Uses
What is Retevmo used for?
Retevmo (selpercatinib) is commonly used for treating cancers with a RET gene fusion. RET is a gene and stands for rearranged during transfection. A RET fusion happens when a piece of DNA from a different gene fuses (combines) itself with RET and causes a fusion. Retevmo may be used to treat several different types of cancers that have a RET gene fusion. These include certain non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), medullary and non-medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), and any other solid tumor cancers that are advanced or are metastatic (have spread to other parts of the body).
Learn more about Retevmo for NSCLC.
Retevmo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Retevmo work (mechanism of action)?
Retevmo is a type of medicine called a kinase inhibitor. It blocks the action of RET. RET sends signals to cells to tell them to grow. When there is a RET fusion on a cancer cell, cells can grow quickly, which causes cancer to grow and spread. By blocking RET fusions, Retevmo can help to stop cancer cells from growing.
How is Retevmo supplied (dosage forms)?
Retevmo is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 40 mg oral capsules
- 80 mg oral capsules
- 40 mg oral tablets
- 80 mg oral tablets
- 120 mg oral tablets
- 160 mg oral tablets
How should I store Retevmo?
Retevmo should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Retevmo?
The most common side effects of Retevmo in adults are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Fluid retention
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness
- Dry mouth
- Increased blood pressure (see below)
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Rash
- Nausea
- Headache
- Decreased white blood cells
- Changes in liver function tests
- Decreased sodium levels
- Decreased calcium levels
The most common side effects of Retevmo in children who are 2 years of age or older are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Muscle or bone pain
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Coronavirus infection
- Stomach pain
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Bleeding (see below)
- Decreased calcium levels
- Blood disorders, such as low hemoglobin (red blood cells) and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia)
There may be other side effects of Retevmo that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Retevmo?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Retevmo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Retevmo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Retevmo and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Retevmo. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine (pee)
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Lung Inflammation. Retevmo can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease. This can be dangerous and life-threatening. Tell your healthcare provider if you have trouble breathing. You may also have a cough and/or fever.
Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Retevmo may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure increases while taking this medicine.
If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable but look out for any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.
- Sudden severe headache
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or confusion
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea/vomiting
- Blurry or other changes to vision
- Anxiety
- Buzzing in the ears
- Nosebleed
- Feeling of skipped heartbeats
Heart Rhythm Changes. Retevmo may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or who take some medicines for other heart rhythm problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.
Severe Bleeding. Retevmo can increase your risk of severe bleeding that can lead to death. Some people with serious bleeding may need a blood transfusion or surgery. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding while taking Retevmo.
- Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
- Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
- Red or black stools (looks like tar)
- Coughing up blood or blood clots
Tumor Lysis Syndrome. Retevmo can cause a rapid amount of cells to die when being used for medullary thyroid cancer. This can lead to a condition called tumor lysis syndrome. This can be a serious condition. It is important to drink plenty of water while receiving Retevmo and to keep all of your appointments for blood work so your healthcare provider can see how your body is responding to Retevmo. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs of tumor lysis syndrome while taking Retevmo.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness
- Swelling or fluid retention
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle cramps
- Seizures
Wound Healing Issues. Retevmo can make it difficult for your body to heal wounds. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any planned or emergency surgeries or if you have any injuries that occur while taking Retevmo. Usually they will tell you to stop taking Retevmo at least 7 days before your surgery, but your healthcare provider will tell you when you should stop taking Retevmo based on your surgery and treatment.
Low Thyroid Hormones (Hypothyroidism). Retevmo can cause the function of your thyroid gland to change, which can lead to low thyroid levels. Attend all of your appointments for blood work so your healthcare provider can see how your thyroid is responding to Retevmo. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs of low thyroid hormones.
- Weight gain
- Feeling cold
- Tiredness that does not go away or continues to worsen
- Constipation
Hip Joint Problems. Retevmo can cause hip joint problems in children. These included a slipped capital femoral epiphysis or a slipped upper femoral epiphysis. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you or your child have any signs of hip problems, including hip and knee pain or a limp without pain.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Retevmo?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Retevmo.
- Selpercatinib
- Retevmo
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Retevmo.
What should I know about Retevmo before using it?
Do not take Retevmo unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Retevmo with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Do not crush, chew, or split Retevmo capsules or tablets. Do not give Retevmo capsules to children who are not able to swallow a capsule.
Try to take your Retevmo doses at the same times every day. If you vomit after you take Retevmo, you should not take another dose. Take your next dose as scheduled.
Keep Retevmo out of the reach of children.
Retevmo can be taken with or without food but should not be taken along with certain medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, or antacids. If you are taking Retevmo with a PPI, you should make sure to take Retevmo with food. Retevmo should be taken 2 hours before or 10 hours after an H2 blocker and 2 hours before or 2 hours after an antacid.
People who are aged 2 to 18 years (pediatric) can be at greater risk for some side effects from Retevmo. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you or the person receiving the medicine is in this age group.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Retevmo?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Retevmo is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Liver problems
- Breathing or lung problems
- High blood pressure
- Heart problems
- Bleeding problems
- Have any planned surgeries
Other Medicines and Supplements. Retevmo may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Retevmo, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. Retevmo may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You must not be pregnant before starting Retevmo. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment with Retevmo and for 1 week after your last dose. If you are a male who has a female partner that can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment with Retevmo and for 1 week after your last dose.
Infertility. Retevmo may cause fertility problems. Talk with your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.
Breastfeeding. Do not undergo treatment with Retevmo while you are breastfeeding and for 1 week after your last dose. It is not known if Retevmo passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Retevmo?
For more information about Retevmo, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.retevmo.lilly.com or call them at 800-545-5979.
Interactions
Does Retevmo interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Retevmo and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Retevmo.
Does Retevmo interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Retevmo.
- Medicines that can cause QT prolongation, which is a potentially dangerous heart rhythm problem
- St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
- A proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), or rabeprazole (Aciphex)
- An H2 blocker, such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid, Zantac), or nizatidine (Axid)
- An antacid containing calcium, aluminum, or magnesium
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Retevmo, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Retevmo. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Retevmo?
If you or someone else has used too much Retevmo, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Retevmo?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 6 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Retevmo (selpercatinib)?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.