What is Selpercatinib?
Selpercatinib is utilized to treat a particular form of lung cancer that is not small for adults.Selpercatinib can also be utilized to treat certain kinds of thyroid cancer in children and adults who are at least 12 years old.Selpercatinib can be used when the cancer has spread to other areas within the human body (metastatic).
Selpercatinib is indicated only when your cancer is associated with a particular genetic indicator (an irregular "RET" gene). Your doctor will determine if you have this gene. In clinical studies, certain patients responded to the medicine. However, further studies are required.Selpercatinib can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.
Side effects of Selpercatinib
Seek medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as an allergic reaction that causes hives or eruptions; fever or joint muscle discomfort; breathing difficulty; or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Selpercatinib can cause serious adverse effects. See your doctor right away If you are suffering from any of the following:
- Bleeding or bruising (nosebleeds or bleeding gums);
- Vomiting blood or vomit that resembles coffee grounds
- Any injury that is not able to heal;
- Heartbeats that are fast or rapid, the chest thumping, shortness of breath, and dizziness that is sudden (like you're going to faint);
- Chills, fever, cough with mucus, chest pain, and feeling short of breath
- Issues with the liver, such as a loss of appetite or stomach discomfort (upper right side). Dark urine and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
The treatment you receive for cancer could be delayed or completely stopped when you experience certain adverse consequences.
Common side effects of selpercatinib include:
- Atypical blood tests
- Hypertension;
- Tiredness;
- Dry mouth;
- Diarrhea;
- Swelling;
- It can be a rash
- Constipation.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar or related drugs
Opdivo, Rybrevant, Lumakras, methotrexate, Keytruda, Avastin, and Armour Thyroid
Warnings
Follow the directions on the label of your medication and the package. Inform your health care providers about your allergies, medical conditions, and all medications you take.
Prior to use this drug
Selpercatinib should not be used in the case of chronic or untreated hypertension (high blood pressure).
Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- The liver condition
- The long QT disorder (in either you or someone in your family).
Men and women who are taking selpercatinib must use birth control to stop pregnancies. Selpercatinib can harm an unborn child if the father or mother is taking the medication. Continue using contraceptives for at least one week following the last dose.Contact your physician immediately. If you become pregnant when both the mother and father are taking selpercatinib,
This medication can affect fertility (the ability to have children) for both men and women. It is nevertheless important to use birth control in order to avoid pregnancy since selpercatinib may cause harm to a baby who is not born.Avoid breastfeeding during the course of this medicine and at least one week following the last dose.
How to take Selpercatinib?
Follow the instructions on the label of your prescription and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. Your doctor may alter the dosage. Make sure you take the medication exactly as prescribed.Selpercatinib is typically taken every 12 hours.
Selpercatinib is a food supplement in the event that you also take a "proton pump inhibitor" stomach acid medicine like esomeprazole or lansoprazole, Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium, and more.Follow the instructions of your physician for dosage with care.
If you experience vomiting shortly after taking selpercatinib, do not take a second dose. You must wait until the next dose is scheduled to take the medication again.Selpercatinib dosages are based on weight (especially for teenagers and children)Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.It is possible that you will be prescribed steroids if you experience any allergic reactions. Continue to take this medication for the duration your doctor has prescribed.Your blood pressure is likely to be checked regularly.
If you are in need of surgery, be sure to inform your doctor that you are currently taking selpercatinib. It may be necessary to stop using it for a minimum of seven days prior to a scheduled surgery.Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.
Details on dosage
Dose for Lung Cancer:
Less than 50kg less than 50 kg: 120 mg orally two times a day (approximately each 12-hour period) until the progression of disease or toxicity is unacceptable.
50 kg or more at least 160 mg taken orally two times a day (approximately each 12 hour period) until progression of the disease or toxicity is unacceptable.
Use: To treat adults suffering from metastatic RET-positive fusions. Small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Usual Adult Dose for Thyroid Cancer:
Less than 50kg less than 50 kg: 120 mg orally two times a day (approximately once every twelve hours) until the progression of disease or toxicity is unacceptable.
50 kg or more, at least 160 mg taken orally two times per day (approximately once every twelve hours) until the progression of disease or unacceptably toxic
Uses:
For the treatment of adult patients suffering from medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) that requires systemic treatment.
For the treatment of patients who have metastatic or advanced RET-positive thyroid cancer that requires systemic therapy and is radioactive iodine-refractory (if radioactive iodine is needed),
Usual Pediatric Dose for Thyroid Cancer:
Age 12 and over:
less than 50kg less than 50 kg: 120 mg orally two times a day (approximately once every twelve hours) until progression of the disease or unacceptably toxic
Age 12 and over:
50 kg or more 60 kg or more times a day (approximately once every twelve hours) until the progression of disease or toxicity is unacceptable.
Uses:
For the treatment of children aged 12 and over who have metastatic or advanced medullary thyroid cancer RET-mutant (MTC) that requires systemic treatment
for the treatment of pediatric patients aged 12 or older with metastatic or advanced RET-positive fusion thyroid cancer who require systemic therapy and are resistant to radioactive iodine (if radioactive iodine is the appropriate treatment).
What happens if I miss a dose?
Do the medication as quickly as you can. However, take a break from your missed dose in case the coming dose falls within less than six hours. Don't have two dosages at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Consult your physician before taking any medication to lower stomach acid, such as an Antacid.
Beware of taking herbal supplements with St. John's wort.
Interaction with other drugs
There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medicines in combination. Certain medications can alter the blood levels of other medications that you take, which can create side effects or render the medication less effective.
Selpercatinib may cause serious heart conditions. Your risk of developing heart problems is greater if you are also taking various other medications to treat asthma, infections, heart conditions, high blood pressure, mental illness, depression, malaria, cancer, or HIV.
Certain medicines may cause selpercatinib to be less effective if taken in conjunction. If you are taking any of the following medications, be sure to take them in isolation from the dosage of selpercatinib.
- An antacid, take selpercatinib for 2 minutes prior to or 2 hours after having taken the antacid.
- Stomach acid medications (such as cimetidine, famotidine, Axid, and Pepcid Tagamet, among others)—take selpercatinib 2 hours prior to or 10 hours following the time you took the other medication.
Other medications can affect selpercatinib's effects, such as prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about your current medications and any medication you begin or stop taking.
