Phoselp 40 Selpercatinib

Selpercatinib, sold under the brand name Phoselp40 Retevmo, is a medication for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, and other types of thyroid cancers in people whose tumors have an alteration (mutation or fusion) in a specific gene (RET or "rearranged during transfection"). It is taken by mouth.

The most common side effects include changes in laboratory tests (including increased liver enzymes, increased blood sugar, decreased white cell and platelet counts, decreased protein level, decreased calcium, increased total cholesterol, increased creatinine, and decreased sodium) dry mouth, diarrhea, high blood pressure, fatigue, edema, rash, and constipation.

Selpercatinib is a kinase inhibitor, meaning it blocks a type of enzyme (kinase) and helps prevent the cancer cells from growing.Before beginning treatment, the identification of a RET gene alteration must be determined using laboratory testing.
Selpercatinib is the first therapy approved specifically for people with cancer and the RET gene alterations.

Medical uses
Selpercatinib is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of

adults with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).
adults and children twelve years of age and older with advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).
adults and children twelve years of age and older with advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer who have received radioactive iodine that did not work or is no longer working.

Why is this medication prescribed?
Selpercatinib is used to treat a certain type of 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 also used to treat another type of thyroid cancer that has spread to other parts of the body in adults and children 12 years of age and older who have been treated unsuccessfully with radioactive iodine. 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.

How should this medicine be used?
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.

Your doctor may decrease your dose, or interrupt or discontinue your treatment. This depends on how well the medication works for you and the side effects you experience. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment. Continue to take selpercatinib even if you feel well. Do not stop taking selpercatinib without talking to your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What side effects can this medication cause?
Selpercatinib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
dry mouth
diarrhea
constipation
nausea
vomiting
stomach pain
headache
tiredness
cough
shortness of breath
swelling of your arms, legs, hands, and feet.