Metastatic basal cell carcinoma or locally advanced basal cell carcinoma which has recurred in patients who are not candidates for further surgery or radiation.
Instruct patient to take as directed. If a dose is missed, skip missed dose. Do not make up dose. Resume dosing with next scheduled dose.
Advise patient to notify health care professional if signs and symptoms of skin reactions (blisters or peeling of ski; high fever or flu-like symptoms; blisters on lip, around mouth or eyes; enlarged lymph nodes; mouth sores; genital sores; skin pain and burning) occur.
Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications.
Discuss the possibility of hair loss with patient. Explore methods of coping.
Advise patient not to donate blood during therapy and for at least 24 mo after last dose.
Rep: Vismodegib can cause fetal harm (embryo-fetal death or severe birth defects). Advise females of reproductive potential to use a highly effective method (IUD, hormonal contraceptive, tubal ligation, partner's vasectomy) of contraception during and for at least 24 mo after therapy. Males with female partners of reproductive potential must always use condoms with spermicide, even if they have undergone a successful vasectomy during and for 3 mo after last dose, and may not donate sperm during and for 3 mo after completion of therapy. Instruct patient to notify health care professional promptly if pregnancy is suspected or if breastfeeding. Advise women to avoid breastfeeding during and for 24 mo after final dose of vismodegib. May cause amenorrhea with unknown reversibility. Encourage women who have been exposed to vismodegib either directly or through seminal fluid, to participate in Pregnancy Exposure Registry by calling 1-888-835-2555.