Selumetinib

How does this medicine work?

Selumetinib (Sell-you-meh-tih-nib) is a cancer medicine known as a MEK inhibitor. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. Currently this medicine is being studied to learn more about it and is only available through clinical trials.

How should I give it?

Selumetinib is taken by mouth as a capsule. It should be taken at the same time each day. Take your daily dose either 1 hour before or 2 hours after you eat with about 8 ounces (240 mL) of water.

Take the capsules as instructed by your provider. You should swallow the capsules whole. Do not chew, crush, or break the capsules.

The medication should be stored in the original container.

Are there any precautions?

Care should be taken when handling Selumetinib. When taking medication out of bottle for dose choose a workspace away from food, windows and fans. Wash hands and put on gloves. Take capsule immediately with water.  Medication should be stored out of reach of children and pets.  

Check with the doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist before giving any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbs, or vitamins.

If you are pregnant, or could become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, we suggest that you DO NOT prepare or administer this medicine without checking with your health care provider first.

All caregivers should wear gloves when handling urine, stool, and vomit while your child is receiving chemotherapy and for 48 hours afterward. Urine, stool, and vomit can be safely disposed of in septic tanks and the sewer system.

Any clothes or bed linens that are contaminated with urine, stool, or vomit should be washed separately from other laundry in hot water and detergent. Anyone handling the contaminated laundry should wear gloves.

What should I do if a dose is missed?

*If your child is on a study protocol please let your provider or case manager know at the next clinic visit.

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you remember, unless it has been 12 hours or more since the missed dose, then skip the dose and continue with the regular schedule. Never give a double dose.

If your child vomits (throws up) within 30 minutes after receiving a dose, give it again. If your child vomits the second dose, do not repeat it again.

If your child misses or vomits more than one dose, please call the clinic.

What are the side effects?

Common

• Skin rash/acne
• Diarrhea
• Swelling hands and/or feet
• Tiredness
• Increased blood pressure
• Sensitivity to sun exposure

Occasional

• Mouth sores
• Anemia which can cause fatigue, headaches
• Constipation, Vomiting
• Fever
• Low blood cell counts
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness
• Cough, shortness of breath
• Hair loss
• Itching
• Ingrown or infected toe and finger nails
• Blurred vision
• Increased liver laboratory values
• Muscle soreness
• Hair color becomes lighter

Rare

• Heart failure

When should I call the clinic?

Call the clinic if you experience any of the following:

• Fever, chills
• Bad headache or dizziness
• Vision changes
• Skin or nail changes not controlled by recommended measures
• Bleeding, unusual bruising
• Arm or leg swelling
• Wound that will not heal
• Cough, shortness of breath, sore throat
• Signs of an allergic reaction:

            - Wheezing or chest tightness

            - Fever

            - Itching

            - Swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat

            - Trouble breathing-call 911

What else do I need to know?

• Your child will have regular blood tests while on this medication to make sure all of the body’s organs are working properly.
• Practice good hygiene and skin care while on this medication.
• Avoid sun exposure or wear sunscreen and lip balm SPF 30 or higher and protective clothing in the sun.
• If your child has nausea while on this medication, they should take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by their provider.

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