What is Tepotinib: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Tepotinib is a targeted cancer medication that blocks specific proteins helping certain lung cancers grow. It's a newer treatment option specifically designed for people with non-small cell lung cancer that has a particular genetic change called MET exon 14 skipping mutation.

This medication works differently from traditional chemotherapy by focusing on the exact molecular problem driving your cancer's growth. Think of it as a precision tool rather than a broad approach, which often means fewer side effects while still being effective against the cancer.

What is Tepotinib Used For?

Tepotinib treats a specific type of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Your doctor will only prescribe this medication if your cancer has a particular genetic mutation called MET exon 14 skipping.

This genetic change happens in about 3-4% of non-small cell lung cancers, making it relatively uncommon. The mutation causes cancer cells to grow and spread more aggressively by affecting how certain proteins work in your cells.

Your healthcare team will test your cancer tissue to confirm you have this specific mutation before starting tepotinib. This testing process, called biomarker testing, ensures you receive the most appropriate treatment for your particular cancer type.

How Does Tepotinib Work?

Tepotinib blocks a protein called MET that helps cancer cells grow and survive. When this protein becomes overactive due to genetic changes, it sends signals telling cancer cells to multiply rapidly.

By blocking these signals, tepotinib essentially cuts off the cancer's growth instructions. This targeted approach can slow down or stop the cancer from spreading to other parts of your body.

As a targeted therapy, tepotinib is considered a strong and effective medication for the specific type of lung cancer it treats. However, it works differently from traditional chemotherapy, often causing different types of side effects that are generally more manageable.

How Should I Take Tepotinib?

Take tepotinib exactly as your doctor prescribes, typically once daily with food. Taking it with food helps your body absorb the medication better and may reduce stomach-related side effects.

Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water - don't crush, chew, or break them. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, talk to your healthcare team about possible solutions.

Try to take tepotinib at the same time each day to maintain steady levels in your body. You can take it with any meal, but many people find it easier to remember when taken with breakfast or dinner.

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking tepotinib, as these can interfere with how your body processes the medication. This interaction might make the medication less effective or increase side effects.

How Long Should I Take Tepotinib For?

You'll typically continue taking tepotinib as long as it's working effectively and you're tolerating it well. This approach is called "treatment until progression," meaning you keep taking it until the cancer grows or side effects become too difficult to manage.

Some people take tepotinib for months, while others may take it for years. Your doctor will monitor your response through regular scans and blood tests to determine how well the treatment is working.

Never stop taking tepotinib suddenly without talking to your healthcare team first. If you're experiencing side effects, your doctor can often adjust your dose or provide supportive care to help you continue treatment safely.

What Are the Side Effects of Tepotinib?

Like all cancer medications, tepotinib can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are manageable with proper support and monitoring from your healthcare team.

Here are the most common side effects you might experience, affecting more than 20% of people taking tepotinib:

• Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet (edema)
• Fatigue and feeling unusually tired
• Nausea and occasional vomiting
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Decreased appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle or joint pain

These common side effects are usually mild to moderate and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Your healthcare team can provide strategies to help manage these symptoms effectively.

Some people may experience more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention, though these are less common:

• Severe lung problems (pneumonitis) with persistent cough or breathing difficulties
• Liver problems with yellowing of skin or eyes
• Severe swelling that doesn't improve with elevation
• Signs of infection with fever, chills, or unusual weakness
• Severe diarrhea leading to dehydration

Contact your healthcare team immediately if you experience any of these more serious symptoms. Early intervention can help prevent complications and keep you safe while maintaining your treatment.

Who Should Not Take Tepotinib?

Tepotinib isn't suitable for everyone, and your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing it. People with certain conditions or circumstances may need to avoid this medication or use it with extra caution.

You should not take tepotinib if you're allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Additionally, this medication isn't recommended if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, as it can harm developing babies.

Your doctor will use extra caution when prescribing tepotinib if you have:

• Severe liver disease or liver function problems
• Severe kidney disease
• History of lung problems or breathing difficulties
• Heart problems or fluid retention issues
• Active infections or compromised immune system

Some medications can interact with tepotinib, potentially making it less effective or increasing side effects. Always tell your healthcare team about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you're taking.

Tepotinib Brand Name

Tepotinib is sold under the brand name Tepmetko in the United States and Europe. This brand name helps distinguish it from other cancer medications and ensures you receive the correct formulation.

When picking up your prescription, double-check that you're receiving Tepmetko (tepotinib) and not a different medication. Pharmacies sometimes carry medications with similar names, so verification helps ensure your safety.

Your insurance coverage and pharmacy may affect availability and cost. If you have concerns about accessing Tepmetko, ask your healthcare team about patient assistance programs that might help.

Tepotinib Alternatives

While tepotinib is specifically designed for MET exon 14 skipping mutations, other treatment options exist for lung cancer. Your doctor might consider alternatives based on your specific situation and how well tepotinib is working.

Other targeted therapies for lung cancer include capmatinib (Tabrecta), which also targets MET mutations but works slightly differently. Some people may respond better to one medication over another.

Traditional treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy might be options if targeted therapy isn't suitable. Your oncologist will discuss the best approach based on your cancer's characteristics and your overall health.

Clinical trials might offer access to newer experimental treatments. Ask your healthcare team whether any research studies might be appropriate for your situation.

Is Tepotinib Better Than Capmatinib?

Both tepotinib and capmatinib target the same MET protein, but they work slightly differently and may have different side effect profiles. Neither medication is definitively "better" than the other - the choice depends on your individual circumstances.

Some people respond better to tepotinib, while others may have better results with capmatinib. Your doctor considers factors like your specific mutation, overall health, other medications you're taking, and potential side effects when choosing between them.

If one medication stops working or causes intolerable side effects, your doctor might switch you to the other. This flexibility gives you more treatment options and hope for continued cancer control.

Both medications have shown similar effectiveness in clinical trials, with response rates around 40-50% for people with MET exon 14 skipping mutations. Your healthcare team will monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.