Volantis

Volantis Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Volantis is a brand name. Its generic name is Everolimus.

Introduction

Volantis is an orally administered mTOR inhibitor, which is a type of antineoplastic drug. It is used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). It is believed to act by inhibiting mTOR, the target of rapamycin, a protein involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metabolism.

Uses

Volantis is used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

Mechanism of Action

Volantis works by inhibiting mTOR, the target of rapamycin, a protein involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metabolism.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Volantis usually begins to work within the first few weeks of treatment, with the effects becoming more noticeable over time. Patients treated with Volantis may experience improvement in symptoms within 8-12 weeks.

Absorption

Volantis is rapidly and almost completely absorbed following oral administration.

Route of Elimination

Volantis is primarily eliminated via the bile.

Dosage

For the treatment of advanced RCC, the recommended dosage of Volantis is 10 mg orally once daily.

Administration

Volantis should be taken orally, once daily, with or without food.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Volantis include fatigue, diarrhea, anemia, nausea, stomatitis, asthenia, constipation, decreased appetite, fever, infection, vomiting, cough, mucositis, abdominal pain, and rash.

Toxicity

Volantis is generally well-tolerated; the most severe toxicities associated with its use are infections and gastrointestinal inflammation. Other side effects that may occur include hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, hypophosphatemia, hyperglycemia, and hypokalemia.

Precaution

Patients should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of infection while taking Volantis and should be instructed to contact their healthcare provider for any symptoms. Patients may also be at risk of developing severe and potentially fatal complications associated with the use of Volantis, including interstitial lung disease, hepatotoxicity, and immune-mediated events.

Interactions

Volantis can interact with a variety of medications and other drugs, and patients should discuss any potential drug interactions with their healthcare provider. Patients should also be aware of potential food–drug interactions and should avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Volantis.

Disease Interaction

Volantis may interact with certain medical conditions, and should be taken with caution in patients with a history of diabetes mellitus, cholestasis, hepatic impairment, severe infections, or autoimmune diseases.

Drug Interactions

Volantis may interact with certain drugs, and should not be taken with ACE inhibitors, cyclosporine, hypotension-inducing agents, or specific antifungal agents.

Food Interactions

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided while taking Volantis.

Pregnancy Use

Volantis is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Animal studies have not shown any evidence of fetal harm, but the potential risks to humans are not known.

Lactation Use

Volantis is not recommended for use in nursing mothers. It is not known whether Volantis is excreted in breast milk, and the potential risks to an infant are not known.

Acute Overdose

The most commonly reported symptoms following an Volantis overdose are fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. If an overdose is suspected, it is important to contact a healthcare provider immediately for appropriate medical care.

Contraindication

Volantis is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Volantis or its excipients.

Use Direction

Take Volantis by mouth, once daily, with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not break, crush, or chew the capsule. Take your Volantis at the same time each day.

Storage Condition

Keep Volantis at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Store the capsule in its original container and keep tightly closed.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of Volantis is approximately 32L.

Half Life

The half-life of Volantis is approximately 24 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of Volantis is approximately 589 mL/min.

Here you find in details version of Volantis

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Volantis

What is Volantis?

Volantis is a drug used to prevent the rejection of organ transplants in adults and to treat a rare form of kidney cancer and a type of brain tumor in adults and children. It is also used off-label to treat a variety of other cancer types.

What is Volantis used for?

Volantis is used to prevent organ transplant rejection in adults and to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer), and progressive, well-differentiated, non-functional neuroendocrine tumors of gastrointestinal and pulmonary origin. It is also used off-label to treat a variety of other cancer types.

How does Volantis work?

Volantis works by blocking the action of certain proteins that play a role in the growth and spread of cancer cells. It also blocks the action of certain proteins that are involved in the body’s immune response to transplant rejection.

Is Volantis safe?

Volantis is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, like all medications it can have side effects. The most common side effects are mouth sores or swelling, headache, skin rash, nausea, fatigue, anemia, and vomiting. It can also cause serious side effects including an increased risk of infections and an increased risk of cancer. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Volantis.

What are the precautions for taking Volantis?

Before taking Volantis, tell your doctor if you have any allergies, if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, if you are breastfeeding, or if you are taking any medicines, including over-the-counter and prescription medicines. It is important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements. Do not start or stop taking any medicines without talking to your doctor first.

Is it safe to take Volantis while pregnant?

Volantis is not recommended during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Volantis, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. It is not known if Volantis poses any risk to the fetus. To avoid any potential risks to your baby, contact your doctor immediately.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Volantis?

If you miss a dose of Volantis, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

How long does it take for Volantis to start working?

It may take several weeks for Volantis to start working. Talk to your doctor about how long it may take for you to start seeing results.

How often do I need to take Volantis?

Your dose and schedule of Volantis will depend on your medical condition, tolerance level, and other factors. Talk to your doctor about the best dosing schedule for you.

What are the most common side effects of Volantis?

The most common side effects of Volantis are mouth sores or swelling, headache, skin rash, nausea, fatigue, anemia, and vomiting. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that are bothersome or persistent.

Can Volantis be used in combination with other medications?

Yes, Volantis can be used in combination with other medications to treat your condition. Talk to your doctor about other medications you are taking to make sure they are compatible with Volantis.

Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid when taking Volantis?

It is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Volantis. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy diet to reduce the risk of developing mouth sores. Talk to your doctor about dietary recommendations while taking Volantis.

Can I take other medications while taking Volantis?

You should talk to your doctor before taking any other medications, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements. Some medications may interact with Volantis, so it is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you take.

Should I get a flu shot while taking Volantis?

Yes, it is recommended to get a flu shot while taking Volantis to reduce your risk of developing an infection. Talk to your doctor about other vaccinations that may be recommended while taking Volantis.

Is Volantis associated with increased risk of blood clots?

Yes, Volantis may be associated with an increased risk of blood clots. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Volantis.

Can Volantis cause an allergic reaction?

Yes, Volantis can cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms can include hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the medication and call your doctor immediately.

Can I still get pregnant while taking Volantis?

No, it is recommended to avoid becoming pregnant while taking Volantis. Talk to your doctor about contraception options and the risks of taking the medication while pregnant.

Can Volantis cause kidney damage?

Yes, Volantis can cause kidney damage. Symptoms of kidney damage can include decreased urine output, swelling of the legs or abdomen, and dark or bloody urine. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking Volantis.

Can I breastfeed while taking Volantis?

No, it is recommended to avoid breastfeeding while taking Volantis. Talk to your doctor about alternative options that can provide nutrition to your baby while avoiding the risks of taking Volantis.

What is the most important information I should know about Volantis?

The most important information to know about Volantis is that it may increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. It may also increase your risk of cancer and blood clots. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Volantis.

What should I do if I experience side effects while taking Volantis?

If you experience any side effects while taking Volantis, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor may be able to adjust your dosage or provide other options to help manage the side effects. It is important to tell your doctor if the side effects are affecting your quality of life.

Is Volantis covered by health insurance?

It depends on the health insurance plan. Contact your health insurance provider for information on what medications are covered and any potential co-pays or out-of-pocket costs.

Can Volantis be used to treat other types of cancer?

Yes, Volantis is sometimes used off-label to treat other types of cancers. Talk to your doctor about your specific cancer to see if Volantis may be an option for your treatment.

Can Volantis cause muscle or joint pain?

Yes, Volantis may cause muscle or joint pain. Talk to your doctor if the pain is persistent and affecting your quality of life.

Can Volantis be taken with antacids?

Yes, Volantis can be taken with antacids such as aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. Talk to your doctor about the best way to take antacids with Volantis.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Volantis?

No, it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Volantis. Talk to your doctor about the risks associated with drinking alcohol while taking the medication.

Can Volantis interact with other medications?

Yes, Volantis can interact with certain medications. Talk to your doctor before taking any other medications. Certain medications, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and grapefruit juice, can increase the risk of side effects when taken with Volantis.

How long should I take Volantis?

The length of treatment with Volantis will depend on your condition and response to treatment. Talk to your doctor about the best duration of treatment for you.

Will Volantis cause me to gain weight?

It is possible to gain weight while taking Volantis. Talk to your doctor about how to best manage any weight gain while taking the medication.

Can Volantis cause headaches?

Yes, Volantis can cause headaches. If the headaches are severe or persistent, talk to your doctor about other options that can help manage the side effects.

Does Volantis cause hair loss?

Yes, Volantis may cause hair loss. Talk to your doctor about other options that can help manage the side effects.

Can I take other vitamins or supplements while taking Volantis?

You should talk to your doctor before taking any other vitamins or supplements while taking Volantis. Certain vitamins and supplements may interact with Volantis and increase the risk of side effects.

Can Volantis cause sleep problems?

Yes, Volantis can cause sleep problems. If the sleep problems are severe or persistent, talk to your doctor about other options that can help manage the side effects.

Can I donate blood while taking Volantis?

No, it is recommended to avoid donating blood while taking Volantis. Talk to your doctor before donating blood while taking the medication.

Can Volantis reduce fertility in men?

Yes, Volantis can reduce fertility in men. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking the medication.

Are there any restrictions on activities while taking Volantis?

Yes, it is important to avoid strenuous physical activities, including sports and exercise, while taking Volantis. Talk to your doctor about any restrictions that may be recommended while taking the medication.

Can I take ibuprofen while taking Volantis?

Yes, ibuprofen can be taken while taking Volantis. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any pain relievers or other medications while taking Volantis.

Can Volantis cause liver damage?

Yes, Volantis can cause liver damage. Symptoms of liver damage can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking Volantis.

Should I get regular blood work while taking Volantis?

Yes, it is important to get regular blood work while taking Volantis. Your doctor may monitor your blood levels to ensure the medication is working properly and to make sure there are no signs of toxicity or other side effects.