Skip to main content

Xpovio

Pronunciation: x-PO-Vee-O
Generic name: selinexor
Dosage form: oral tablet (20 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg)
Drug class: Miscellaneous antineoplastics

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on May 11, 2025.

What is Xpovio?

Xpovio is used to treat multiple myeloma (MM) or relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in adults. Xpovio is an oral tablet that is taken 1 to 2 times a week.

Xpovio (selinexor) gained FDA approval on July 3, 2019. There is no generic.

FDA approvals

Xpovio is a prescription medicine used to treat:

It is not known if Xpovio is safe and effective in children less than 18 years of age.

Is Xpovio a chemo drug?

No, Xpovio is not a chemotherapy drug it is a targeted treatment that works in a novel way to enhance your body's cancer defence mechanisms.

Clinical trials have shown that because Xpovio is a targeted treatment it has a more focused effect on cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Xpovio is often used in combination with other medicines to enhance its effectiveness.

How does Xpovio work?

Xpovio’s mechanism of action involves targeting a specific protein complex called XPO1, which is responsible for removing tumor suppressor proteins out of the cell nucleus. This leads to the accumulation of XPO1 inside the cell, which reinitiates and amplifies its function, leading to apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells, while largely sparing normal cells.

Xpovio belongs to the drug class called selective inhibitors of nuclear export (SINE). It was the first in its class to be developed.

Side effects

The most common side effects of Xpovio are:

Xpovio may cause fertility problems in males and females, which may affect your ability to have children. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about fertility.

Serious side effects and warnings

Xpovio can cause the following serious side effects:

Your healthcare provider will do blood tests before you start taking Xpovio and often during the first 3 months of treatment and then as needed during treatment to monitor you for side effects.

Your healthcare provider may change your dose of Xpovio, stop your treatment for some time, or completely stop your treatment if you have certain side effects during treatment with Xpovio.

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

Before taking

Before taking Xpovio, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

Pregnancy

Xpovio can harm your unborn baby. Females who can become pregnant:

Males with female partners who can become pregnant:

Breastfeeding

It is not known if Xpovio passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with Xpovio and for 1 week after your last dose of Xpovio.

How should I take Xpovio?

Take Xpovio exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Your healthcare provider will tell you how much Xpovio to take and when to take it. Do not change your dose or stop taking Xpovio without talking to your healthcare provider first.

Xpovio may make you feel sick (nauseous) and you may vomit.

Dosing information

Dosage for Multiple Myeloma in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (XVd):

Dosage for Multiple Myeloma in combination with dexamethasone (Xd):

Dosage for DLBCL:

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Xpovio, take your next dose at your next regularly scheduled day and time.

If you vomit after taking a dose of Xpovio, do not take an extra dose. Take your next dose at your next regularly scheduled day and time.

What happens if I overdose?

If you take too much Xpovio, call your healthcare provider right away.

What should I avoid while taking Xpovio?

Xpovio can cause neurologic side effects. If you feel sleepy, dizzy or have any other neurologic side effects with Xpovio, do not drive or operate heavy or dangerous machinery until your neurologic side effects go away.

Avoid falling. Use care as needed to avoid falling due to neurologic side effects.

What other drugs will affect Xpovio?

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any new medicines.

Does Xpovio interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

How should I store Xpovio?

Store Xpovio tablets at or below 86°F (30°C) in its original child-resistant blister pack.

Keep out of the reach of children

What are the ingredients in Xpovio?

Active ingredient: selinexor

Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, Opadry 200 clear, Opadry II blue, povidone K30, and sodium lauryl sulfate.

Who makes Xpovio?

Xpovio is manufactured by Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc., whose headquarters are in Massachusetts. The company was founded in 2008 and focuses on improving the lives of cancer patients.

Xpovio is their lead compound.

Further information

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