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Xermelo is used to treat certain people with diarrhea caused by carcinoid syndrome, which is a condition caused by certain rare tumors that release hormones into the blood. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and depression. Stop taking Xermelo and get help right away if you have stopped having bowel movements or have stomach pain that will not go away or is getting worse. 

Uses

What is Xermelo used for?

Xermelo (telotristat) is commonly used to treat certain people with diarrhea caused by carcinoid syndrome, which is a condition caused by certain rare tumors that release hormones into the blood. 

Xermelo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Xermelo work (mechanism of action)?

Xermelo works by lowering the amount of serotonin made in the body. Serotonin affects digestion, movement, and inflammation in the gut and is often overproduced in people with carcinoid syndrome.

How is Xermelo supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Xermelo

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 250 mg oral tablets

How should I store Xermelo?

Xermelo should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 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 Xermelo?

The most common side effects of Xermelo are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Xermelo that are not listed here. Contact your health care 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 (800-332-1088). 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 Xermelo?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Xermelo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Xermelo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Xermelo 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

Severe Constipation. Some people taking Xermelo have had severe constipation. Some needed to go to the hospital. Stop taking Xermelo and get help right away if you have stopped having bowel movements or have stomach pain that will not go away or is getting worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Xermelo?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Xermelo.

  • Telotristat
  • Xermelo
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Xermelo.

What should I know about Xermelo before using it?

Do not take Xermelo unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Xermelo with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Xermelo out of the reach of children.

If you are using Xermelo with other medicines for diarrhea, talk to your health care provider about which medicine to use first and how to space them apart.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Xermelo?

Tell your health care 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 Xermelo is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Liver Problems. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take Xermelo.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Xermelo may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Xermelo, tell your health care 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. It is not known if or how Xermelo could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Xermelo passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Xermelo while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Xermelo?

For more information about Xermelo, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.xermelo.com or call them at 844-334-4035.

Interactions

Does Xermelo interact with foods or drinks?

Xermelo should be taken with food. Taking this medicine with food helps your body absorb it.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Xermelo.

Does Xermelo interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care 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 Xermelo.

  • Midazolam, which is a medicine used for anxiety or seizures
  • Bupropion (Aplenzin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, and others), which is a medicine used to treat depression or help quit smoking
  • Efavirenz (Sustiva), which is a medicine used to treat HIV

Xermelo may alter the blood levels of many other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Xermelo. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Xermelo?

If you or someone else has used too much Xermelo, 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 Xermelo?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose at your usual time. Do not take double or extra doses.