tepotinib hydrochloride hydrate at a glance
Medicine class
MET-targeting protein kinase inhibitor
Usual role
Advanced MET exon 14 skipping non-small cell lung cancer in adults
Before treatment
A validated tumour or plasma test must confirm the relevant MET alteration
Administration
Take with food; swallow whole or disperse in still water if swallowing is difficult
What is tepotinib hydrochloride hydrate used for?
Licensed use in the United Kingdom:
Treatment of adults with advanced non-small cell lung cancer harbouring alterations that cause MET exon 14 skipping.
How does tepotinib hydrochloride hydrate work?
MET is a receptor kinase controlling cell-growth signals. MET exon 14 skipping can leave this pathway abnormally active. Tepotinib inhibits MET phosphorylation and downstream signalling, reducing the growth and movement of MET-dependent cancer cells.
tepotinib hydrochloride hydrate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 225 mg
How to take tepotinib hydrochloride hydrate
Follow the oncology team's instructions. Take the tablets with food and swallow them whole without chewing or crushing.
If swallowing is difficult, disperse the tablets in still water without crushing them; stir thoroughly and drink within one hour.
Do not use another liquid or chew remaining tablet pieces.
Rinse the glass with more water and drink the rinse to collect any residue.
tepotinib hydrochloride hydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Fluid retention and swelling, particularly around the ankles or legs
- Low blood albumin
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation or abdominal pain
- Reduced appetite
- Tiredness or weakness
- Muscle or joint pain
- Rash
- Changes in creatinine, liver enzymes, amylase or lipase on blood tests
Get urgent medical advice
- New or worsening breathlessness, cough or fever—possible interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools or upper-right abdominal pain—possible liver injury
- Severe or extensive fluid retention
tepotinib hydrochloride hydrate in pregnancy
Tepotinib may harm an unborn baby and should generally not be used during pregnancy unless a specialist considers it clinically necessary. Pregnancy testing is recommended before treatment where relevant. Effective contraception is required during treatment and for at least one week afterwards; men with partners who could become pregnant should use barrier contraception. People using hormonal contraception should discuss an additional method with their clinical team.
tepotinib hydrochloride hydrate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether tepotinib enters human milk. Breastfeeding should stop during treatment and for at least one week afterwards because a risk to the infant cannot be excluded.
tepotinib hydrochloride hydrate interactions
Give the oncology team a complete list of prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products. Important examples include:
Digoxin and other sensitive P-glycoprotein substrates with a narrow therapeutic index
Tepotinib may increase exposure, so clinical effects and toxicity may require closer monitoring.
Sensitive BCRP substrates
Transport inhibition may increase exposure; monitor the medicine's effects when used together.
Metformin
Tepotinib may alter metformin exposure by inhibiting renal or hepatic transporters, so its clinical effects should be monitored.
Common questions about tepotinib hydrochloride hydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is genetic testing needed before treatment?
Tepotinib targets abnormal MET signalling, so a validated test must confirm a relevant MET exon 14 skipping alteration.
Can the tablets be crushed or chewed?
No. Swallow them whole or disperse them in still water according to the product instructions.
Why can swollen legs or ankles occur?
Fluid retention is a very common effect. Report troublesome, spreading or rapidly worsening swelling to the cancer team.
Does a creatinine rise always mean kidney damage?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.