What side effects can patients expect with Retevmo (selpercatinib)?
Retevmo (selpercatinib) can cause several adverse effects, including changes in blood counts, liver enzyme abnormalities, and heart-related effects. The most commonly reported side effects include diarrhea, constipation, nausea, fatigue, swelling (edema), dry mouth, and appetite or weight changes.[1]
What serious side effects are patients warned about?
Serious risks associated with Retevmo include liver problems, bleeding, and heart rhythm issues. Patients are also monitored for effects on vision and for lung inflammation/pneumonitis, which can be severe.[1]
Who is at higher risk for Retevmo complications?
Risk can increase for people with liver impairment, significant heart rhythm problems, or those taking medications that affect drug levels. Clinicians typically check baseline labs (including liver function and blood counts) and may adjust dosing or hold treatment if abnormalities occur.[1]
When should patients contact a clinician urgently?
Patients are generally advised to get prompt medical help for symptoms that can signal severe complications, such as signs of liver injury (for example, yellowing of the skin/eyes or dark urine), severe shortness of breath or worsening cough, fainting or palpitations (possible rhythm issues), or unusual bleeding or bruising.[1]
How do side effects affect dosing or treatment plans?
Because Retevmo can change lab values and cause toxicities, doctors may reduce the dose, pause treatment, or discontinue therapy depending on severity and how quickly side effects improve.[1]
What information do you want for your situation?
If you tell me the cancer type (NSCLC or thyroid cancer), whether the patient is on the usual starting dose or has dose adjustments, and any other medications, I can narrow down the most relevant side effects and the monitoring clinicians use.
Sources cited:
[1] https://www.drugs.com/retevmo.html