Patient leaflet - VITRAKVI 100 MG HARD CAPSULES
1. what vitrakvi is and what it is used for
What VITRAKVI is used for
VITRAKVI contains the active substance larotrectinib.
It is used in adults, adolescents and children to treat solid tumours (cancer) in various parts of the body that are caused by a change in the NTRK gene (neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase).
VITRAKVI is only used when
- these cancers are advanced or have spread to other parts of the body or if a surgery to remove the cancer is likely to cause severe complications and
- there are no satisfactory treatment options.
Before you are given VITRAKVI, your doctor will do a test to check if you have the change in the NTRK gene.
How VITRAKVI works
In patients whose cancer is due to an altered NTRK gene, the change in the gene causes the body to make an abnormal protein called TRK fusion protein, which can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer. VITRAKVI blocks the action of TRK fusion proteins and so may slow or stop the growth of the cancer. It may also help to shrink the cancer. If you have any questions on how VITRAKVI works or why it has been prescribed for you, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
2. what you need to know before you take vitrakvi
Do not take VITRAKVI if
- you are allergic to larotrectinib or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
Tests and checks
VITRAKVI can increase the amount of the liver enzymes ALT and AST in your blood. Your doctor will do blood tests before and during treatment to check the level of ALT and AST and check how well your liver is working.
Other medicines and VITRAKVI
Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This is because some medicines may affect the way VITRAKVI works or VITRAKVI may affect how other medicines work.
In particular, tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- medicines used to treat fungal or bacterial infections called itraconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin, telithromycin, troleandomycin
- a medicine used to treat Cushing’s syndrome called ketoconazole
- medicines used to treat HIV infection called atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, rifabutin, efavirenz
- a medicine used to treat depression called nefazodone
- medicines used to treat epilepsy called phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital
- a herbal medicine used to treat depression called St. John’s wort
- a medicine used to treat tuberculosis called rifampicin
- a medicine used for strong pain relief called alfentanil
- medicines used to prevent organ rejection after an organ transplant called ciclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus
- a medicine used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm called quinidine
- medicines used to treat migraines called dihydroergotamine, ergotamine
- a medicine used to treat long-term pain called fentanyl
- a medicine used to control involuntary movements or sounds called pimozide
- a medicine to help you stop smoking called bupropion
- medicines to reduce blood sugar levels called repaglinide, tolbutamide
- a medicine that prevents blood clots called warfarin
- a medicine used to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach called omeprazole
- a medicine used to help control high blood pressure called valsartan
- a group of medicines used to help lower cholesterol called statins
- hormonal medicines used for contraception, see section “contraception – for men and women” below.
If any of the above apply to you (or you are not sure), talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Taking VITRAKVI with food and drink
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking VITRAKVI. This is because it may increase the amount of VITRAKVI in your body.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
You should not use VITRAKVI during pregnancy since the effect of VITRAKVI on the unborn is not known.
Breast-feeding
Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine and for 3 days after the last dose. This is because it is not known if VITRAKVI passes into breast milk.
Contraception – for men and women
You should avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine.
If you are able to become pregnant, your doctor should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment.
You must use effective methods of contraception while taking VITRAKVI and for at least
1 month after the last dose, if
- you are able to become pregnant. If you use hormonal contraceptives, you should also use a barrier method, such as a condom.
- you have sex with a woman able to become pregnant.
Ask your doctor about the best method of contraception for you.
Driving, cycling and using machines
VITRAKVI may make you feel dizzy or tired. If this happens, do not drive, cycle or use any tools or machines.
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3. HowtotakeVITRAKVI
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure.
How much to take
Adults (from 18 years)
- The recommended dose of VITRAKVI is 100 mg (1 capsule of 100 mg or 4 capsules of 25 mg), two times a day.
- Your doctor will review your dose and change it as needed.
Children and adolescents
- Your child’s doctor will work out the right dose for your child based on their height and weight.
- The maximum recommended dose is 100 mg (1 capsule of 100 mg or 4 capsules of 25 mg), two times a day.
- Your child’s doctor will review the dose and change it as needed.
An oral solution of VITRAKVI is available for patients who cannot swallow the capsules.
How to take this medicine
- VITRAKVI can be taken with or without food.
- Do noteat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
- Swallow the VITRAKVI capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not open, chew or crush the capsule as it has a very bitter taste.
If you take more VITRAKVI than you should
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse or go to a hospital straight away. Take the medicine pack and this leaflet with you.
If you miss a dose of VITRAKVI
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose or if you vomit after taking this medicine. Take your next dose at the usual time.
If you stop taking VITRAKVI
Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor first. It is important to take VITRAKVI for as long as your doctor tells you.
If you are not able to take the medicine as your doctor prescribed talk to your doctor straight away.
If you have further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
4. possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
You should immediately contact your doctor if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
- feeling dizzy (very common side effect, may affect more than 1 in 10 people), tingling, feeling numb, or a burning feeling in your hands and feet, difficulty walking normally (common side effect, may affect up to 1 in 10 people). This could be symptoms of nervous system problems.
Your doctor may decide to lower the dose, or pause or stop the treatment.
Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you notice any of the following side effects:
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
- you may look pale and feel your heart pumping, which could be symptoms of low red blood cells (anaemia)
- flu like symptoms including fever, which could be symptoms of low white blood cells (neutropenia, leukopenia)
- feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
- constipation
- muscle pain (myalgia)
- feeling tired (fatigue)
- increased amount of liver enzymes in blood tests
- weight increase.
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- change in how things taste (dysgeusia)
- muscle weakness
- increased amount of “alkaline phosphatase” in blood tests (very common in children).
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly (see details below).
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
United Kingdom
Yellow Card Scheme
Website: or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
5. how to store vitrakvi
- Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and the bottle label after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- This medicine does not require any special storage conditions.
- Do not use this medicine if you notice that capsules look damaged.
- Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. contents of the pack and other information
What VITRAKVI contains
The active substance is larotrectinib.
Each VITRAKVI 25 mg capsule contains 25 mg of larotrectinib (as sulfate).
Each VITRAKVI 100 mg capsule contains 100 mg of larotrectinib (as sulfate).
The other ingredients are:
Capsule shell:
- Gelatin
- Titanium dioxide (E 171)
Printing ink:
- Shellac
- Indigo carmine aluminium lake (E 132)
- Titanium dioxide (E 171)
- Propylene glycol (E 1520)
- Dimeticone
What VITRAKVI looks like and the contents of the bottle
- VITRAKVI 25 mg is supplied as white opaque hard gelatine capsule, (18 mm long x 6 mm wide), with blue printing of BAYER-cross and “25 mg” on the body of the capsule
- VITRAKVI 100 mg is supplied as white opaque hard gelatine capsule, (22 mm long x 7 mm wide), with blue printing of BAYER-cross and “100 mg” on the body of the capsule