Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Erivedge (Vismodegib).
Anemia: Erivedge (Vismodegib) may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Birth control: Women who may become pregnant must use two forms of birth control, for at least four weeks before starting Erivedge (Vismodegib), while taking the medication (including dose interruptions), and for 24 months after stopping Erivedge (Vismodegib). Your doctor will perform pregnancy tests throughout the time that you are taking Erivedge (Vismodegib).
There is a high risk of harm to a developing baby that is fathered by a man who is taking Erivedge (Vismodegib). Men who take Erivedge (Vismodegib) must use condoms with spermicide while taking the medication, during dose interruptions, and for at least 2 months after stopping the medication to prevent their partner from becoming pregnant.
Your health care provider will discuss the possible risks to an unborn baby when either of the parents is taking Erivedge (Vismodegib).
Blood Clots: Erivedge (Vismodegib) may increase the chance of blood clot formation.
If you have a history of clotting, you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as heart attack, stroke, or clots in the lungs or deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Erivedge (Vismodegib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Erivedge (Vismodegib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision, or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.
Blood donation: People who take Erivedge (Vismodegib) may not donate blood while taking the medication and for 24 months after stopping the treatment.
Heart problems: Rarely, Erivedge (Vismodegib) may cause heart-related side effects such as a change in heart rhythm, heart failure, heart attack, and Angina. If you have heart problems, discuss with your doctor how Erivedge (Vismodegib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Erivedge (Vismodegib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Infection: As well as slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells, Erivedge (Vismodegib) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness.
Kidney function: The safety and effectiveness of using Erivedge (Vismodegib) if you have reduced kidney function has not been established. If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Erivedge (Vismodegib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Erivedge (Vismodegib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Erivedge (Vismodegib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Erivedge (Vismodegib), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Erivedge (Vismodegib) is not recommended for people with severely decreased liver function.
Erivedge (Vismodegib) may cause reduced liver function or liver damage. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Other cancers: New cancerous lesions on the skin, such as squamous cell cancer, can occur while you are taking Erivedge (Vismodegib). It is important to have your skin examined before starting Erivedge (Vismodegib) and while you are taking it. If you notice any skin changes such as moles with an irregular shape, border, or colour that are changing shape or are growing, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnancy: Erivedge (Vismodegib) may cause severe birth defects to the developing baby, including death, if Erivedge (Vismodegib) is taken during pregnancy. Erivedge (Vismodegib) should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Erivedge (Vismodegib), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Erivedge (Vismodegib) passes into breast milk. Because it has the potential to cause serious defects to a child's development, women should not breast-feed while taking Erivedge (Vismodegib) and for 24 months after stopping the medication.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Erivedge (Vismodegib) have not been established for children.
