When you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it's normal to feel a little nervous and curious about the new medication that will be given to you. Especially about a new, powerful drug like Tepotinib. So in this article, we'll learn everything about this drug called Tepotinib in a very simple way, like talking to a friend.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Tepotinib is a special drug used to treat lung cancer. It works as a "targeted therapy." This means that it directly targets specific proteins in cancer cells that help them grow, stopping them from growing. It tries to control only cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. This drug usually comes under the brand name TEPMETKO.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have other lung diseases.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to tepotinib or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
It is very important for your safety to give this information to the doctor.
How should I use this medicine?
Following the exact instructions for using this medicine greatly affects the success of the treatment.
- These pills are to be taken by mouth. Take this medicine at about the same time every day, with food .
- Most importantly: Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole with a little water.
- Continue using this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
- Very important: Do not take this medication with grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice can increase the level of the medication in your body unnecessarily, causing side effects.
What if the dosage of the medicine is increased (overdose)?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. Call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, less than 8 hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Tepotinib can interact with some other medications you are taking, so it is very important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
The table below lists some medications that may interact with Tepotinib.
| Type of medicine | Examples |
|---|---|
| Some antibiotics | Clarithromycin, Telithromycin |
| Some antivirals for HIV or Hepatitis | Ask the doctor. |
| Some medications for cholesterol | Atorvastatin, Lovastatin, Simvastatin |
| Some medications for fungal infections (Antifungals) | Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Posaconazole |
| Some medications for epilepsy/ seizures | Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin |
This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about everything you use.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular check-ups: Be sure to go to the clinic on the days your doctor prescribes to monitor the progress of your treatment. Tell them if your symptoms don't improve or if they get worse.
- Protection from infections: Your immunity may be slightly reduced while taking this medicine. Therefore, if you experience symptoms like fever, cold, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor. Try to stay away from people who are sick.
- Pregnancy and birth control: This is very important for both women and men .
- For women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for one week after stopping the medicine. Taking this medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Also, avoid breastfeeding during this time.
- For men: If you are taking this medicine, be sure to use a condom when having sex with a woman who could become pregnant. You should continue to use condoms for one week after stopping the medicine. If you have any suspicion that your partner is pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medicines, Tepotinib can cause some side effects. Not everybody gets them. However, it is important to be aware of them.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Fluid accumulation in the body (Edema) | Sudden weight gain; swelling of ankles, feet, hands; difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Dark yellow or brown urine; yellowing of the eyes or skin; pain in the upper right part of the stomach; loss of appetite. |
| Symptoms of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| High potassium levels | Chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness. |
| If these side effects persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Stomach pain | Stomach pain |
| Constipation | Dry stomach |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence |
| Nausea/Vomiting | Nausea and vomiting |
| Appetite | Loss of appetite |
| Muscle pain or lameness | Muscle cramps, pain |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, ask your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Always take tepotinib tablets with food. Swallow the tablet whole; do not break, crush, or chew it.
- Do not take this medicine with grapefruit juice for any reason.
- Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- Avoid getting pregnant while taking the pill and for one week after stopping. Men should use condoms.
- If you notice serious side effects (such as swelling, difficulty breathing, yellowing of the skin), tell your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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