FDA approves Roche skin cancer drug Erivedge

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By Associated Press

Summary

Regulators have approved a pill that treats the most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma.

Story Published: Jan 30, 2012 at 10:01 AM PDT

Story Updated: Jan 30, 2012 at 12:47 PM PDT

FDA approves Roche skin cancer drug Erivedge
NEW YORK (AP) - Regulators have approved a pill that treats the most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma.

The pill is called Erivedge and is made by Genentech, a unit of Swiss drugmaker Roche. Erivedge is intended to treat locally advanced cancer for patients who are not candidates for surgery or radiation, and for patients whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The capsule is taken once per day.

Genentech says Erivedge is the first drug approved to treat advanced basal cell carcinoma. It says the drug will be available within one to two weeks.

The most common side effects of Erivedge included muscle spasms, hair loss, weight loss, diarrhea, fatigue, changes or loss in sense of taste, decreased appetite, constipation, and vomiting

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