Pronunciation: tep-MET-co
Generic name: tepotinib
Dosage form: oral tablet
Drug class: Multikinase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Feb 21, 2024.

What is Tepmetko?

Tepmetko (tepotinib) is an oral (taken by mouth) kinase inhibitor that may be used to treat adults with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that:

• has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic), and
• whose tumors have an abnormal mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) gene. Your healthcare provider will perform a test to make sure that Tepmetko is right for you.

Tepmetko works by targeting MET. The MET protein is a factor in normal processes, such as cell motility, proliferation, and cell death, but it is susceptible to dysregulation. Research has shown that up to 6% of NSCLC patients have an increased risk of poor outcomes due to the presence of MET alterations. By targeting MET, Tepmetko inhibits tumor proliferation, growth, and migration of MET-dependent tumor cells, decreasing the formation of metastases. 

Tepmetko was granted traditional approval on February 15th, 2024, based on an additional follow-up of 161 patients which demonstrated a favorable duration of response. It had previously been granted accelerated approval on February 3, 2021.

Warnings

Tepmetko may cause serious side effects, including interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis, which is a severe or life-threatening swelling (inflammation) of the lungs during treatment that can lead to death.

Liver toxicity has occurred in patients treated with Tepmetko. Your healthcare provider will monitor your liver function tests and may adjust the dose of Tepmetko if necessary.

Pancreatic toxicity with elevations in amylase and lipase levels has also occurred in patients treated with Tepmetko. Your healthcare provider will monitor these levels and adjust the dose of Tepmetko if necessary.

Tepmetko can cause fetal harm.

It is not known if this medicine is safe and effective in children.

Before you receive Tepmetko

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have or have had lung or breathing problems other than your lung cancer
• have or have had liver problems
• have or have had pancreatic problems
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tepmetko can harm your unborn baby.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Pregnancy

If you are a female who can become pregnant, your healthcare provider may do a pregnancy test before you start treatment.

You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment and for 1 week after the final dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that may be right for you.

Males with female partners who can become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for 1 week after the final dose.

Breastfeeding

It is not known if Tepmetko passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after the final dose.

Related/similar drugs

Opdivo, methotrexate, Keytruda, pembrolizumab, Avastin, cisplatin, Tagrisso

How should I take Tepmetko?

Tepmetko is taken once a day with food. The recommended dose is 450mg (2 tablets) once daily but take Tepmetko exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to.

• Take it with food.
• Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, or split tablets.
• Take your dose of Tepmetko at about the same time each day.
• Do not change your dose or stop treatment unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 8 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your regular scheduled time.

If you vomit after taking a dose, take your next dose at your regular scheduled time.

What happens if I overdose?

If you take more Tepmetko than you were told to take, call your healthcare provider.

What are the side effects of Tepmetko?

Tepmetko may cause serious side effects, including:

• Lung problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any new or worsening symptoms of lung problems, including:
• trouble breathing
• shortness of breath
• cough
• fever
• Liver problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any signs and symptoms of liver problems, including:
• your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow
• dark or “tea-colored” urine
• light-colored stools (bowel movements)
• confusion
• tiredness
• loss of appetite for several days or longer
• nausea and vomiting
• pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen)
• weakness
• swelling in your stomach-area.
• Pancreas problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any signs and symptoms of pancreas problems, including:
• upper stomach (abdominal) pain that may spread to  your back and get worse with eating
• vomiting
• weight loss
• nausea.

The most common side effects affecting 20% or more people include:

• swelling in your face or other parts of your body (edema)
• tiredness
• nausea
• diarrhea
• muscle and joint pain
• shortness of breath
• loss of appetite
• rash
• changes in certain blood tests.

Your healthcare provider may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently stop treatment if you develop serious side effects during treatment.

These are not all of the possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Tepmetko?

Other drugs may interact with Tepmetko including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Avoid coadministration of Tepmetko with P-gp substrates where minimal changes may lead to serious or life-threatening toxicities.

See the product information for a full list of side effects.

Storage

Store Tepmetko at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

Keep the tablets in their original child-resistant blister foil until taken.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.

Ingredients

Active: tepotinib

Inactive: mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, and colloidal silicon dioxide.

Tablet coating: hypromellose, titanium dioxide, lactose monohydrate, polyethylene glycol, triacetin, and red iron oxides.

Available as 225mg tablets.

Manufacturer

Merck.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer