Tepotinib
About
Tepotinib belongs to a class of protein kinase inhibitors primarily used to manage or treat lung cancer that has progressed to other body regions or cannot be removed surgically. Lung cancer is a disease that causes malignant (cancer) cells to grow in lung tissues.
Tepotinib contains Tepotinib. It works by blocking the abnormal protein, which can cause uncontrolled cell growth and cancer; thus, it slows or stops cancer growth.
To treat your condition effectually, continue using Tepotinib for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. The most common adverse reactions are oedema (swelling), fatigue (tiredness), diarrhoea, musculoskeletal pain, dyspnea (shortness of breath), feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting), diarrhoea and QT prolongation. You should talk to your doctor if you persistently experience these side effects.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to it or have ILD (Interstitial lung disease)/pneumonitis (inflammation in your lung tissues without an infection). Tepotinib can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. It is critical not to become pregnant or get pregnant while undergoing therapy and for several months after the treatment. Using effective contraceptive methods is recommended while on therapy with Tepotinib. Contact your doctor immediately if you or your partner becomes pregnant while undergoing therapy. Breastfeeding is usually not advised during this treatment since it is unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk. Alcohol should be avoided during treatment with this medicine. Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.
Uses of Tepotinib
Medicinal Benefits
Tepotinib contains Tepotinib, which belongs to a class of protein kinase inhibitors primarily used to manage or treat adults with lung cancer that has progressed to other regions of the body or cannot be removed surgically. It works by blocking the abnormal protein, which can cause uncontrolled cell growth and cancer; thus, it slows or stops cancer growth.
Directions for Use
Side Effects of Tepotinib
- Oedema (Swelling)
- Fatigue (Tiredness)
- Diarrhea
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Dyspnea (Shortness of breath)
- Feeling sick (Nausea)
- being sick (Vomiting)
- Diarrhoea
- Raised levels of creatinine in blood (a sign of possible kidney problems)
- Raised levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase or alkaline phosphatase in blood (a sign of possible liver problems)
- Raised levels of amylase or lipase in the blood (a sign of possible digestive problems)
- Reduced levels of the protein albumin in blood
- Change in electrical activity of the heart (QT prolongation)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking the Tepotinib, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and medications you are using. If you are a woman capable of having children, you should use an effective method of contraception during Tepotinib treatment and for at least one week after the last dose. If you are a man, you should use a barrier method of contraception to prevent your partner from becoming pregnant while taking Tepotinib and for at least one week after the last dose. Do not use any other medicine, including herbal or vitamin supplements, unless the doctor suggests.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Tepotinib may interact with macrolide antibiotics (e.g. clarithromycin), anti-fungal medications (e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole), medicines used to treat irregular heartbeat (e.g. quinidine, verapamil), HIV/AIDS medications (e.g. ritonavir, nelfinavir), drugs used to treat tuberculosis (e.g. rifampicin), medicines used to treat epileptic seizures (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine), and herbal medicine used to treat depression (e.g. St. John’s wort).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Tepotinib interacts with disease conditions, including ILD (Interstitial lung disease)/Pneumonitis (inflammation in your lung tissues without an infection), Liver or Kidney impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Tepotinib.
Pregnancy
unsafeTepotinib should not be used during pregnancy. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. You or your partner must use a reliable form of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking these medications.
Breast Feeding
cautionTepotinib should not be used in breastfeeding. Discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
cautionTepotinib does not influence the ability to drive or use machines. However, go only if you are alert, as the Tepotinib may cause weakness or tiredness in some people.
Liver
cautionTepotinib should be used with caution if you have liver disease. Inform your doctor before taking the Tepotinib if you have had a liver impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionTepotinib should be used with caution if you have kidney disease. Inform your doctor before taking the Tepotinib if you have had a kidney impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
unsafeSafety and effectiveness in patients below the age of 18 years have not been established. Hence, use is not recommended.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- After your treatment begins, several dietary adjustments can help you control side effects.
- Anyone suffering from a chronic illness, including cancer, should consume foods high in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and vitamins and minerals.
- Plant-based proteins are among the greatest meals during chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. They have the highest concentrations of vitamins and minerals, such as nuts, seeds, beans and legumes.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving both physical and mental health.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- Keep all of your doctor's and laboratory appointments.
- Pregnancy testing is recommended prior to starting treatment with Tepotinib.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cancer: Cancer is a genetic change in which our cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. There are two types of cancer: benign (localized) and metastatic (spread to the whole body). Types of cancer include blood, lung, breast, etc. Cancer growth can be prevented by chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell therapy.
Lung cancer: Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer. Lung cancer is a disease that causes malignant (cancer) cells to grow in lung tissues. Primary lung cancer is cancer that begins in the lungs. Secondary lung cancer is cancer that spreads to the lungs from elsewhere in the body. There are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer. Still, many people experience symptoms such as a chronic cough, coughing up blood, persistent dyspnea, unexplained tiredness and weight loss, and an ache or pain when breathing or coughing.
FAQs
Tepotinib contains Tepotinib, a protein kinase inhibitor that works by blocking the abnormal protein, which can cause uncontrolled cell growth and cancer; thus, it slows or stops cancer growth.
Tepotinib may lead to a change in the heart's electrical activity (QT prolongation). Your doctor conducts ECG tests during treatment to check whether Tepotinib affects your heart rhythm.
It is critical to understand that Tepotinib is not a traditional chemotherapy drug and functions in a different manner. It works by specifically targeting cancer cells and preventing their growth and spread.
While taking Tepotinib, make sure you visit your doctor at all the appointments to ensure that treatment works. Regular monitoring of blood and lipid tests and weight checks are required. An effective way of contraception should be used by both men and women while taking the Tepotinib.
Fertility studies of Tepotinib have not been performed. Discuss the risks of taking this medication with your doctor.
