Vitrakvi (larotrectinib) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for certain types of cancers in adults and children. As with other drugs, Vitrakvi can cause side effects, such as fatigue, dizziness, and muscle pain.

Vitrakvi can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Vitrakvi in clinical trials:

  • fatigue
  • fever
  • dizziness
  • nausea or vomiting
  • joint, bone, or muscle pain

Mild side effects can occur with Vitrakvi use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Vitrakvi’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Vitrakvi include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Vitrakvi and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* An allergic reaction is possible after using Vitrakvi. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Vitrakvi may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Vitrakvi’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Vitrakvi, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Vitrakvi. However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Vitrakvi was given to children ages 1 month and older in clinical trials. The side effects in children are the same as for adults. It’s possible that some side effects may occur more often in children, including:

  • fever
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • skin rash

Learn more about some of the side effects that Vitrakvi may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Vitrakvi.

Nervous system effects

Nervous system problems were a common side effect reported in clinical studies of the drug. These effects can be mild or serious. Some of the symptoms Vitrakvi can cause include:

  • dizziness
  • confusion
  • sleep changes
  • problems with concentration, memory, or decision-making
  • mood changes
  • decrease in coordination or reaction time

What you can do

Due to the risks of nervous system problems, you should not drive a car or operate heavy machinery until you know how Vitrakvi affects you.

Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms or if your symptoms worsen. Your doctor may lower your dose or recommend you stop taking Vitrakvi.

Liver problems

Vitrakvi can increase the level of certain liver enzymes in the blood. An increase in these liver enzymes was commonly reported in clinical studies of the drug. In some cases, this could lead to serious liver problems. Symptoms of a liver problem can include:

  • nausea and vomiting
  • dark-colored urine or pale stools
  • tiredness
  • loss of appetite
  • pain in the upper right side of your abdomen
  • yellowing of the skin or whites of your eyes

What you can do

Before you take Vitrakvi, your doctor will order a blood test called a liver function test (LFT) to check the health of your liver. During the first 2 months of treatment, they’ll check your liver function frequently, likely every 2 weeks. After that, they will monitor it every month. Your doctor may recommend more frequent monitoring if your liver enzymes have increased.

Your doctor may recommend decreasing your dosage if they find you have elevated liver enzymes. Or they may have you temporarily or permanently stop taking Vitrakvi. Your doctor will decide what the best option is based on how severe your symptoms are.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Vitrakvi can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Vitrakvi. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Vitrakvi. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These include:

Bone fractures: Treatment with Vitrakvi can increase your risk of bone fractures. Taking Vitrakvi if you already have a condition that increases your risk of bone fractures, such as osteoporosis, could make a fracture more likely. If you experience symptoms, such as pain or changes in your ability to move, talk with your doctor. These may be signs of a bone fracture.

Liver problems: If you have liver problems, such as cirrhosis, it may be harder for your body to remove Vitrakvi from your system. Vitrakvi can also increase the level of certain liver enzymes, which may further damage your liver. If you have liver problems, tell your doctor before starting treatment with Vitrakvi. They will likely recommend a lower dosage for you.

Nervous system problems: Mild or severe nervous system problems are possible while taking Vitrakvi. If you have any problems, such as issues with memory or depression, tell your doctor before starting Vitrakvi. They will likely want to monitor you more closely for side effects. It’s possible that your doctor may decrease your dose or stop treatment if side effects become too severe.

Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Vitrakvi or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Vitrakvi. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding: If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding your child, Vitrakvi is not considered safe for you to take. Be sure to tell your doctor that you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. They can let you know about other treatment options for your condition.

Alcohol consumption: If you drink alcohol, Vitrakvi may increase your risk of side effects or make them more severe. Talk with your doctor about whether drinking alcohol is safe while taking Vitrakvi.

Like most medications, Vitrakvi can cause side effects. Some side effects may be severe and require treatment. Talk with your doctor if you develop side effects that are bothersome or serious.

If you’d like to learn more about Vitrakvi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

  • More information about Vitrakvi: For details about other aspects of Vitrakvi, refer to this article.
  • Dosage: For information about the dosage of Vitrakvi, view this article.
  • A look at your condition: For details about your condition, see our cancer hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.