January 30, 2012

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