Generic name: larotrectinib [ LAR-oh-TREK-ti-nib ]
Drug class: Multikinase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 23, 2023.

What is Vitrakvi?

Vitrakvi is a prescription medicine used to treat certain tumors that are caused by an abnormal "NTRK" gene. Larotrectinib is used when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed with surgery or other cancer treatments.

Vitrakvi is sometimes given after other cancer treatments did not work or have stopped working.

Vitrakvi was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on an "accelerated" basis. In clinical studies, some people responded to this medicine, but further studies are needed.

Warnings

Your healthcare provider will perform a test to make sure that Vitrakvi is right for you.

It is not known if Vitrakvi is safe and effective in children younger than 1 month of age.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. Certain other medicines may affect how larotrectinib works. Keep a list of all your medicines to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

Before taking this medicine

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

• liver disease; or

• nerve problems.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Both men and women using this medicine should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Larotrectinib can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or father is using this medicine. Keep using birth control for at least 1 week after your last dose.

Vitrakvi may affect fertility (ability to have children) in women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because larotrectinib can harm an unborn baby.

Do not breast-feed while using Vitrakvi, and for at least 1 week after your last dose.

Related/similar drugs

methotrexate, Keytruda, pembrolizumab, Enhertu, dabrafenib

How should I take Vitrakvi?

Take Vitrakvi exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Your doctor will perform a test to make sure Vitrakvi is the right treatment for your type of tumor.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

You may take Vitrakvi with or without food.

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

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

You will need frequent medical tests to check your liver function.

Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with Vitrakvi.

If you vomit shortly after taking Vitrakvi, do not take another dose. Wait until your next scheduled dose time to take the medicine again.

Store the capsules at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator, do not freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 90 days.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose of Vitrakvi for Solid Tumors:

Body surface area least 1 m2:
100 mg orally 2 times a day until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

Comments:
-Take this drug with or without food.
-Select patients for treatment with this drug based on the presence of a NTRK gene fusion in tumor specimens. An FDA-approved test for the detection of NTRK
gene fusion is not currently available.

Use: For the treatment of adult patients with solid tumors that:
-Have a neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) gene fusion without a known acquired resistance mutation
-Are metastatic or where surgical resection is likely to result in severe morbidity
-Have no satisfactory alternative treatments or that have progressed following treatment

Usual Pediatric Dose of Vitrakvi for Solid Tumors:

28 days and older:
-Body surface area at least 1 m2: 100 mg orally 2 times a day until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
-Body surface area less than 1 m2: 100 mg/m2 orally 2 times a day until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Comments:
-Take this drug with or without food.
-Select patients for treatment with this drug based on the presence of a NTRK gene fusion in tumor specimens. An FDA-approved test for the detection of NTRK
gene fusion is not currently available.

Use: For the treatment of pediatric patients with solid tumors that:
-Have a neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) gene fusion without a known acquired resistance mutation
-Are metastatic or where surgical resection is likely to result in severe morbidity
-Have no satisfactory alternative treatments or that have progressed following treatment

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 6 hours. 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 to avoid

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Grapefruit may interact with larotrectinib and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John's wort.

Vitrakvi side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Vitrakvi: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe or ongoing stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea;

• confusion, memory problems, severe dizziness;

• problems with speech or coordination;

• numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;

• fever, flu symptoms, sore throat, cough;

• sores or ulcers in your mouth or on your skin;

• unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath;

• pale skin, cold hands and feet;

• pain, warmth, redness, or swelling under your skin; or

• liver problems - loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), nausea, vomiting, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common Vitrakvi side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;

• cough;

• dizziness;

• tiredness; or

• abnormal liver function tests.

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.

What other drugs will affect Vitrakvi?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may interact with larotrectinib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Frequently asked questions

• What type of drug is Vitrakvi (larotrectinib)?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Vitrakvi 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

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