Uses
Selinexor is used along with dexamethasone to treat multiple myeloma (a type of cancer of the bone marrow) that has returned or that did not respond to at least 4 other treatments. It is also used to treat certain types of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL; a type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells) in adults whose cancer has returned or is unresponsive to at least two other treatments. Selinexor is in a class of medications called selective inhibitors of nuclear export (SINE). It works by killing cancer cells.
Side Effects Of Selinexor
Selinexor may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- weight loss
- loss of appetite
- extreme tiredness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- blurry vision
- headache
- taste changes
- headache
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- easy bleeding or bruising
- fatigue, pale skin, or shortness of breath
- fever, cough, chills, or other signs of infection
- seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist
- confusion
Selinexor may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking selinexor:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to selinexor, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in selinexor tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or recently have had an infection or if you have or have had bleeding problems.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You will need to have a negative pregnancy test before you start taking selinexor. If you are a female, you should not become pregnant while you are taking selinexor and for up to 1 week after your final dose. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that will work for you. If you are male, you and your female partner should use birth control during your treatment and continue to use birth control for 1 week after your final dose. If you or your partner become pregnant while taking selinexor, call your doctor immediately. Selinexor may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are taking selinexor and for 1 week after your final dose.
- you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men and women.
- you should know that selinexor may make you drowsy or cause dizziness or fainting. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Selinexor Dosage
Selinexor comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food on days 1 and 3 of each week. Take selinexor at around the same time of day every day that you take it. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take selinexor exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole with water; do not split, chew, or crush them.
If you vomit after taking selinexor, do not take another dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.
Your doctor may tell you to take medication to prevent nausea and vomiting before and during your treatment with selinexor.
Your doctor may need to stop or interrupt your treatment or reduce your dose if you experience certain side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with selinexor.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will monitor your body weight and order certain lab tests before and during your treatment to check your body’s response to selinexor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
