Vitrakvi (larotrectinib): What to Expect, Side Effects, and More

Vitrakvi (chemical name: larotrectinib) is approved to treat people with tumors that have an NTRK gene fusion — a mutation that causes abnormal cell growth.  

If you have a solid tumor and have been diagnosed with metastatic or inoperable cancer for which there are no alternative treatment options, your doctor may order genetic tests to determine if Vitraki may be right for you. 

Vitrakvi can be used to treat any solid tumors that have an NTRK gene fusion. NTRK gene fusion mutations have been found in cancers of the breast, brain, head and neck, thyroid, and more .

See Vitrakvi prescribing information.

Vitrakvi is a medicine that blocks the protein tyrosine receptor kinase (TRK). Blocking TRK may help to keep cancer cells from growing. 

Vitrakvi comes in two forms:

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  a pill taken by mouth

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  a liquid taken by mouth

The recommended dosage depends on your body size, but is typically 100 mg twice daily.

Like almost all breast cancer medicines, Vitrakvi can cause side effects, some of them severe. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of these side effects. 

The most common side effects of Vitrakvi are:

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  fatigue

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  nausea

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  dizziness

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  vomiting

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  cough

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  constipation

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  diarrhea

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  infection

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  fever

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  abdominal pain

Other, more serious side effects may occur, including:

Central nervous system effects: Symptoms include cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances. 

Skeletal fractures: Symptoms include pain, changes in mobility, and deformity.

Liver damage: Symptoms include jaundice, urine changes, stomach pain, and nausea. 

Vitrakvi can cause harm to an unborn child. You should not take Vitrakvi if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Before starting treatment, your doctor may ask you to take a pregnancy test. You should use an effective form of contraception during treatment as well as for 1 week after your last dose of the medicine.

The cost of Vitrakvi may vary. The price you’ll pay depends on the drug manufacturer, your health insurance provider and plan, where you live, and the pharmacy you use. 

Note: Your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization before covering Vitrakvi. 

Learn more about financial assistance and medicine cost-lowering tips.