Microplastics and Misinformation: What Science Really Says
November 12, 2025
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Brand Name :
Erivedge
(United States) [Available]Synonyms :
Vismodegib
Class :
Antineoplastics and Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitor
Brand Name :
Erivedge
(United States) [Available]Synonyms :
Vismodegib
Class :
Antineoplastics and Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitor
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Capsule, Oral
150 mg
150
mg
Capsule
Orally
once a day
Continue the therapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs
Safety and efficacy are not studied
Refer adult dosing
when both drugs are combined, there may be an decrease in effect of vismodegib
Cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and self-renewal are all influenced by the Hedgehog signalling system during embryogenesis.
Uncontrolled proliferation of basal skin cells can be caused by mutations on components of the Hedgehog signalling system, and the pathophysiology of basal cell carcinoma has been linked to dysregulated or aberrant Hedgehog signalling.
Several components implicated in the Hedgehog signalling cascade are activated and undergo nuclear translocation when vismodegib binds to and inhibits the transmembrane protein smoothened homologue
Adverse drug reactions:
Frequency defined
>10%:
Alopecia
Amenorrhea
weight loss
Ageusia
decreased appetite
diarrhea
dysgeusia
nausea
vomiting
Fatigue
Arthralgia
muscle spasm
1% to 10%:
Increased creatine phosphokinase in blood specimen
hyponatremia Azotemia
It may be harmful to the fetus if given to a pregnant woman.
Females of reproductive potential should have their pregnancy status confirmed ≤7 days prior to starting treatment.
Inform both male and female patients of the dangers of serious birth deformities and embryo-fetal death, as well as the importance of using contraception both before and after therapy.
Men should be advised to use condoms when they are with a pregnant partner or a female partner who can conceive, as well as the possible risk of drug exposure through semen.
Encourage individuals who think they could be pregnant to call their physician right away.
Contraindication:
None
Caution:
Blood donations should not be done by the patient while undergoing treatment or for at least 24 months following the last dose.
Pediatric patients exposed to drugs have premature fusion of epiphyses.
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions
Musculoskeletal adverse reactions
Pregnancy Warnings:
Pregnancy category: N/A
Lactation: Excretion in human breastmilk is unknown
Pregnancy categories:
Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no evidence of risk to the fetus in the first trimester or in the later trimester.
Category B: No evidence of risk to fetus found in animal reproduction studies and there are not enough studies on pregnant women.
Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for an effect in humans, care must be taken for potential risks in pregnant women.
Category D: There is adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite potential risks may be used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
Category X: Drugs listed in this category clearly outweigh risks over benefits. These category drugs should be prohibited for pregnant women.
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category.
Pharmacology:
The Hh signalling pathway may promote proliferation in malignant epithelial cells that express the Hh ligand.
Vismodegib interacts to the transmembrane protein SMO, which is involved in the transmission of Hedgehog signals.
several factors that block the activation of downstream Hedgehog target genes through the Hedgehog signalling pathway.
Pharmacodynamics:
After taking 150 mg once daily for seven days, vismodegib use was not linked to a clinically meaningful expanding of the QT interval.
Vismodegib may result in severe cutaneous and musculoskeletal side effects, as well as embryo-fetal mortality or serious birth abnormalities.
To block the Hedgehog signaling pathway, vismodegib binds specifically to and inhibits the smoothened homologue (SMO) of the transmembrane protein.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
It has low bioavailability of 31.8% while steady state achieved within one week.
Distribution
Protein-bound is more than 99%.
The volume of distribution is 16.4-26.6 L.
Metabolism
It is minimally metabolized by oxidation, glucuronidation, and pyridine ring cleavage.
Elimination and Excretion
It shows half-life of 4 days at steady-state and 12 days for single-dose.
The drug is excreted 82% in feces and 4% in urine.
It is available in the form of oral capsules, and it is taken with or without food.
The drug should be swallowed whole, and the capsules should not be opened, chewed, crushed.
Missed doses:
If a dose is missed, administer it with the next dose.
Patient Information Leaflet
Generic Name: vismodegib
Pronounced: vis-mo-de-g-ib
Why do we use vismodegib?
Vismodegib is indicated for the treatment of metastatic basal cell carcinoma.
It helps to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body
It used in basal cell carcinoma that has spread locally and has returned after surgery, or who are not candidates for radiation therapy or surgery.
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