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Overview: Vitrakvi is used to treat certain cancers. Common side effects include muscle pain, tiredness, and increases in liver function tests. Call your health care provider right away if you get a fever, dizziness, mood problems, or a fractured or broken bone. Vitrakvi is a capsule or liquid that you will swallow. 

Uses

What is Vitrakvi used for?

Vitrakvi (larotrectinib) is commonly used to treat certain types of solid tumors.

Vitrakvi may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Vitrakvi work (mechanism of action)?

Vitrakvi is a type of medicine known as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It works by targeting specific receptors on cancer cells. By blocking the action of these receptors, Vitrakvi can cause cancer cells to die and can prevent cancer cells from growing or spreading.

How is Vitrakvi supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Vitrakvi

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 25 mg oral capsules
  • 100 mg oral capsules
  • 20 mg/mL oral solution

How should I store Vitrakvi?

Capsules. Vitrakvi should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you're transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place.

Solution. Vitrakvi should be stored in a refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Store it in a cool, dry place and do not freeze the medicine. If you are given Vitrakvi in a 100-milliliter bottle, throw away the bottle 90 days after you first opened it. If you are given Vitrakvi in a 50-milliliter bottle, throw away the bottle 31 days after you first opened it. Ask your pharmacist or health care provider if you have any questions.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Vitrakvi?

The most common side effects of Vitrakvi are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Low red blood cells (anemia)
  • Low levels of white blood cells (leukopenia)
  • Muscle and bone pain
  • Tiredness
  • Low blood levels of a protein called albumin
  • Increased liver function tests
  • Coughing
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Low levels of calcium
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Stomach pain

There may be other side effects of Vitrakvi that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Vitrakvi?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Vitrakvi are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Vitrakvi may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Vitrakvi and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Brain or Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects. Vitrakvi can affect your brain or central nervous system (CNS). Call your health care provider right away if you have the following symptoms.

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Mood changes
  • Sleepiness  or trouble sleeping
  • Confusion
  • Seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear, also called hallucinations

Weak Bones. Vitrakvi can cause your bones to break (fracture) more easily. Tell your health care provider if you have bone pain, break a bone, or have changes to your ability to walk or move. 

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Vitrakvi. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Vitrakvi?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Vitrakvi.

  • Larotrectinib
  • Vitrakvi
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Vitrakvi.

What should I know about Vitrakvi before using it?

Do not take Vitrakvi unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Vitrakvi with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Vitrakvi out of the reach of children.

You should take Vitrakvi capsules with water. Do not open, crush, or chew the capsules.

Your health care provider or pharmacist will show you how to measure and take a dose of Vitrakvi solution. You can also reference the instructions that come with your medicine. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist.

Vitrakvi can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Vitrakvi affects you.

If you vomit after taking your dose of Vitrakvi, skip the dose. Do not take another dose of Vitrakvi. Take your next Vitrakvi dose at the scheduled time. 

Vitrakvi may make it difficult for you to get pregnant or get your partner pregnant. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Vitrakvi?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Vitrakvi is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver problems
  • Nervous system or brain problems
  • Bone problems, fractures, or osteoporosis

Other Medicines and Supplements. Vitrakvi may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Vitrakvi, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Vitrakvi may harm an unborn baby. Your health care provider may give you a test to make sure you are not pregnant before you start taking Vitrakvi. If you can get pregnant, you should use birth control while taking Vitrakvi and for one week after your last dose. If you are able to get a partner pregnant, you should use condoms while taking Vitrakvi and for one week after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Vitrakvi passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Vitrakvi and for one week after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Vitrakvi?

For more information about Vitrakvi, you can visit the drugmaker's website at www.vitrakvi.com or call them at 888-842-2937.

Interactions

Does Vitrakvi interact with foods or drinks?

Grapefruit interacts with Vitrakvi. It is important to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Vitrakvi. This is because grapefruit can make your body less able to break down Vitrakvi, which can lead to high levels of the medicine and an increased risk of side effects. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Vitrakvi, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer.

Does Vitrakvi interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Vitrakvi.

  • St. John's wort, which is a supplement that may be used for depression
  • Fluconazole or itraconazole, medicines used for fungal infections
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Efavirenz, a medicine used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Midazolam, a medicine used to relieve anxiety before surgery

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Vitrakvi and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Vitrakvi. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Vitrakvi?

If you or someone else has used too much Vitrakvi, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Vitrakvi?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than six hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.