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Vitrakvi (larotrectinib)

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: September 2023 | Last updated: October 2023

Vitrakvi® (larotrectinib) is a form of targeted therapy known as a tissue-agnostic drug. This means it can be used to treat different types of cancer, as long as they all have the same biomarker.1

Vitrakvi is used to treat adults and children with solid tumors that:1

  • Are caused by certain abnormal neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) genes, and
  • Have spread or if surgery to remove their cancer is likely to cause serious problems, and
  • There are no other available treatment options or the cancer grew or spread on other treatment

Your doctor will do biomarker testing to determine if Vitrakvi is right for you.1

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What are the ingredients in Vitrakvi?

The active ingredient in Vitrakvi is larotrectinib.1

How does Vitrakvi work?

Vitrakvi blocks specific proteins that are encoded by genes like NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3. Changes (mutations) in these genes can make a person more likely to develop cancer. By blocking these proteins, Vitrakvi helps prevent tumor activity in the cells where the mutated genes appear.1

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Vitrakvi include:1

  • Low red blood cell and white blood cell counts
  • Muscle and bone pain
  • Tiredness
  • Low levels of a protein called albumin in the blood
  • Increased levels of an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase in the blood
  • Cough
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Low levels of calcium in the blood
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Fever
  • Stomach pain

These are not all the possible side effects of Vitrakvi. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Vitrakvi. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Vitrakvi.

Other things to know

Your doctor will do blood tests to check your lung function before and during treatment with Vitrakvi.1

Vitrakvi can make you feel dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Vitrakvi affects you.1

Do not take St. John's wort, eat grapefruit, or drink grapefruit juice during treatment with Vitrakvi.1

Before starting treatment with Vitrakvi, tell your doctor if you have:1

  • Liver problems
  • Nervous system (neurological) problems

Vitrakvi can harm an unborn baby. If you can become pregnant, you should use birth control during treatment and for some time after the last dose of Vitrakvi. You should also not breastfeed during treatment with Vitrakvi and for some time after the last dose. Talk to your doctor about your options for birth control and breastfeeding while taking Vitrakvi.1

Before beginning treatment for lung cancer, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Vitrakvi.