Genentech, the pharmaceutical company that makes Erivedge (vismodegib) has supplied information to the Gorlin Syndrome Alliance regarding the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines that are now pending FDA Approval while taking this medication.

We have been told that, “at this time there is no evidence to suggest an interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines and Erivedge(r) [Vismodegib].”

They have also re-iterated that, “there have been no specific studies conducted to examine the effectiveness of vaccines, in general, given to patients receiving vismodegib. This is further complicated by the fact that the initial vaccines that will receive Emergency Use Authorization in the United States from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna utilize a novel vaccine technology (mRNA) where there is no prior clinical experience to aid understanding of  how the vaccine may act in the presence of other medications.”

In other words, the vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna that may be coming out soon (SARS-CoV-2) are using a brand-new technology that has not been tested while the recipient is taking other medications. There are other vaccines that are currently in clinical trial that have more of a “track record” but, these may not be available until later next year.

Please discuss this decision with your health care provider.

The Gorlin Syndrome Alliance (GSA) is pleased to share these articles in our continued efforts to provide information on Gorlin syndrome and its manifestations. The articles listed are available to all. The GSA takes no responsibility for their content, recommendations or information provided in these documents. They are presented simply as a service to our members seeking information. If you would like to provide other Gorlin syndrome related articles to the GSA, please email the GSA.