Vismodegib
Vismodegib is an oral targeted therapy medication that inhibits the Hedgehog signaling pathway by binding to Smoothened protein. It is primarily used to treat advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma in patients who are not candidates for surgery or radiation, and has also shown efficacy in certain other malignancies like medulloblastoma.
Vismodegib is a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor used to treat advanced basal cell carcinoma and certain other cancers by blocking cancer cell growth signals.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01XJ01
- RxNorm
- 1242987
- Generic
- Vismodegib
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Erivedge
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of symptomatic metastatic basal cell carcinoma or locally advanced basal cell carcinoma inappropriate for surgery or radiation. Also approved for adult patients with relapsed/refractory medulloblastoma.
Vismodegib is a small molecule that selectively binds to and inhibits Smoothened (SMO), a transmembrane receptor protein that is a key component of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. By inhibiting SMO, it prevents downstream activation of GLI transcription factors and blocks Hedgehog-dependent tumor growth.
Common side effects include muscle spasms, alopecia, dysgeusia, weight loss, and fatigue. The medication carries a boxed warning for embryo-fetal toxicity; effective contraception is required during treatment and for 24 months after the last dose. Treatment should continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy