Kinase inhibitor
VITRAKVI (larotrectinib) is a medicine used to treat adult and pediatric patients with solid tumors that have a specific genetic change called an NTRK gene fusion. It is intended for patients whose cancer is metastatic (has spread) or cannot be easily removed by surgery, and for whom there are no other good treatment options.
How it worksVITRAKVI works by blocking a specific protein called a neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) that helps cancer cells grow.
Brand names:VITRAKVI
How to take
For adults and children with a body surface area of 1 m² or more, the dose is 100 mg taken by mouth twice daily. For children with a body surface area less than 1 m², the dose is 100 mg/m² taken by mouth twice daily. It can be taken with or without food.
Treatment continues until the cancer progresses or the patient experiences unacceptable side effects.
Key warnings
- ·Brain and nerve effects: VITRAKVI may cause dizziness, difficulty thinking, mood changes, or sleep issues. Do not drive or use heavy machinery if you feel these effects.
- ·Bone fractures: There is a risk of broken bones; report any bone pain or changes in how you move to your doctor.
- ·Liver health: You will need regular blood tests to check your liver function.
- ·Pregnancy risk: This drug can cause harm to a fetus. Use effective birth control while taking it.
Do not use if
- ·None listed
Side effects
Common
Serious
- ·Central Nervous System (CNS) issues like dizziness, mood changes, or sleep problems
- ·Bone fractures
- ·Liver problems (hepatotoxicity)
- ·Harm to an unborn baby (embryo-fetal toxicity)
Seek help if
- ·Dizziness or confusion
- ·Severe bone pain
- ·Yellowing of eyes/skin (jaundice)
- ·Signs of infection
Interactions
- ·Avoid taking VITRAKVI with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors unless the dose is reduced.
- ·Avoid taking VITRAKVI with strong CYP3A4 inducers unless the dose is increased.
- ·Monitor closely if taking moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers.
Special populations
PregnancyVITRAKVI can cause harm to an unborn baby. Pregnant women should be aware of this risk, and people of reproductive age should use effective contraception.
PediatricVITRAKVI is approved for use in both adult and pediatric patients with certain NTRK gene fusion tumors. Its safety and effectiveness have been studied in children.
GeriatricNo major differences in how safe or effective VITRAKVI is were found in patients aged 65 and older compared to younger adults.
Talk to your doctor
Monitor
- ·Liver function (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin)
- ·Signs of bone pain or fractures
- ·Neurological changes (dizziness, mood, sleep)
- ·Blood counts (anemia, white blood cell levels)
Questions to ask
- ·Should I have my liver function tested regularly while on VITRAKVI?
- ·How will VITRAKVIs affect my ability to drive or work?
- ·What birth control should I use while taking VITRAKVIs?
- ·Are there any specific foods or medicines I must avoid with VITRAKVIs?
Pharmacokinetics
Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-26.
