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Uses

What is Vijoice used for?

Vijoice (alpelisib) is commonly used for PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS). PROS is a group of rare medical conditions that are caused by abnormal changes (mutations) in a gene called PIK3CA. This mutation makes some parts of the body grow too much. This can happen to fingers, arms, legs, or even inside the body.

Learn more about Vijoice for PROS: PIK3CA-Related Overgrowth Spectrum (PROS).

Vijoice may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Vijoice work (mechanism of action)?

Vijoice works by stopping a gene that causes too much growth. This can help slow down or shrink the extra growth in the body.

How is Vijoice supplied (dosage forms)?

Vijoice is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 50 mg, 125 mg, 200 mg oral tablets
  • 50 mg oral granules

How should I store Vijoice?

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

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Vijoice?

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

There may be other side effects of Vijoice that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare 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. 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 Vijoice?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Vijoice may cause allergic reactions,​​ including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multi-organ hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine 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, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Dark colored urine
  • Your skin or the white of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Severe Skin Reactions. Vijoice can cause severe skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop Vijoice and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Increased Blood Sugar. Vijoice may increase your blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), which can be severe. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following new or worsening symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Dry mouth
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Feeling tired, woozy, or confused
  • Your breath smelling fruity
  • Trouble breathing
  • Dry or flushed skin

Lung Inflammation. Vijoice can cause inflammation in your lungs, including pneumonitis and interstitial lung disease. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Tell your healthcare provider if you have trouble breathing. You may also have chest pain, a cough and/or fever.

Diarrhea. Diarrhea is common with Vijoice. This can be severe and lead to dehydration, kidney injury, or colitis. You will be told how to take the medicine to lessen the effect of diarrhea. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop diarrhea or if you have more than two bowel movements in one day. If you are given medicine to prevent or treat diarrhea, take it exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following.

  • Severe diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Diarrhea with weakness, dizziness, or fever
  • Mucus or blood in your stool (poop)
  • Stomach pain or cramps

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Vijoice?

Allergies to Ingredients. Vijoice may cause severe allergic reactions. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Vijoice.

  • Alpelisib
  • Vijoice
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Vijoice before using it?

Do not take Vijoice unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

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

Keep Vijoice out of the reach of children.

Take Vijoice with food at the same time each day. 

Vijoice tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, cut, or crush Vijoice.

Do not combine the Vijoice tablets and granules together to make a dose. 

If you are not able to swallow the tablets, Vijoice tablets can be mixed with water or the Vijoice granules can be used. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Vijoice. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

If you throw up (vomit) after our dose, do not take another dose that day. Take the next dose at your normal time the next day.

If you or your partner can become pregnant, use effective birth control while you are taking Vijoice and for 1 week after your last dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about the right birth control method for you. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Vijoice?

Tell your healthcare 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 determine if Vijoice is right for you.

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

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

  • Diabetes
  • Skin rash or any redness of the skin
  • Blistering of the lips, eyes or mouth
  • Skin peeling

Pregnancy. Vijoice may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking Vijoice right away and contact your healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Vijoice passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Vijoice.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Vijoice may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Vijoice, tell your healthcare 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.

How can I get more information about Vijoice?

For more information about Vijoice, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at us.vijoice.com or call them at 800-282-7630.

Interactions

Does Vijoice interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Vijoice and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Vijoice.

Does Vijoice interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Vijoice, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Vijoice. Always check with your healthcare 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 Vijoice?

If you or someone else has used too much Vijoice, 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 Vijoice?

If you miss a dose, take Vijoice with food up to 9 hours after the normal time you take it. If it has been more than 9 hours, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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