erivedge

Erivedge (vismodegib) is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of certain cancer cells in the body.

Erivedge is used to treat basal cell carcinoma that has spread to other parts of the body.

Erivedge may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

Do not take Erivedge if you are pregnant. Erivedge can cause severe birth defects or death of a baby if the mother or the father is taking this medication at the time of conception or during pregnancy. You must use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking Erivedge, whether you are a man or a woman. Erivedge use by either parent may cause birth defects. If you are pregnant and your sexual partner is taking Erivedge, do not have sex without using a latex condom and spermicide. Continue using condoms and spermicide for at least 2 months after your partner stops taking Erivedge.

For Women: Use effective birth control while taking Erivedge and for at least 7 months after your treatment ends. 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 2 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 you can safely take Erivedge, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver disease; or

• kidney disease.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant. Erivedge can cause severe birth defects or death of a baby if the mother or the father is taking this medication at the time of conception or during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and your sexual partner is taking this medicine, do not have sex without using a latex condom and spermicide.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

You must use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking Erivedge, whether you are a man or a woman. Erivedge use by either parent may cause birth defects.

For Women: Use effective birth control while taking Erivedge and for at least 7 months after your treatment ends. The birth control method you use must be proven highly effective (at least 99%), such as: hormonal birth control (pills, vaginal ring, implants, or injections), an intrauterine device (IUD), or a tubal ligation. 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: While you are taking Erivedge you must not have unprotected sex with a pregnant woman, or cause a woman to become pregnant. Erivedge can affect your sperm and may cause harm to the baby at conception or during pregnancy. 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 2 months after you stop taking this medicine. Call your doctor at once if a pregnancy occurs while either sexual partner is taking Erivedge. It is not known whether vismodegib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Erivedge.

How should I take Erivedge?

Take Erivedge exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Erivedge is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor"s instructions.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open the capsule. Swallow it whole. Do not donate blood while taking Erivedge and for at least 7 months after your treatment ends.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and wait until your next scheduled dose to take the medication. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid?

Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Erivedge side effects

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

Less serious Erivedge side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite;

• diarrhea, constipation;

• tired feeling;

• joint pain, muscle spasms;

• hair loss;

• weight loss;

• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth; or

• decreased sense of taste.

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.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Erivedge?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin) or erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole);

• ketoconazole (Nizoral);

• reserpine;

• quinidine (Quin-G);

• verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan, Tarka);

• antacids such as Amphojel, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, Rulox, Tums, and many others;

• HIV/AIDS medication such as nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra), or saquinavir (Invirase);

• medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection, such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) or tacrolimus (Prograf); or

• stomach acid reducers such as cimetidine (Tagamet), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), esomeprazole (Nexium, Vimovo), famotidine (Pepcid, Duexis, Dual Action Complete), lansoprazole (Prevacid), nizatidine (Axid), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (AcipHex), or ranitidine (Zantac).

There may be other drugs that can interact with Erivedge. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.