Selpercatinib
Written By Dr. Nikita Saini
Reviewed By Dr. Dheeraj Kumar SharmaLast updated 06 Oct 2026 | 06:26 AM (UTC)
Selpercatinib Uses
Selpercatinib is used in the treatment of thyroid cancer and lung cancer.
How Selpercatinib works
Selpercatinib is a selective RET kinase inhibitor. It blocks the activity of abnormal RET (rearranged during transfection) proteins, which are cell-surface receptors that help control normal cell growth, nerve cell development, and tissue formation. It reduces RET signaling involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells and can help slow the growth of tumors.
Common side effects of Selpercatinib
Swelling, Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain, Fatigue, Diarrhea, Dryness in mouth, High blood pressure, Abdominal pain, Constipation, Rash, Nausea, Headache, Cough, Upper respiratory tract infection, Increased liver enzymes, Decreased white blood cell count
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Expert advice for Selpercatinib
- Take Selpercatinib exactly as prescribed, and do not change the dose without consulting your doctor.
- Take the medicine at the same time each day. Always maintain a regular dosing schedule.
- While taking Selpercatinib, do not take medicine for acidity on your own without consulting the doctor, especially proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists, or antacids.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you develop a new or worsening cough, difficulty breathing, fever, unusual bleeding, severe rash, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
- Tell your doctor before undergoing surgery because Selpercatinib may affect and delay wound healing.
- Use effective contraception during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose.
- Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose.
Frequently asked questions for Selpercatinib
Selpercatinib is an anti-cancer medicine that is used to treat certain cancers. It is used for RET fusion-positive NSCLC, RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer, and certain RET fusion-positive thyroid cancers.
Selpercatinib blocks the activity of abnormal RET proteins. These are proteins that are cell-surface receptors that help control normal cell growth, nerve cell development, and tissue formation. It reduces RET signaling involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells and can help slow the growth of tumors.
Take Selpercatinib exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is generally taken twice daily. However, sometimes the dose may vary as per body weight or surface area (in young children). Swallow the capsule or tablet whole and do not crush or chew it.
Selpercatinib can generally be taken with or without food. However, if you are taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), your doctor may advise you to take Selpercatinib with food.
Take the missed dose only if there are more than 6 hours before your next scheduled dose. Otherwise, skip it and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not double the dose.
Common side effects include swelling, diarrhea, fatigue, dry mouth, increased blood pressure, abdominal pain, constipation, rash, nausea, and headache.
Yes. Your doctor may monitor liver function, blood pressure, heart rhythm, thyroid function, and other laboratory parameters during treatment depending on your condition and risk factors.
Selpercatinib may affect the heart's electrical activity and increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. It should be avoided in people with certain heart rhythm problems or those taking medicines that can cause similar effects. Extra caution may be needed in people at higher risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
Some acid-reducing medicines can reduce the amount of Selpercatinib in the body. Proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists, and locally acting antacids should generally be avoided unless specifically advised by your doctor. Your doctor can guide you on the appropriate timing if these medicines are necessary.
Selpercatinib may harm an unborn baby. Both men and women should use effective contraception during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose.
Breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose, as there is limited information on its use during breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor before starting this medicine if you are breastfeeding.