Retevmo

The active ingredient in Retevmo is selpercatinib, which is a type of kinase inhibitor known as a RET inhibitor. RET is a protein in the body that causes cells to multiply and divide. The RET gene provides instructions for your body's production of RET proteins. In certain malignancies, alterations (mutations) in the RET gene cause cancer cells to spread out of control. Retevmo inhibits the RET protein, preventing the cancer from growing and spreading as easily.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Retevmo. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Retevmo:

• Retevmo is taken orally, usually twice a day (approximately 12 hours apart), with or without food.
• If you are taking a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) like omeprazole, take Retevmo with food.
• If you take an antacid containing aluminium, magnesium, calcium, simethicone, or buffered medications, take Retevmo 2 hours before or after the antacid.
• If you are taking an H2 blocker (such as famotidine, nizatidine, or cimetidine), take Retevmo 2 hours before or 10 hours after taking it.

Some mild or common side effects of Retevmo in adults with solid tumors during clinical trials include:

• Abnormal electrolyte levels in the blood.
• Lower blood cell count.
• Fluid retention (swelling or edema).
• Diarrhea,
• Fatigue.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Stomach pain.
• Constipation.
• Nausea.
• Headache.
• Dry mouth.
• Increased liver enzymes (ALT and AST).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Retevmo. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Lung damage includes coughing, shortness of breath, and fever.
• Abnormal heart rhythms include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a fluttering or pounding heartbeat.
• Liver toxicity and damage. Symptoms include right upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark colored urine, yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice), and unusual fatigue or weakness.
• Bleeding problems. Symptoms include bloody or tarry stools, vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, bloody or dark urine, skin rash, and unusual bruising or bleeding.
• Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) symptoms include muscle cramps, black or brown urine, and a fluttering or hammering heartbeat.
• Serious, life-threatening allergic reactions include fever, rash, muscle, bone, and joint discomfort.
• Hip joint problems (slipped capital femoral epiphysis or slipped upper femoral epiphysis) in children.
• Slow or incomplete wound healing.
• Low thyroid hormone levels.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Retevmo. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Retevmo, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Liver problems.
• High blood pressure.
• Bleeding problems.
• Other heart problems, including QT prolongation.
• Plans to have surgery (typically stop taking the medication 7 days before).
• Lung problems.
• Low thyroid hormone levels in your blood (hypothyroidism). Your healthcare provider will do frequent blood tests to monitor this.

There are no contraindications with Retevmo.

Retevmo begins working quickly after you start taking it. However, clinical effects typically appear within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the kind and stage of cancer. To measure tumour response, doctors often use imaging scans and lab data 8 to 12 weeks after treatment.

When Retevmo is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Acid-reducers. These should typically be avoided if possible.
• Strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors and inducers. These should typically be avoided if possible.

People weighing 110 pounds or more: The average dose is 160 mg taken orally twice a day, roughly 12 hours apart.

People weighing less than 110 pounds: The normal dose is 120 mg taken orally twice a day, about 12 hours apart.

Do not take a missed dose of Retevmo unless it is more than 6 hours until your next scheduled dose. Take the next dose at your scheduled time.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Eli Lilly and Company is the manufacturer of Retevmo.

There are no generic name versions available of Retevmo.

You should not discontinue Retevmo (selpercatinib) without your doctor's approval. Stopping abruptly may cause your cancer to progress or return. If you encounter side effects, your doctor may reduce your dose, pause treatment, or determine whether it is safe to discontinue completely. Always consult your oncologist before making any changes to your medication.

If you can become pregnant, your healthcare provider will do a pregnancy test before beginning therapy. Females who can become pregnant should take effective birth control (contraception) during therapy and for at least 1 week following the final dosage. Consult your doctor about birth control options that may be suitable for you.

Males with female partners who are capable of becoming pregnant should use effective birth control during therapy and for at least one week following the last dose.

Because of the possible risks, you should not breastfeed during treatment with Retevmo and for 1 week after your last dose.