Overview: Tepmetko is used to treat certain types of non-small-cell lung cancer. It helps stop certain cancer cells from growing and multiplying. Common side effects include fluid retention, nausea and diarrhea, tiredness, muscle and joint pain, and shortness of breath. Keep all appointments for blood tests before and during treatment with Tepmetko. If you have new or worsening trouble breathing while taking Tepmetko, get emergency help right away.
Uses
What is Tepmetko used for?
Tepmetko (tepotinib) is commonly used to treat certain types of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Tepmetko may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does Tepmetko work (mechanism of action)?
Your health care provider can test your cancer to see if it is likely to respond to Tepmetko. Tepmetko is a specific kind of medicine called a kinase inhibitor. Kinases are a type of protein that are responsible for sending and receiving signals in the body. These signals help your cells do important functions, such as grow properly. Tepmetko blocks a certain type of kinase in the body called mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). In some cancers, MET has a mutation that causes cancer cells to grow out of control. Tepmetko blocks the signals sent by MET or its mutated form and can help stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying. This may make tumors shrink in size.
How is Tepmetko supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Tepmetko
Dosage forms and strengths
- 225 mg oral tablets
How should I store Tepmetko?
Tepmetko 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. Do not remove Tepmetko from the blister cards that it comes in until you are ready to take it.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Tepmetko?
The most common side effects of Tepmetko are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Fluid retention (edema)
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Tiredness
- Muscle and joint pain
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Loss of appetite
- Rash
There may be other side effects of Tepmetko 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 Tepmetko?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Tepmetko are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Tepmetko may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Tepmetko 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
Lung Inflammation. Tepmetko can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing. Call your health care provider right away if you have any new or worsening cough, fever, or shortness of breath.
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Tepmetko. Keep all appointments for your blood tests. Call your health care 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)
Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Tepmetko may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Keep all appointments for your blood tests. Stop taking Tepmetko and call your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis, including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not take Tepmetko?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Tepmetko.
- Tepmetko
- Tepotinib
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Tepmetko.
What should I know about Tepmetko before taking it?
Do not take Tepmetko unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Tepmetko with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Tepmetko out of the reach of children.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew, crush, or split the tablets. Talk to your health care provider if you cannot swallow Tepmetko whole. They can give you instructions on how to properly dissolve it in water, so you can drink the medicine. They can also tell you how to take Tepmetko if you have a tube that goes into your nose and down to your stomach (nasogastric tube).
If you can get a partner pregnant, use effective birth control while taking Tepmetko and for one week after your last dose.
What should I tell my health care provider before taking Tepmetko?
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 Tepmetko is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.
- Lung or breathing problems other than lung cancer
- Liver problems
- Pancreas problems
Other Medicines and Supplements. Tepmetko may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Tepmetko, 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. Tepmetko can cause harm to a fetus. Your health care provider will likely check to make sure that you are not pregnant before starting this medicine. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control while taking Tepmetko and for one week after your last dose. Ask your health care provider about birth control options.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Tepmetko passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while you are taking Tepmetko and for one week after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Tepmetko?
For more information about Tepmetko, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.tepmetko.com or call them at 844-662-3631.
Interactions
Does Tepmetko interact with foods or drinks?
Take Tepmetko with food.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Tepmetko, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer. Also, the risk of tiredness may increase if you drink alcohol while taking Tepmetko.
Does Tepmetko 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 taking dabigatran (Pradaxa), which is a blood thinner used to treat or prevent blood clots.
Tepmetko may alter the blood levels of some 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 Tepmetko. Always check with your health care provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally take too much Tepmetko?
If you or someone else has taken too much Tepmetko, 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 Tepmetko?
If you miss a dose of Tepmetko, take it as soon as you remember. If you are supposed to take your next dose of Tepmetko within the next eight hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your regular scheduled time. Do not take double or extra doses.
If you vomit after taking a dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose when you would normally take it.
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