Precautions for tepotinib

Tepotinib is used to treat a certain type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in adults that has spread to other parts of the body. Tepotinib belongs to the kinase inhibitor class of drugs. It works by blocking the activity of an abnormal protein that sends a reproduction signal to cancer cells, which helps slow or prevent the spread of cancer cells.

1. Interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonia:

ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 2.2% of patients treated with tepotinib, including one patient who experienced a grade 3 or higher event that resulted in death. Four patients (0.9%) discontinued tepotinib due to ILD/pneumonitis. In patients with suspected ILD/pneumonitis (dyspnea, cough, fever), discontinue tepotinib immediately or permanently if no other potential cause of ILD/pneumonitis is identified.

2. Hepatotoxicity:

Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) occurred in 13% of patients treated with tepotinib. Grade 3 or 4 elevations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) occurred in 4.2% of patients. One patient experienced fatal adverse reactions of liver failure (0.2%). Three patients (0.7%) discontinued tepotinib due to elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Patients should have liver function tests (including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin) monitored before initiating tepotinib, every 2 weeks for the first 3 months of treatment, and then monthly or as clinically indicated.

3. Embryo-Fetotoxicity:

Based on the results of animal studies and its mechanism of action, Tepotinib taken by pregnant women may cause fetal damage. Based on the area under the curve (AUC) at a daily clinical dose of 450 mg, oral administration of Tepotinib to pregnant rabbits during the organogenesis period resulted in malformations (teratogenicity) and abnormalities that are less than human exposure. Therefore, it is recommended that women should not breastfeed during treatment with tepotinib and for one week after the last dose, and that women of childbearing potential or male patients with a female partner of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment with tepotinib and for one week after the last dose.

The original drug of Tepotinib is a new type of drug that is not yet on the market in China and therefore has not been included in the medical insurance. Tepotinib marketed overseas Original drug specificationsThe price of each box of 225mg*30 tablets is around RMB 80,000 (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). It has been on the market for a short time and is expensive. There are also Tepotinib generic drugs produced in other countries. The price of 225mg*60 tablets produced by a Lao pharmaceutical factory is around RMB 8,600 per box (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). The ingredients of generic drugs produced abroad are basically the same as those of the original drug. For specific prices and drug details, please consult Yaode Medical Consultant.