Selumetinib is used to treat a type of tumor that grows
on nerves (neurofibromatosis type 1). Selumetinib belongs to a class of
drugs known as kinase inhibitors. It works by slowing or stopping the
growth of tumor cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking selumetinib and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually twice daily about 12 hours apart. Swallow
the capsules whole with water. Do not open, dissolve, or chew the
capsules.
If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take another
dose at that time. Take your next dose at the regular time.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice
while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may
do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this
medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
The dosage is based on your body size, medical
condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking.
Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use
(including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal
products).
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or
for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and
your risk of side effects will increase.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
capsules.
Nausea, vomiting, tiredness, abdominal pain, or dry skin
may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Diarrhea is a common side effect that can cause
dehydration. Tell your doctor right away if you have loose stools, and ask
if you should take anti-diarrheal medication (such as loperamide). Drink
plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of dehydration. Contact your doctor
promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as unusual
decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat, or
dizziness/lightheadedness.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- easy bleeding/bruising
- muscle pain/tenderness/weakness
- signs of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling
ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain)
- vision changes (such as blurred vision, decreased vision,
seeing halos/colored dots)
- eye pain/swelling/redness
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking selumetinib, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as vitamin E), which
can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- bleeding/blood problems
- heart disease (such as heart failure)
- eye problems
- kidney problems
- liver problems
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
capsules.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using selumetinib.
Selumetinib may harm an unborn baby. Men and women using this medication
should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 1
week after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to
your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this
medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for 1 week after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- other products containing vitamin E
Other medications can affect the removal of selumetinib
from your body, which may affect how selumetinib works. Examples include
rifamycins (such as rifampin, rifabutin), St. John's wort, drugs used to
treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among
others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as heart/kidney/liver
function, skin/eye exams, CPK levels) should be done before you start
taking this medication and while you are taking it. Keep all medical and
lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is within 6 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the original bottle at room temperature away
from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep the drying
agent (desiccant) in the bottle. Tightly close the bottle when not in use.
Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.