selumetinib hydrogen sulfate at a glance
Medicine class
Selective MEK1 and MEK2 inhibitor
Licensed use
Symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas associated with NF1 in adults and children aged 3 years and older
Administration
Swallow hard capsules whole with water; they may be taken with or without food
Specialist oversight
Treatment is initiated by a clinician experienced in NF1-related tumours
What is selumetinib hydrogen sulfate used for?
The selected UK product is licensed as monotherapy for:
Symptomatic plexiform neurofibromas that cannot be treated successfully by surgery in adults and children aged 3 years and older with neurofibromatosis type 1.
How does selumetinib hydrogen sulfate work?
Selumetinib selectively blocks MEK1 and MEK2, proteins in the RAF–MEK–ERK signalling pathway. This pathway can drive the growth and survival of plexiform neurofibroma cells; blocking it can slow growth and reduce tumour volume.
selumetinib hydrogen sulfate preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg, 25 mg
How to take selumetinib hydrogen sulfate
Follow the specialist team's instructions and use only the capsules prescribed for you.
Swallow each capsule whole with water.
Do not chew, dissolve or open hard capsules because this can alter release and absorption.
Capsules may be taken with or without food.
Tell the team before treatment if swallowing capsules whole may be difficult.
If vomiting occurs after taking a capsule, do not take an additional capsule; continue at the next usual time.
selumetinib hydrogen sulfate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Sore mouth or mouth ulcers
- Dry skin, acne-like or other rashes
- Redness or infection around the nails
- Hair thinning or colour changes
- Tiredness, weakness or fever
- Swelling of the hands or feet
- Raised liver, kidney or muscle-enzyme blood results
- Reduced haemoglobin or albumin
Get urgent medical advice
- New or worsening blurred vision, floaters, reduced vision or loss of vision
- New breathlessness or swelling of the legs, ankles or feet, which may indicate reduced heart function
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea or vomiting
- Marked muscle pain or weakness, particularly with abnormal creatine phosphokinase results
selumetinib hydrogen sulfate in pregnancy
Selumetinib is not recommended during pregnancy because animal studies indicate potential fetal harm and human pregnancy data are unavailable. Pregnancy testing before treatment and effective contraception are advised; hormonal contraception may need an additional barrier method. Contact the specialist team immediately if pregnancy occurs in a patient or a male patient's partner.
selumetinib hydrogen sulfate while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding should be stopped during treatment because it is unknown whether selumetinib enters human milk and harm to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. Discuss feeding plans with the specialist team.
selumetinib hydrogen sulfate interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products with the specialist team before use.
Strong or moderate CYP3A4 or CYP2C19 inhibitors, including clarithromycin, itraconazole, fluconazole and omeprazole
These may increase selumetinib exposure and toxicity, so alternatives are generally preferred.
Grapefruit juice
It may increase selumetinib exposure and should be avoided.
CYP3A4 inducers, including rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and St John's wort
These may reduce selumetinib exposure and effectiveness and should generally be avoided.
Common questions about selumetinib hydrogen sulfate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is selumetinib hydrogen sulfate licensed to treat in the UK?
It is licensed for symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas associated with NF1 in adults and children aged 3 years and older.
Is selumetinib hydrogen sulfate chemotherapy or targeted therapy?
It is targeted therapy: a selective inhibitor of the MEK1 and MEK2 signalling proteins.
Can selumetinib hydrogen sulfate capsules be opened or crushed?
No. Hard capsules must be swallowed whole because opening, chewing or dissolving them can alter medicine release and absorption.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.