The basics
Selpercatinib (brand name-Retevmo) is an FDA-approved treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in adults that has spread to other parts of the body in adults. It is also used to treat a certain type of thyroid cancer in adults and children 12 years of age and older that has spread to other parts of the body.
Selpercatinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.
Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about selpercatinib.
How should I take selpercatinib (Retevmo)?
Selpercatinib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice daily (every 12 hours) with or without food. Take selpercatinib at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take selpercatinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not open, chew, or crush them. If you vomit after taking selpercatinib, do not take another dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.
Do not stop taking selpercatinib without talking to your doctor. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.
What are the side effects of selpercatinib (Retevmo)?
Common side effects
- dry mouth
- diarrhea
- constipation
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- headache
- tiredness
- cough
- swelling of your arms, legs, hands, and feet
- muscle cramps
- weakness
- fever
- rash
- joint or muscle pain
- swelling of arms and legs
Serious side effects
- shortness of breath
- pain in the right upper part of the stomach
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- dark urine
- yellowing of the skin and eye
- heart palpitations
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- fainting
- coughing up or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- red or tarry black bowel movements
- seizures
Selpercatinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking selpercatinib (Retevmo)
- tell your doctor about your allergies
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any disease, symptom, or treatment
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you plan on fathering a child.
While you are on selpercatinib (Retevmo)
- If you or your partner become pregnant while taking selpercatinib, call your doctor immediately. Selpercatinib can cause fetal harm.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are taking selpercatinib and for 1 week after your final dose.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking selpercatinib.
I forgot a dose. What should I do?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is within 6 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
In case of an emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
How should I safely store and dispose of selpercatinib (Retevmo)?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org,
you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Brand names
- Retevmo®
Last Revised – 12/26/2023, FDA updated-11/28/2023, SG
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