Retevmo (selpercatinib) is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of lung and thyroid cancer. The drug comes as a capsule that you swallow. It’s usually taken twice per day.
Retevmo is used to treat certain types of locally advanced or metastatic* non-small cell lung cancer and thyroid cancer. Depending on the type of cancer treated, Retevmo may be used in adults and some children.
The active ingredient in Retevmo is selpercatinib. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Retevmo belongs to a group of drugs called RET inhibitors.
This article describes the dosages of Retevmo, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Retevmo, including specifics on its uses, see this in-depth article.
* Locally advanced means the cancer has spread outside the area where it started. Metastatic means the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
This section describes the usual dosages of Retevmo. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Retevmo’s form?
Retevmo is available as a capsule that you swallow.
What strengths does Retevmo come in?
Retevmo comes in two strengths: 40 milligrams (mg) and 80 mg.
What are the usual dosages of Retevmo?
Your doctor will start you on the recommended dosage that provides the desired effect. They may adjust your dosage based on how you react to treatment and other medications you may be taking.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Retevmo dosage is based on body weight, which is described in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lbs).
Dosage for non-small cell lung cancer
Retevmo is prescribed for adults with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a genetic change called a RET gene fusion. Below is the typical dosage for this use:
- If you weigh less than 50 kg (less than about 110 lb), your dosage is 120 mg taken twice per day (every 12 hours).
- If you weigh 50 kg (about 110 lb) or more, your dosage is 160 mg taken twice per day (every 12 hours).
Typically, you’ll take this dosage of Retevmo until your condition worsens or you can’t tolerate the medication because of side effects.
Dosage for solid cancerous tumor
Retevmo is prescribed for adults with locally advanced or metastatic solid cancerous tumors with a genetic change called a RET gene fusion. It’s used when the cancer has worsened during or after another systemic therapy and no other treatment options are available. Systemic therapy is a treatment that works throughout the body and does not target just one part of it.
Below is the typical dosage for this use:
- If you weigh less than 50 kg (less than about 110 lb), your dosage is 120 mg taken twice per day (every 12 hours).
- If you weigh 50 kg (about 110 lb) or more, your dosage is 160 mg taken twice per day (every 12 hours).
Typically, you’ll take this dosage until your condition worsens or you have serious side effects from Retevmo and can’t tolerate the medication.
Dosage for thyroid cancer
Retevmo is prescribed for adults with locally advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer with a genetic change called a RET gene fusion. Retevmo is used for people who need systemic therapy and who can’t be treated with radioactive iodine. Systemic therapy is treatment that works throughout the body and does not target just one part of it.
Below is the typical dosage for this use:
- If you weigh less than 50 kg (less than about 110 lb), your dosage is 120 mg taken twice per day (every 12 hours).
- If you weigh 50 kg (about 110 lb) or more, your dosage is 160 mg taken twice per day (every 12 hours).
You’ll typically continue taking this dosage until your condition worsens, or you have unacceptable side effects.
Dosage for medullary thyroid cancer
Retevmo is prescribed for adults with advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) with a genetic change called a RET mutation. It’s used for people who need systemic therapy. Systemic therapy is treatment that works throughout the body and does not target just one part of it.
Below is the typical dosage for this use:
- If you weigh less than 50 kg (less than about 110 lb), your dosage is 120 mg taken twice per day (every 12 hours).
- If you weigh 50 kg (about 110 lb) or more, your dosage is 160 mg taken twice per day (every 12 hours).
Your doctor will likely have you continue this dosage unless you have unacceptable side effects or your condition worsens.
What’s the dosage of Retevmo for children?
Retevmo is used to treat types of thyroid cancer and MTC in children ages 12 years and older.
The dosage used in children is the same as the dosage for adults. To learn more, see the “What are the usual dosages of Retevmo?” section above.
For more information about Retevmo’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
Is Retevmo used long term?
Yes, Retevmo is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Dosage adjustments
In certain cases, you may need dosage adjustments for Retevmo.
In case of liver disease: If you have severe liver disease, your doctor may adjust your dosage of Retevmo. The table below describes potential dosage changes if you have liver disease and take Retevmo.
| Retevmo original dosage | Dosage adjustment for liver disease |
|---|---|
| 120 mg taken twice per day | 80 mg taken twice per day |
| 160 mg taken twice per day | 80 mg taken twice per day |
In case of side effects: Your doctor may also change your dosage if you have serious side effects from Retevmo. They may pause or stop your treatment, or they may reduce your dosage. They may also treat your side effects.
The table below describes possible dosage reductions in case of severe side effects.
| Retevmo dosage reduction schedule | Weight less than 50 kg (about 110 lb) | Weight 50 kg (about 110 lb) or more |
|---|---|---|
| first dose reduction | 80 mg taken twice per day | 120 mg taken twice per day |
| second dose reduction | 40 mg taken twice per day | 80 mg taken twice per day |
| third dose reduction | 40 mg taken twice per day | 40 mg taken twice per day |
In case of drug interactions: Your doctor may also adjust your dosage of Retevmo if you’re taking certain other medications that interact with the drug.
The table below describes potential dosage changes if Retevmo is used with drugs called CYP3A inhibitors.
| Retevmo original dosage | Dosage adjustment for use with moderate CYP3A inhibitor | Dosage adjustment for use with strong CYP3A inhibitor |
|---|---|---|
| 120 mg taken twice per day | 80 mg taken twice per day | 40 mg taken twice per day |
| 160 mg taken twice per day | 120 mg taken twice per day | 80 mg taken twice per day |
Your doctor will discuss any dosage adjustments you may need for Retevmo based on your individual situation.
The dosage of Retevmo you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- your body weight
- side effects you may experience
- other medications you may be taking
- other conditions you may have
See the “Dosage adjustments” section above for more information.
Retevmo is available as a capsule that you swallow. You’ll take Retevmo twice per day, about every 12 hours.
Here are tips for taking Retevmo:
- Do not cut, crush, or chew Retevmo capsules. Swallow them whole. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.
- If you vomit after taking Retevmo, do not take another capsule. Wait until your next scheduled dose.
- In most cases, you can take Retevmo with or without food. However, if you take certain medications for acid reflux (heartburn), talk with your doctor. They’ll likely suggest avoiding the use of Retevmo with these medications. But if you need to take this type of medication with Retevmo, follow these guidelines:
- If you need to take a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as Prevacid (lansoprazole), take your Retevmo dose with food.
- If you need to take an H2 blocker such as Pepcid (famotidine), be sure to take Retevmo 2 hours before or 10 hours after you take the H2 blocker medication.
- If you need to take an antacid such as Tums (calcium carbonate), take Retevmo 2 hours before or 2 hours after the antacid.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how to take Retevmo or about Retevmo expiration, storage, or disposal.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help, or they may be able to supply Retevmo in an easy-open container.
If you miss a dose of Retevmo, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s within 6 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its usual time. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take two doses of Retevmo at once to make up for a missed dose.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Retevmo on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Retevmo than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you take too much Retevmo
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Retevmo. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Retevmo’s dosage.
Is there a typical dosage range for Retevmo?
Yes. You’ll likely take either 120 mg twice per day or 160 mg twice per day.
Your dosage depends on your body weight. If you weigh less than 50 kg, which is around 110 lb, your dosage will be 120 mg taken twice per day (every 12 hours). If you weigh 50 kg or more (about 110 lb or more), your dosage will be 160 mg taken twice per day (every 12 hours).
Your doctor will talk with you about your dosage and any factors that may affect your dosage.
How long does it take for Retevmo to start working?
Retevmo starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. But your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.
If you have other questions about what to expect from your Retevmo treatment, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by Retevmo’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends this drug, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Retevmo without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Retevmo exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Would my dosage of Retevmo change if I gained weight?
- Is my risk for side effects higher with the higher dosage of Retevmo?
- How does Retevmo’s dosage compare with other medications available to treat my condition?
To learn more about Retevmo, see these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.