A MET-targeted tablet for a type of lung cancer
Tepotinib
A targeted cancer tablet for a type of lung cancer driven by a change in the MET gene.
What is Tepotinib?
Tepotinib is a specialist cancer tablet used for a type of non-small-cell lung cancer that has a particular change in the MET gene. It is a MET inhibitor, blocking the faulty signal that drives this cancer to grow. The most important risk to recognise is lung inflammation (pneumonitis or interstitial lung disease), which can cause new or worsening breathlessness or cough and must be reported urgently. It can also affect the liver and commonly causes fluid build-up and swelling, especially in the legs. It is taken by mouth and can harm a developing baby, so reliable contraception is essential.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Tepotinib — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Tepotinib is a specialist cancer medicine taken as a tablet by mouth. It is used to treat a type of non-small-cell lung cancer that has a specific change (a mutation) in a gene called MET, which is found by testing the cancer. By targeting the faulty MET signal that drives these particular cancers, it aims to slow the cancer's growth. It is used when the cancer has this MET change and has usually spread. It is prescribed and supervised by a cancer specialist team, with regular monitoring.
How it works
Some lung cancers grow because of a change in the MET gene, which makes a signalling protein that constantly tells the cancer cells to multiply. Tepotinib blocks this MET signal, switching off the growth message that the cancer depends on, so the cancer slows or shrinks. Because it targets this specific faulty signal, it is only used when testing shows the cancer has the relevant MET change. As with other targeted treatments, it can also affect normal tissues, which is why it can inflame the lungs, affect the liver and cause fluid retention.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A specialist oral cancer treatment used in the UK for a type of non-small-cell lung cancer with a MET gene change.
Practical use
How to take Tepotinib
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take the tablets by mouth as prescribed, with food, swallowed whole with water.
- Report new or worsening breathlessness, cough or fever straight away, as this can signal lung inflammation.
- Attend liver blood tests and report yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or unusual tiredness.
- Tell your team about swelling in the legs, ankles or around the eyes, as fluid build-up is common.
- Use reliable contraception during treatment and for the time your team advises, as it can harm a developing baby.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Tepotinib
Advantages
- A targeted tablet for lung cancer driven by a specific change in the MET gene.
- Taken by mouth at home rather than as a drip.
- Switches off the particular faulty signal that this type of cancer depends on.
Disadvantages
- Can cause lung inflammation, which may be serious and needs urgent attention.
- Can affect the liver, needing regular blood tests.
- Commonly causes fluid build-up and swelling, often in the legs.
Practical use
Good to know
The most important safety point is lung inflammation, known as pneumonitis or interstitial lung disease: new or worsening breathlessness, a cough or fever should be reported urgently, as this can be serious and may mean stopping treatment. Tepotinib can also affect the liver, so blood tests are done to check liver function, and signs such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or unusual tiredness should be reported. A very common effect is fluid build-up causing swelling (oedema), often in the legs or around the eyes, which can be uncomfortable and may need the dose adjusting. Nausea, diarrhoea, tiredness and a raised blood test linked to the kidneys (which often does not reflect true kidney harm) can also occur. It can harm a developing baby, so reliable contraception is essential. Tell your team about all your medicines, as some interact with tepotinib.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to tepotinib should not take it.
- It must not be used in pregnancy because it can seriously harm a developing baby.
- It is used with care in people with existing lung or liver problems, under specialist guidance.
Monitoring
- Watching for breathing symptoms that could signal lung inflammation.
- Regular liver blood tests and checks for swelling.
- Reviewing side effects and how the cancer is responding at each visit.
Side effects
- Fluid build-up and swelling (oedema), often in the legs or around the eyes.
- Lung inflammation (pneumonitis), causing new or worsening breathlessness or cough.
- Changes in liver blood tests, and sometimes signs of liver problems.
- Nausea, diarrhoea, tiredness and a raised kidney-related blood test that often does not mean true kidney harm.
Key interactions
- Some medicines and supplements change how the body handles tepotinib, so give a full list.
- Tepotinib can raise the levels of certain other medicines, so these may need review or adjusting.
- Tell your team about all your medicines before starting and if anything changes.
Available as: Tablets taken by mouth.
Answers
Tepotinib: frequently asked questions
What is tepotinib used for?
It is a targeted cancer tablet used for a type of non-small-cell lung cancer that has a specific change in the MET gene, found by testing the cancer.
Why must I report breathlessness?
Tepotinib can cause lung inflammation (pneumonitis), which can be serious; new or worsening breathlessness, cough or fever should be reported urgently.
Does it affect the liver?
Yes, it can affect the liver, so blood tests are done; report yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or unusual tiredness.
Why are my legs swollen?
Fluid build-up causing swelling, often in the legs or around the eyes, is a common effect; tell your team, as the dose may need adjusting.
Can I take it if I might become pregnant?
No. It can seriously harm a developing baby, so reliable contraception during treatment and for a time afterwards is essential.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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