Tepotinib (Tepmetko)

The basics

Tepotinib (brand name- Tepmetko) is an FDA-approved treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other parts of the body in adults.

Tepotinib (Tepmetko) 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 key things you need to know about tepotinib.

How should I take Tepotinib (Tepmetko)?

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Tepotinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily with food. Take tepotinib at around the same time 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 tepotinib exactly as directed.

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. If you vomit after taking tepotinib, do not take another dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.

Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with tepotinib. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.

What are the side effects of tepotinib (Tepmetko)?

Serious side effects

  • shortness of breath, fever, or cough
  • pain in right upper part of the stomach
  • unusual bruising or bleeding
  • dark urine
  • yellowing of the skin and eyes

Tepotinib 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 tepotinib (Tepmetko)

  • 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 or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while you are taking tepotinib. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that will work for you.

While you are on tepotinib (Tepmetko)

  • tepotinib may harm your unborn baby. If you or your partner become pregnant during your treatment with tepotinib, call your doctor immediately.
  • tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You should not breast-feed while you are taking tepotinib and for at least 1 week after your final dose.

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is within 8 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 tepotinib (Tepmetko)?

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?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Brand names

  • Tepmetko®

Last Revised -12/26/2023, FDA-updated- 03/30/2023, SG

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DISCLAIMER: No part of this content constitutes medical advice, opinion, or should be used for medical decision making without consultation with a licenced medical practitioner and under a patient-provider relationship. All information on the website is provided without any claims of accuracy. For full terms and conditions, visit this link. Content curated by the Ankr team.

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