Larotrectinib (VitrakviI)

The basics

Larotrectinib (brand name- Vitrakvil) is an FDA-approved treatment for solid tumors in adults and children one month of age and older that have spread to other body parts or cannot be treated successfully with surgery.

Larotrectinib (Vitrakvil) is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that tells the cancer cells to multiply. This may help slow the growth of tumors.

Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about Larotrectinib.

How should I take larotrectinib (Vitrakvil)?

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Larotrectinib (vitrakvil) comes as a capsule and as a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food twice daily. Take larotrectinib at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take larotrectinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or more often than your doctor prescribes.

Swallow the capsules whole with water; do not chew or crush them. Your doctor may need to temporarily or permanently stop your treatment or decrease your dose of larotrectinib during your treatment.

Do not stop taking larotrectinib without talking to your doctor. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.

What are the side effects of larotrectinib (Vitrakvil)?

Serious side effects

  • Slow or difficult speech
  • accidental falling
  • tingling, numbness, or burning sensation in your hands and feet
  • Swelling in hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • Shortness of breath (Dyspnea)
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
  • Increased thirst
  • Change in the amount or color of urine
  • Fainting

Larotrectinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking larotrectinib (Vitrakvil)

  • tell your doctor about your allergies
  • tell your doctor about other intakes
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had conditions that affect the nervous system or liver.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you plan on fathering a child. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that you can use.

While you are on larotrectinib (Vitrakvil)

  • If you or your partner become pregnant, call your doctor immediately. Larotrectinib may harm the fetus.
  • tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed during your treatment and for 1 week after your final dose.
  • Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is less than 6 hours before your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

In case of an emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What should I know about the storage and disposal of larotrectinib ?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the capsules at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep the oral solution in the refrigerator and close it tightly; do not freeze. Dispose of any unused oral solution 90 days after opening the bottle for the first time.

To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

You should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication.

Brand names

  • VitrakviI®

Last Revised – 06/16/2023, FDA updated-01/15/2019, SG

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