Selumetinib is a targeted therapy that specifically targets specific types of neurofibromatosis. This article will introduce the basic information, dosage, and precautions of Selumetinib in detail to help patients and their families better understand and use the drug.
What kind of drug is Selumetinib?
Selumetinib is a targeted therapy that inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells by inhibiting MEK1 and MEK2 enzymes, providing a new therapeutic option for NF1-associated PN.
Basic information about the drug
Selucitinib (known as Koselugo, other nicknames include Coselugo and Selumetinib Bisulfate Capsules) was developed by AstraZeneca in the United Kingdom and officially approved for marketing in China in May 2023. It is primarily used to treat pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) with symptomatic plexiform neurofibromas (PN) that cannot be surgically removed.
Main ingredients and dosage forms
The main ingredient of Koselugo is Selumetinib sulfate, and its dosage form is capsules, which are available in two specifications: 10mg and 25mg, respectively. The 10 mg capsule is a white opaque hard capsule labeled "SEL10", while the 25 mg capsule is a blue opaque hard capsule labeled "SEL25".
Knowing the specific ingredients and dosage forms of a drug can help to correctly identify the drug and avoid misuse.
Dosage of Selumetinib dosage
Following your doctor's guidance for dose adjustments is important to maintain efficacy and reduce side effects.
Recommended dose
The recommended dose of Selumetinib is given by body surface area (BSA) at a single recommended dose of 25 mg/m² orally twice daily (approximately every 12 hours). The dose should be adjusted on an individual basis and rounded up to the nearest dose of 5 mg or 10 mg (maximum dose of 50 mg at a time).
Missed dose management and vomiting coping
If you forget to take the medication, you can only take it if it is more than 6 hours before the next dose. If vomiting occurs after taking the drug, no additional supplemental dose is required and the next dose should be given as planned.
Proper management of missed doses and response to vomiting can help maintain stable plasma levels, thereby improving treatment outcomes.
Dose adjustments
Considering individual safety and tolerability, Selumetinib may need to be suspended, tapered, or permanently discontinued. A medical professional should be consulted for specific tariff regimens.
Regularly assessing the patient's response and adjusting the treatment regimen accordingly can optimize treatment outcomes and reduce adverse effects.
Precautions for Selumetinib
Paying close attention to changes in heart function and adjusting treatment strategies in a timely manner can help prevent serious heart complications.
Cardiomyopathy surveillance
Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) should be assessed by echocardiography prior to initiation of treatment, every three months for the first year of treatment, and every six months thereafter, and as clinically indicated. If the LVEF is less than ≥10% of baseline, Selumetinib should be suspended, reduced, or permanently discontinued.
See-to-toxicity management
Selumetinib may cause serious visual toxicity, including retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and retinal pigment epithelium detachment (RPED). It is recommended to have a full ophthalmologic evaluation before initiating treatment and at regular intervals during treatment to assess changes in visual acuity.
Regular eye exams and early detection of vision problems can effectively manage the risk of visual toxicity.
Gastrointestinal toxicity and skin toxicity
Selumetinib may cause gastrointestinal toxicity (e.g., diarrhea, colitis, etc.) and skin toxicity (e.g., skin rash, acne-like rash, etc.). Take antidiarrheal drugs (such as loperamide) immediately when you have unformed loose stools and increase your fluid intake; Monitor for severe rashes.
Proactive management and coping with these common side effects not only reduces patient discomfort but also improves treatment adherence.
