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Erivedge

Generic name: vismodegib [ VIS-moe-DEG-ib ]
Drug class: Hedgehog pathway inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on May 16, 2023.

What is Erivedge?

Erivedge (vismodegib) belongs to a class of medications called hedgehog pathway inhibitors. Vismodegib works by blocking the action of a protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells and may help shrink tumors.

Erivedge is used to treat basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) in people with cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Erivedge is also used to treat basal cell carcinoma that cannot be treated with surgery or radiation or has come back after surgery.

Warnings

Do not use Erivedge if you are pregnant. Both men and women using this medicine should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Vismodegib can harm an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine.

For Women: Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 24 months after your last dose. Call your doctor at once if you quit using birth control, if your period is late, or if you think you might be pregnant.

For Men: Always use a latex condom and spermicide when having sex, even if you have had a vasectomy. Continue using condoms and spermicide for at least 3 months after you stop taking Erivedge.

Call your doctor at once if a pregnancy occurs while either sexual partner is taking Erivedge.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Erivedge if you are allergic to vismodegib.

To make sure Erivedge is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Vismodegib can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of vismodegib on the baby.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 24 months after your last dose.

Erivedge pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)

How should I take Erivedge?

Take Erivedge exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

You may take Erivedge once a day with or without food.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Your doctor will perform tests to check for side effects during treatment with Erivedge.

Your treatment with Erivedge may be temporarily or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Basal Cell Carcinoma:

150 mg orally once a day until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

Comments:
-Withhold therapy for up to 8 weeks for intolerable adverse reactions until improvement or resolution.
-Treatment durations shorter than 8 weeks prior to interruptions have not been studied.

Use: Treatment of adults with metastatic basal cell carcinoma, or with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma that has recurred following surgery or who are not candidates for surgery and who are not candidates for radiation

Detailed Erivedge dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Erivedge?

Do not donate blood while taking Erivedge and for 24 months after your treatment ends.

Do not donate semen while taking this medicine and for 3 months after your treatment ends.

Erivedge side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Erivedge (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Erivedge may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Vismodegib can affect bone growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using and after stopping this medicine.

Call your doctor at once if you miss a menstrual period. This could be a side effect, or it may be a sign that you are pregnant.

Common Erivedge side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Erivedge side effects (more detail)

What other drugs will affect Erivedge?

Other drugs may interact with vismodegib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Erivedge drug interactions (more detail)

Ingredients

Active ingredient: vismodegib
Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, sodium lauryl sulfate, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, talc, and magnesium stearate (non-bovine). The capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, red iron oxide, and black iron oxide. The black printing ink contains shellac and black iron oxide.

Manufacturer

Manufactured by: Patheon, Inc. Mississauga, Canada
Distributed by: Genentech USA, Inc.

Frequently asked questions

References

  1. Erivedge Product Label

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Erivedge only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.01.