What Is Retevmo Used For?

Retevmo is an anti-cancer prescription medicine that targets specific genetic changes in cancer cells to help slow or stop cancer growth.

Primary Uses

Retevmo treats cancers caused by abnormal changes in the RET gene: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in adults, and medullary thyroid cancer in adults and adolescents 12 years and older. Your doctor will perform a test to check if your cancer has a change in the RET gene to make sure Retevmo is right for you.

How It Works

In patients whose cancer has an altered RET gene, the change causes the body to make an abnormal RET protein, which can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer. Retevmo blocks the action of the abnormal RET protein and may slow or stop the growth of the cancer. It may also help to shrink the cancer.

How to Take Retevmo

Your doctor will prescribe the right dose for you based on your body weight. Take Retevmo exactly as prescribed until your doctor tells you to stop.

Dosage Instructions

Maximum recommended doses: for patients with less than 50 kg body weight: 120 mg twice a day; for patients with 50 kg body weight or greater: 160 mg twice a day. Take twice daily at about the same time every day, preferably in the morning and evening. Swallow capsules whole with water – do not chew, crush or split. Can be taken with or without food, but if taking proton pump inhibitors (like omeprazole), take with a full meal. If taking H2 blockers (like ranitidine), take Retevmo 2 hours before or 10 hours after. If taking antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, calcium, or simethicone, take Retevmo 2 hours before or 2 hours after.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you vomit after taking the dose or forget a dose, take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten or vomited dose.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Swelling of arms, legs, hands or feet
• Diarrhea
• Tiredness
• Dry mouth
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Rash
• Nausea
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Decreased appetite
• Fever
• Inflamed and sore mouth
• Bladder infections
• Difficulty getting and keeping an erection

Important Warnings

Retevmo has several important warnings and precautions that you should discuss with your doctor before starting treatment.

Who Should Not Take Retevmo

Do not take Retevmo if you are allergic to selpercatinib or any of the ingredients listed in the medication guide. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have: liver problems, lung or breathing problems other than lung cancer, high blood pressure, heart problems including QT prolongation, bleeding problems, history of kidney problems or low blood pressure (may increase risks of tumor lysis syndrome), problems with thyroid or thyroid hormone levels. Also inform your doctor about all medicines you take including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Retevmo can harm your unborn baby. Females who can become pregnant should use effective birth control while taking Retevmo and for at least one week after the final dose. Males with female partners who can become pregnant should also use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 week after the final dose. Do not breastfeed while taking Retevmo and for at least 1 week after the last dose, as it’s unknown if Retevmo passes into breast milk.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Retevmo and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.

• Medicines that may increase Retevmo’s effect: itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole (antifungals), ritonavir, saquinavir (HIV medicines)
• Medicines that may reduce Retevmo’s effect: carbamazepine (epilepsy), phenytoin, phenobarbital (epilepsy), rifampicin, rifabutin (tuberculosis), St. John’s wort (herbal depression treatment)
• Medicines affected by Retevmo: midazolam (sedation), alfentanil (anesthetic), avanafil, vardenafil (erectile dysfunction), darunavir (HIV), naloxegol (constipation), simvastatin (cholesterol)
• Other affected medicines: enzalutamide, paclitaxel, sorafenib (cancer treatments), buprenorphine (pain), selexipag (hypertension), montelukast (asthma)
• Acid-reducing medicines: ranitidine, H2 blockers, omeprazole, proton pump inhibitors
• Other medicines: dabigatran (blood clots), digoxin (heart), levothyroxine (thyroid)

Alcohol & Driving

Be careful when driving or using machinery as Retevmo may affect your ability to perform these activities safely.

Alcohol

No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material. Consult your doctor about alcohol consumption while taking Retevmo.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Retevmo affects you. Retevmo may make you feel tired or dizzy, which could impair your ability to drive safely.

Storage

Keep your capsules in the original pack until it’s time to take them. Store below 30°C. Keep where young children cannot reach it. Do not use if the inner seal is broken or packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. Take expired or unwanted medicine to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Overdose Information

If you think you have taken too much Retevmo, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

Frequently Asked Questions