYER HEALTHCARE PHARMA Active Ingredient Larotrectinib Capsules(LAR oh TREK ti nib) Pronunciation LAR oh TREK ti nib (la-roe-TREK-ti-nib)
It is used to treat cancer.
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Drug Class
Antineoplastic agent
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Pharmacologic Class
Tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitor
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Pregnancy Category
Not available
FDA Approved
Nov 2018
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

Vitrakvi is a medicine used to treat certain cancers that have a specific genetic change called an NTRK gene fusion. This medicine works by blocking signals that help cancer cells grow and spread. It is a targeted therapy, meaning it specifically targets the cancer cells with this genetic change, rather than affecting all cells in the body.
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How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication

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.
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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.
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Available Forms & Alternatives

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: 100 mg orally twice daily
Dose Range: 100 - 100 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

TRK fusion positive solid tumors: 100 mg orally twice daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established
Infant: Not established
Child: Based on Body Surface Area (BSA): 100 mg/m² orally twice daily, up to a maximum of 100 mg per dose. For patients with BSA < 1.0 m², the recommended dose is 100 mg/m² orally twice daily. For patients with BSA ≥ 1.0 m², the recommended dose is 100 mg orally twice daily.
Adolescent: Based on Body Surface Area (BSA): 100 mg/m² orally twice daily, up to a maximum of 100 mg per dose. For patients with BSA < 1.0 m², the recommended dose is 100 mg/m² orally twice daily. For patients with BSA ≥ 1.0 m², the recommended dose is 100 mg orally twice daily.
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: No dose adjustment required.
Moderate: No dose adjustment required.
Severe: Reduce dose by 50% (e.g., from 100 mg twice daily to 50 mg twice daily).
Dialysis: Reduce dose by 50% (e.g., from 100 mg twice daily to 50 mg twice daily). Administer after dialysis.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No dose adjustment required.
Moderate: Reduce dose by 50% (e.g., from 100 mg twice daily to 50 mg twice daily).
Severe: Reduce dose by 50% (e.g., from 100 mg twice daily to 50 mg twice daily).

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Larotrectinib is a selective inhibitor of the tropomyosin receptor kinases (TRK), specifically TRKA, TRKB, and TRKC. These kinases are encoded by the NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3 genes, respectively. Chromosomal rearrangements involving these NTRK genes can result in oncogenic TRK fusion proteins that are constitutively active and drive cell proliferation and survival in various tumor types. Larotrectinib inhibits the kinase activity of these TRK fusion proteins, leading to inhibition of downstream signaling pathways (e.g., MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT) and ultimately inducing tumor cell apoptosis and growth inhibition.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Not precisely quantified, but rapidly absorbed.
Tmax: 1 to 2 hours
FoodEffect: A high-fat meal decreased Cmax by 35% and AUC by 17%, but this is not considered clinically significant. Can be taken with or without food.

Distribution:

Vd: 98 L (apparent volume of distribution)
ProteinBinding: Approximately 70%
CnssPenetration: Yes (demonstrated activity in patients with CNS metastases and preclinical models)

Elimination:

HalfLife: Approximately 6 hours
Clearance: Not available
ExcretionRoute: Primarily feces (96%), minor urine (1%)
Unchanged: Approximately 34% (feces), <1% (urine)
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Not precisely quantified, but clinical responses observed within weeks.
PeakEffect: Not precisely quantified, related to tumor response.
DurationOfAction: Dependent on continued administration and tumor response.

Safety & Warnings

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Side Effects

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

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.
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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
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Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

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.
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Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Until you understand how this drug affects you, avoid operating a vehicle and engaging in other activities that require alertness. As directed by your doctor, undergo regular blood tests and discuss the results with them.

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.
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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

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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.
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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

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Baseline Monitoring

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Rationale: To establish baseline hematologic parameters.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs) including AST, ALT, bilirubin

Rationale: To establish baseline hepatic function and monitor for hepatotoxicity.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.

Renal Function Tests (serum creatinine, eGFR)

Rationale: To establish baseline renal function and guide dose adjustments if needed.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.

Neurological assessment

Rationale: To establish baseline neurological status, as neurological adverse reactions (e.g., dizziness, ataxia, paresthesia) are common.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.

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Routine Monitoring

Liver Function Tests (AST, ALT, bilirubin)

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.

Neurological assessment (for dizziness, gait disturbance, paresthesia, cognitive changes)

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.

Growth and development (in pediatric patients)

Frequency: Regularly, as clinically indicated.

Target: Normal growth and development for age.

Action Threshold: Significant deviations may require evaluation.

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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

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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:

First Trimester: Potential for embryo-fetal toxicity based on animal data.
Second Trimester: Potential for embryo-fetal toxicity based on animal data.
Third Trimester: Potential for embryo-fetal toxicity based on animal data.
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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.

Infant Risk: High risk of serious adverse reactions.
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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.

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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

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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.
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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.
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: Extremely high (e.g., tens of thousands of dollars) per 30 capsules
Insurance Coverage: Specialty Tier (requires prior authorization, often subject to high co-pays or co-insurance)
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.