What are the side effects of taking Selumetinib?

Selumetinib is used to treat type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF1) in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older who have symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas (an orphan drug designation granted by the U.S. FDA).

What are the side effects of taking Selumetinib?

Gastrointestinal problems (stomach, intestines, mouth)

Selumetinib may cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and mouth ulcers. Diarrhea caused by this drug can be severe.

Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you have diarrhea for the first time during treatment. Your healthcare provider may prescribe anti-diarrheal medicine and advise you to drink more fluids.

Skin problems

Selumetinib may cause severe rash.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs of skin problems:

widespread rash, macules, raised skin papules, acne-like rash, blisters, peeling skin, itchy rash, thinning hair or hair loss.

Elevated blood creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and muscle problems

Selumetinib may cause severe muscle problems.

Treatment may increase blood levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), which can be a sign of muscle damage.

Increased CPK levels are common during treatment and can also be severe.

Your healthcare provider will perform blood tests to check CPK levels before you start taking Selumetinib and during treatment.

Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

muscle aches or pain, muscle spasms and weakness, urine that is dark red or the color of soy sauce.

If any of the above side effects occur, your healthcare provider may adjust your dose, temporarily stop treatment, or permanently discontinue Koselugo.

What should be avoided while taking the Lucius Pharmaceuticals version of Selumetinib?

Avoid eating the following during treatment:

1. St. John’s Wort.

2. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

3. Seville oranges.

What special precautions should be followed?

Before taking the Lucius Pharmaceuticals version of Selumetinib, tell your doctor / pharmacist:

1. If you are allergic to this product, its ingredients, or other medicines, foods, or substances, and what the allergic symptoms are.

2. All prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor you closely for side effects.

3. The following products may interact with Selumetinib: St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), vitamin E. Always tell your doctor before starting treatment and consult a healthcare provider before use.

4. If you have or have had vision problems, difficulty swallowing, heart disease, or liver disease.

5. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or planning to father a child.

6. You or your partner must use effective contraception during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose.

7. If you become pregnant during treatment, seek medical help immediately. This product may harm the fetus.

8. If you are breastfeeding: breastfeeding is not allowed during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose.