Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Selumetinib may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
What Koselugo is and how it works Koselugo contains the active substance selumetinib. Selumetinib is a type of medicine called a MEK inhibitor. It works by blocking certain proteins involved in the growth of tumour cells. Koselugo is expected to shrink tumours that grow along nerves, called plexiform neurofibromas. These tumours are caused by a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). What Koselugo is used for Koselugo granules are used to treat patients with plexiform neurofibromas that cannot be completely removed by surgery for children aged 1 to less than 7 years, and for older patients who have difficulty in swallowing. If you have any questions about how Koselugo works or why this medicine has been prescribed for you, ask your doctor. 2.
e Koselugo
Do not take Koselugo
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse without taking Koselugo, if any of this applies to you. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before and during your treatment with Koselugo, if you have any of the following three conditions listed below: Eye problems Koselugo can cause eye problems (see section 4 'Possible side effects'). Tell your doctor straight away if you get blurred vision or any other changes to your sight during treatment. Your doctor should examine your eyes if you have any new or worsening problems with your sight while you are taking this medicine. Heart problems Koselugo can lower the amount of blood pumped by your heart (see section 4 'Possible side-effects'). Your doctor will check how well your heart works before and during your treatment with Koselugo. Liver problems Koselugo can increase the amount of some liver enzymes in your blood (see section 4 'Possible side effects'). Your doctor will do blood tests before and during treatment to check how well your liver is working. If any of the above apply to you (or you are not sure) talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking this medicine. Skin, nail and hair problems Koselugo can cause skin rash, nail infection, hair thinning or changes in hair colour (see section 4 'Possible side effects'). Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms trouble you during treatment. Children under 1 year old Do not give Koselugo granules to children below 1 year of age. This is because it has not been studied in this age group. Other medicines and Koselugo Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines. This includes herbal medicines, supplements and medicines obtained without a prescription. Koselugo can affect the way some other medicines work. Also, some other medicines can affect the way Koselugo works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: • clarithromycin or erythromycin (used to treat bacterial infections) • carbamazepine or phenytoin (used to treat seizures and epilepsy) • digoxin (used to treat heart failure) • fexofenadine (used to treat symptoms of allergy) • fluconazole or itraconazole (used to treat fungal infections) • ketoconazole (used to treat Cushing's syndrome) • furosemide (used to treat fluid retention by increasing the amount of urine you pass) • methotrexate (used to treat some types of cancer, psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis) • omeprazole (used to treat acid reflux or stomach ulcer) • rifampicin (used to treat tuberculosis (TB) and some other bacterial infections) • St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), a herbal medicine (used to treat mild depression and other conditions) • ticlopidine (used to prevent blood clots) Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any of the above or any other medicines, even those that are not prescribed. Page 2 of 9
Koselugo granules with food and drink Koselugo granules are given with food but some foods affect the way this medicine works. Do not give Koselugo granules in water, milk, vegetable puree, or any juice, fruit puree or jam containing grapefruit or Seville orange (bitter orange), because they can affect this medicine. Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are taking Koselugo because, it can affect the way the medicine works. Pregnancy – information for women Koselugo is not recommended during pregnancy. It may cause harm to an unborn baby. If you think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. Your doctor may ask you to take a pregnancy test before starting treatment. You should not become pregnant while taking this medicine. If you are able to become pregnant, you must use effective contraception. See 'Contraception – information for women and men' below. If you become pregnant during treatment, tell your doctor straight away. Pregnancy – information for men If your partner becomes pregnant while you are taking this medicine, tell your doctor straight away. Contraception – information for women and men If you are sexually active you should use effective contraception while you are taking this medicine and for at least 1 week after the last dose. It is not known whether Koselugo may interfere with how well hormonal contraceptives work. Please tell your doctor if you are taking a hormonal contraceptive, as your doctor may recommend the addition of a non-hormonal method of birth control. Breast-feeding Do not breast-feed if you are taking Koselugo. It is not known if Koselugo passes into breast milk. Driving and using machines Koselugo can cause side effects that affect your ability to drive or use machines. Do not drive or use machines if you feel tired or if you have problems with your vision (such as blurred vision). 3.
How to take Koselugo
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. How much to take Your doctor will work out the correct dose for you based on your height and weight. The doctor will tell you how many capsules of Koselugo to take. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose if you have problems with your liver (hepatic impairment). Your doctor may reduce your dose if you have certain side effects while you are taking Koselugo (see section 4 'Possible side effects') or the doctor may interrupt treatment or stop it permanently.
the granules Koselugo granules are sprinkled on, or mixed with soft food. The granules come in a special capsule that can be pulled open. These capsules are not to be swallowed. Step-by-step instructions and relevant images for administering the granules can be found in this document. •
Open the capsules carefully. Page 3 of 9
• • • • •
Sprinkle all the granules inside onto a small amount (approximately 1 to 3 teaspoons) of soft food (for example, smooth yogurt, fruit sauce, fruit puree or fruit jam). Or you can mix the Koselugo granules and soft food together. Do not use the granules with water, milk, vegetable puree, orwith any juice, fruit puree or jam containing grapefruit or Seville orange (bitter orange). They can all affect the way this medicine works. Once the granules have been sprinkled or mixed, they must be swallowed within 30 minutes. They must not be stored for later use. Take Koselugo granules twice a day, about 12 hours apart. The capsule shells of Koselugo granules must not be swallowed, chewed, or dissolved. The empty capsule shells must be discarded after use.
Koselugo is also available as hard capsules, in higher strengths. Children from 3 years age who can swallow capsules may be prescribed Koselugo hard capsules. If you are sick If you are sick (vomit) at any time after taking Koselugo, do not take an extra dose. Take the next dose at the normal time. If you take more Koselugo than you should If you have taken more Koselugo than you should, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If you forget to take Koselugo What to do if you forget to take a dose of Koselugo depends on how long it is until your next dose. • If it is more than 6 hours until your next dose, take the missed dose. Then take the next dose at the normal time. • If it is less than 6 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then take the next dose at the normal time. Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop taking Koselugo Do not stop taking Koselugo unless your doctor tells you. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
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Preparing to take or give Koselugo granules in capsule for opening Step 1: Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Open the bottle and take out the correct number of the correct colour capsule(s) that you will need for the prescribed dose of Koselugo granules in capsule for opening.
Step 2: Add a small amount (approximately 1 to 3 teaspoons) of soft food such as smooth yogurt, fruit sauce, fruit puree or fruit jam, onto a spoon or into a small cup.
Step 3: One at a time carefully open the capsule(s) and sprinkle the entire contents (granules) onto the soft food that was placed into the spoon or small cup. If using a spoon, you may find it easier to only prepare 1 capsule at a time and repeat steps 2 to 5 until the full dose is taken. Do not swallow whole capsule(s). Do not mix Koselugo granules in water, milk, vegetable puree, or any juice, fruit puree or jam containing grapefruit or Seville orange. Do not swallow or chew the capsule shells, do not chew or crush the granules, and do not add granules to liquids. Step 4: Seating in upright position swallow without chewing the Koselugo granules and food mixture within 30 minutes of preparing it. Do not save it for future use. If Koselugo granules are not taken within 30 minutes, then do not take the dose and prepare a new dose. If a dose has been partially consumed within 30 minutes of preparation, discard remainder of the dose and do not prepare a new dose. Aim to complete dosing within 30 minutes next time.
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Step 5: After swallowing the Koselugo granules and food mixture, there may be some leftover in the cup. Add another small amount of chosen food into the cup to take or give the remaining granules. Make sure all the chosen food containing the granules is swallowed.
4.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Possible serious side effects Eye or vision problems Koselugo can cause eye problems. Tell your doctor straight away if you get blurred vision (a common side effect that may affect up to 1 in 10 people) or any other changes to your sight during treatment. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking this medicine or send you to a specialist, if you develop symptoms that include: • blurred vision • loss of vision • dark spots in your vision (floaters) • other changes to your vision (such as reduced vision) Tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of the serious side effects above. Other side effects Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following side effects: Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) • being sick (vomiting), feeling sick (nausea) • diarrhoea • inflammation of the mouth (stomatitis) • skin and nail problems – signs may include dry skin, rash, redness around the fingernails, rash resembling acne, and inflammation of hair follicles in the skin • hair thinning (alopecia), hair colour change • feeling tired, weak or lacking energy • fever (pyrexia) • swelling of the hands or feet (peripheral oedema) • a slight decrease in the amount of blood that the heart is pumping (ejection fraction decreased) – signs may include shortness of breath or swelling in your legs, ankles or feet • high blood pressure (hypertension) • reduced level of albumin, an essential protein in the blood (shown in blood tests) • reduced haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells (shown in blood tests) • increase in enzymes (shown in blood tests) suggesting stress on the liver, kidney injury or muscle breakdown Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) • dry mouth • swelling of the face (facial oedema) • shortness of breath (dyspnoea) The following side effects have been reported in clinical study with adult patients receiving Koselugo, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following side effects: Page 6 of 9
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) • being sick (vomiting), feeling sick (nausea) • diarrhoea • inflammation of the mouth (stomatitis) • constipation • skin and nail problems – signs may include dry skin, rash, redness around the fingernails, rash resembling acne, and inflammation of hair follicles in the skin • hair thinning (alopecia), hair colour change • feeling tired, weak or lacking energy • swelling of the hands or feet (peripheral oedema) • reduced haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells (shown in blood tests) • increase in enzymes (shown in blood tests) suggesting stress on the liver or kidney injury Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) • dry mouth • fever (pyrexia) • swelling of the face (facial oedema) • shortness of breath (dyspnoea) • reduced level of albumin, an essential protein in the blood (shown in blood tests) • a slight decrease in the amount of blood that the heart is pumping (ejection fraction decreased) – signs may include shortness of breath or swelling in your legs, ankles or feet • high blood pressure (hypertension) • increase in enzymes (shown in blood tests) suggesting muscle breakdown Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at http://www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.
Koselugo
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the bottle and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 25 °C. Store in the original bottle in order to protect from moisture and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment 6.
What Koselugo contains The active substance is selumetinib. Koselugo 5 mg granules in capsule for opening contains 5 mg of selumetinib (as hydrogen sulfate). Koselugo 7.5 mg granules in capsule for opening contains 7.5 mg of selumetinib (as hydrogen sulfate).
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The other ingredients in the 5 mg granules in capsule for opening are:
To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge: 0800 198 5000 (UK only) Please be ready to give the following information: Product name Reference number Koselugo 5 mg granules in capsule for opening 17901/0387 Koselugo 7.5 mg granules in capsule for opening 17901/0388 This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of the Blind.
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Koselugo 7.5 mg granules in capsule for opening comes as capsule containing 7.5mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Koselugo 7.5 mg granules in capsule for opening is selumetinib.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Koselugo 7.5 mg granules in capsule for opening, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Koselugo as monotherapy is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas (PN) in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) aged 1 year to less than 7 years and for older patients with swallowing difficulties.
Treatment with Koselugo should be initiated by a physician experienced in the diagnosis and the treatment of patients with NF1 related tumours.
Posology
The recommended dose of Koselugo granules is equivalent to 25 mg/m2 of body surface area (BSA), taken twice daily (approximately every 12 hours).
Dosing in adult and paediatric patients is individualised based on BSA (mg/m2) and rounded to the nearest achievable 2.5 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg dose (up to a maximum single dose of 50 mg). Different strengths of Koselugo granules can be combined to attain the desired dose (Table 1).
Table 1. Recommended granules dose based on body surface area
Body surface area (BSA) a
Recommended dose
0.40 – 0.49 b m2
10 mg twice daily
0.50 – 0.59 m2
12.5 mg twice daily
0.60 – 0.69 m2
15 mg twice daily
0.70 – 0.89 c m2
20 mg twice daily
0.90 – 1.09 m2
25 mg twice daily
1.10 – 1.29 d m2
30 mg twice daily
1.30 – 1.49 m2
35 mg twice daily
1.50 – 1.69 m2
40 mg twice daily
1.70 – 1.89 m2
45 mg twice daily
≥ 1.90 m2
50 mg twice daily
a The recommended granules dose for patients with a BSA less than 0.40 m2 has not been established.
b A gradual increase from an initial dose of 10 mg to 12.5 mg twice daily may be implemented for patients who tolerate the 10 mg twice-daily dose, with consideration given to safety.
c For patients with a BSA 0.70 m2 and above, dosing recommendations for granules are in line with dosing recommendations for capsules.
d If a patient is unable to transition to capsules when they attain a BSA ≥ 1.29 m2 patients can continue to receive the granules.
Treatment with Koselugo should continue as long as clinical benefit is observed, or until PN progression or the development of unacceptable toxicity.
Missed dose
If a dose of Koselugo is missed, it should only be taken if it is more than 6 hours until the next scheduled dose.
Vomiting
If vomiting occurs after Koselugo is administered, an additional dose is not to be taken. The patient should continue with the next scheduled dose.
Dose adjustments
Interruption and/or dose reduction or permanent discontinuation of selumetinib may be required based on individual safety and tolerability (see sections 4.4 and 4.8). Recommended dose reductions for the granules are given in Table 2.
Table 2. Recommended granules dose reductions for adverse reactions
Body surface area (BSA)
Initial dose a
(mg/twice daily)
First dose reduction
(mg/dose)
Second dose reduction
(mg/dose) b
Morning
Evening
Morning
Evening
0.40 – 0.49 m2
10
7.5
7.5
5
5
0.50 – 0.59 m2
12.5
10
10
7.5
7.5
0.60 – 0.69 m2
15.0
12.5
12.5
10
10
0.70 – 0.89 m2
20
15
15
12.5
12.5
0.90 – 1.09 m2
25
20
20
15
15
1.10 – 1.29 c m2
30
22.5
22.5
15
15
1.30 – 1.49 m2
35
25
25
25
10
1.50 – 1.69 m2
40
30
30
25
20
1.70 – 1.89 m2
45
35
30
25
20
≥ 1.90 m2
50
35
35
25
25
a Based on BSA as shown in Table 1.
b Permanently discontinue Koselugo in patients unable to tolerate Koselugo after two dose reductions.
c If a patient is unable to transition to capsules when they attain a BSA ≥1.29 m2 patients can continue to receive the granules.
Dose modifications for the management of adverse reactions associated with this medicinal product are presented in Table 3.
Table 3. Recommended dose modifications for adverse reactions
CTCAE Grade*
Recommended dose modification
Grade 1 or 2 (tolerable – can be managed with supportive care)
Continue treatment and monitor as clinically indicated.
Grade 2 (intolerable – cannot be managed with supportive care) or Grade 3
Interrupt treatment until toxicity is grade 0 or 1 and reduce by one dose level when resuming therapy (see Table 2).
Grade 4
Interrupt treatment until toxicity is grade 0 or 1, and reduce by one dose level when resuming therapy (see Table 2). Consider discontinuation.
* Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE)
Dose modification advice for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) reduction
In cases of asymptomatic LVEF reduction of ≥ 10 percentage points from baseline and below the institutional lower level of normal (LLN), selumetinib treatment should be interrupted until resolution. Once resolved, selumetinib should be reduced by one dose level when resuming therapy (see Table 2).
In patients who develop symptomatic LVEF reduction or a grade 3 or 4 LVEF reduction, selumetinib should be discontinued and a prompt cardiology referral should be carried out (see section 4.4).
Dose modification advice for ocular toxicities
Selumetinib treatment should be interrupted in patients diagnosed with retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED) or central serous retinopathy (CSR) with reduced visual acuity until resolution; reduce selumetinib by one dose level when resuming therapy (see Table 2). In patients diagnosed with RPED or CSR without reduced visual acuity, ophthalmic assessment should be conducted every 3 weeks until resolution. In patients who are diagnosed with retinal vein occlusion (RVO), treatment with selumetinib should be permanently discontinued (see section 4.4).
Dose adjustments for co‑administration with CYP3A4 or CYP2C19 inhibitors
Concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP3A4 or CYP2C19 inhibitors is not recommended and alternative agents should be considered. If a strong or moderate CYP3A4 or CYP2C19 inhibitor must be co-administered, the recommended Koselugo dose reduction is as follows:
• If a patient is currently taking dose equivalent to 25 mg/m2 twice daily, dose reduce to 20 mg/m2 twice daily.
• If a patient is currently taking dose equivalent to 20 mg/m2 twice daily, dose reduce to 15 mg/m2 twice daily (see Table 4 and section 4.5).
Table 4. Recommended granules dose to achieve 20 mg/m2 or 15 mg/m2 twice daily dose level
Body surface area
20 mg/m2 twice daily (mg/dose)
15 mg/m2 twice daily (mg/dose)
Morning
Evening
Morning
Evening
0.40 – 0.49 m2
7.5
7.5
7.5
5
0.50 – 0.59 m2
10
10
7.5
7.5
0.60 – 0.69 m2
12.5
12.5
10
7.5
0.70 – 0.89 m2
15
15
10
10
0.90 – 1.09 m2
20
20
15
15
1.10 – 1.29 m2
25
25
25
10
1.30 – 1.49 m2
30
25
25
20
1.50 – 1.69 m2
35
30
25
25
1.70 – 1.89 m2
35
35
30
25
≥ 1.90 m2
40
40
30
30
Special populations
Renal impairment
Based on clinical studies no dose adjustment is recommended in patients with mild, moderate, severe renal impairment or those with end stage renal disease (ESRD) (see section 5.2).
Hepatic impairment
Based on clinical studies, no dose adjustment is recommended in patients with mild hepatic impairment. The starting dose should be reduced in patients with moderate hepatic impairment to 20 mg/m2 BSA, twice daily (see Table 4). Koselugo is contraindicated for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see sections 4.3 and 5.2).
Ethnicity
Increased systemic exposure has been seen in adult Asian subjects, although there is considerable overlap with Western subjects when corrected for body weight. No specific adjustment to the starting dose is recommended for Asian patients, however these patients should be closely monitored for adverse events (see section 5.2).
Paediatric population
The safety of Koselugo granules in children less than 1 year of age has not been established. No data are available.
Method of administration
Koselugo granules in capsule for opening is for oral use.
Koselugo granules must be administered by carefully opening the capsules and sprinkling the entire contents on a small amount (approximately 1 to 3 teaspoons) of soft food (e.g. smooth yogurt, fruit sauce, fruit puree or fruit jam). The granules must not be mixed in water, milk, vegetable puree, grapefruit or any juice, fruit puree or jam containing Seville orange (bitter orange).
This medicinal product dispensed on or mixed with food must be swallowed within 30 minutes and must not be stored for future use.
The empty capsule shells of Koselugo must be discarded after use. They should not be swallowed, chewed, or dissolved.
Detailed pictograms on how to administer the granules are provided in the package leaflet.
Koselugo is also available as capsules. Paediatric patients from 3 years of age who are able to swallow capsules may be prescribed appropriate doses of Koselugo capsules (see SmPC for Koselugo Capsules).
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Severe hepatic impairment (see sections 4.2 and 5.2).
Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) reduction
In the SPRINT clinical study, 26% of paediatric patients experienced asymptomatic decreases in ejection fraction, with a median onset time of 232 days. LVEF reduction have been reported in both paediatric and adult patients. A small number of serious reports of LVEF reduction associated with selumetinib have been reported in paediatric patients who participated in an expanded access program (see section 4.8).
Patients with a history of impaired left ventricular function or a baseline LVEF below institutional LLN have not been studied. LVEF should be evaluated by echocardiogram before initiation of treatment to establish baseline values. Prior to starting selumetinib treatment, patients should have an ejection fraction above the institutional LLN.
LVEF should be evaluated at approximately 3 month intervals, or more frequently as clinically indicated, during treatment. Reduction in LVEF can be managed using treatment interruption, dose reduction or treatment discontinuation (see section 4.2).
Ocular toxicity
Patients should be advised to report any new visual disturbances. Adverse reactions of blurred vision have been reported in patients receiving selumetinib. Isolated cases of RPED, CSR and RVO in adult patients with multiple tumour types, receiving treatment with selumetinib monotherapy and in combination with other anti-cancer agents, and in a single paediatric patient with pilocytic astrocytoma on selumetinib monotherapy, have been observed (see section 4.8).
In line with clinical practice an ophthalmological evaluation prior to treatment initiation and at any time a patient reports new visual disturbances is recommended. In patients diagnosed with RPED or CSR without reduced visual acuity, ophthalmic assessment should be conducted every 3 weeks until resolution. If RPED or CSR is diagnosed and visual acuity is affected, selumetinib therapy should be interrupted and the dose reduced when treatment is resumed (see section 4.2). If RVO is diagnosed, treatment with selumetinib should be permanently discontinued (see section 4.2).
Liver laboratory abnormalities
Liver laboratory abnormalities, specifically AST and ALT elevations, can occur with selumetinib (see section 4.8). Liver laboratory values should be monitored before initiation of selumetinib and at least monthly during the first 6 months of treatment, and thereafter as clinically indicated. Liver laboratory abnormalities should be managed with dose interruption, reduction or treatment discontinuation (see Table 2 in section 4.2).
Skin and subcutaneous disorders
Skin rash (including maculopapular rash and acneiform rash), paronychia and hair changes have been reported very commonly in the pivotal clinical studies (see section 4.8). Dry skin, hair colour changes, paronychia and rash maculo-papular were seen more frequently in younger children (age 3-11 years) and acneiform rash was seen more frequently in post-pubertal children (age 12-16 years) in the SPRINT clinical study.
Women of child bearing potential
Koselugo is not recommended in women of child bearing potential who are not using contraception (see section 4.6).
Interaction studies have only been performed in healthy adults (aged ≥ 18 years).
Active substances that may increase selumetinib plasma concentrations
Co-administration with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (200 mg itraconazole twice daily for 4 days) increased selumetinib Cmax by 19% (90% CI 4, 35) and AUC by 49% (90% CI 40, 59) in healthy adult subjects.
Co-administration with a strong CYP2C19/moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor (200 mg fluconazole once daily for 4 days) increased selumetinib Cmax by 26% (90% CI 10, 43) and AUC by 53% (90% CI 44, 63) in healthy adult subjects, respectively.
Concomitant use of erythromycin (moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor) or fluoxetine (strong CYP2C19/CYP2D6 inhibitor) is predicted to increase selumetinib AUC by ~30-40% and Cmax by ~20%.
Co-administration with strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., clarithromycin, grapefruit juice, oral ketoconazole) or CYP2C19 (e.g., ticlopidine) should be avoided. Co‑administration with moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., erythromycin and fluconazole) and CYP2C19 (e.g., omeprazole) should be avoided.
If co‑administration is unavoidable, patients should be carefully monitored for adverse events and the selumetinib dose should be reduced (see section 4.2 and Table 4).
Active substances that may decrease selumetinib plasma concentrations
Co-administration with a strong CYP3A4 inducer (600 mg rifampicin daily for 8 days) decreased selumetinib Cmax by 26% (90% CI ‑17, ‑34) and AUC by 51% (90% CI ‑47, ‑54).
Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., phenytoin, rifampicin, carbamazepine, St. John's Wort) or moderate CYP3A4 inducers with Koselugo should be avoided.
Active substances whose plasma concentrations may be altered by selumetinib
In vitro, selumetinib is an inhibitor of OAT3. The potential for a clinically relevant effect on the pharmacokinetics of concomitantly administered substrates of OAT3 (e.g., methotrexate and furosemide) cannot be excluded (see section 5.2).
The effect of selumetinib on the exposure of oral contraceptives has not been evaluated. Therefore, use of an additional barrier method should be recommended to women using hormonal contraceptives (see section 4.6).
Effect of gastric acid reducing agents on selumetinib
Selumetinib granules do not exhibit pH dependent dissolution. Koselugo can be used concomitantly with gastric pH modifying agents (i.e., H2‑receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors) without restrictions, except for omeprazole which is a CYP2C19 inhibitor.
Women of childbearing potential/Contraception in males and females
Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving Koselugo. It is recommended that a pregnancy test should be performed on women of childbearing potential prior to initiating treatment.
Both male and female patients (of reproductive potential) should be advised to use effective contraception during and for at least 1 week after completion of treatment with Koselugo. It cannot be excluded that selumetinib may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, therefore women using hormonal contraceptives should be recommended to add a barrier method (see section 4.5).
Pregnancy
There are no data on the use of selumetinib in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity including embryo-foetal death, structural defects and reduced foetal weights (see section 5.3). Koselugo is not recommended during pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential not using contraception (see section 4.4).
If a female patient or a female partner of a male patient receiving Koselugo becomes pregnant, she should be apprised of the potential risk to the foetus.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether selumetinib, or its metabolites, are excreted in human milk. Selumetinib and its active metabolite are excreted in the milk of lactating mice (see section 5.3). A risk to the breast-fed child cannot be excluded, therefore breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment with Koselugo.
Fertility
There are no data on the effect of Koselugo on human fertility. Selumetinib had no impact on fertility and mating performance in male and female mice, although a reduction in embryonic survival was observed in female mice (see section 5.3).
Koselugo may have a minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Fatigue, asthenia and visual disturbances have been reported during treatment with selumetinib and patients who experience these symptoms should observe caution when driving or using machines.
Summary of the safety profile
The safety of selumetinib monotherapy has been evaluated in a pooled safety population of 126 paediatric patients (20-30 mg/m2 twice daily, capsules) from 4 studies with NF1 and inoperable PN [(NF1-PN Paediatric Pool, which includes safety data from SPRINT Phase I (N=24), SPRINT Phase II, Stratum 1 (N=50), China Phase I study; paediatric cohort (N=16), Japan Phase I study (N=12), and Phase I Food effect study (Study 15, N=24)].
In addition, the safety of selumetinib for the granule formulation was evaluated in 36 paediatric patients (dose equivalent to 25 mg/m2 twice daily, granules) with NF1 and symptomatic inoperable PN from the Phase I/II SPRINKLE study.
The safety of selumetinib monotherapy in adult patients has been evaluated in 137 adult patients with NF1 and inoperable PN (25 mg/m2 twice daily, capsules) from Phase III KOMET study.
The median total duration of selumetinib treatment in NF1-PN Paediatric Pool was 27 months (range: < 1– 97 months), 57% of patients were exposed to selumetinib treatment for > 24 months and 40% for > 36 months. The median total duration of selumetinib treatment in NF1-PN adult patients was about 12 months (range: < 1 – 32 months). Of these patients 50.4% of patients were exposed to selumetinib treatment for < 12 months and remaining 49.6% patients were exposed to selumetinib for > 12 months.
In the NF1-PN Paediatric pool, the most common adverse reactions of any grade (incidence ≥ 40%) were vomiting (62%), acneiform rashes (60%), diarrhoea (56%), blood creatine phosphokinase increased (54%), nausea (52%), paronychia (50%), and dry skin and pyrexia (44% each). Adverse events leading to dose interruptions and reductions were reported in 61.9% and 27.8% of patients, respectively. A total of 47.6% patients had ADRs leading to dose modification of selumetinib (either dose interruptions or reductions). The ADRs leading to dose modification (incidence ≥ 5%) of selumetinib were vomiting (19.8%), paronychia (15.9%), nausea (11.1%), diarrhea (8.7%), pyrexia (6.3%), and rashes (acneiform and non-acneiform; 5.6% each). Any ADRs leading to treatment discontinuation were reported in 4.8% patients.
In the SPRINKLE study, at the time of first data cut-off (DCO1), the median total duration of selumetinib treatment was 11 months (range: < 3 – < 26 months). Thirty-six paediatric patients were treated with selumetinib granules equivalent to 25 mg/m2 twice daily. The most common adverse reactions of any grade (incidence ≥ 40%) were pyrexia and dry skin (47% patients each); and paronychia (44%). Adverse events leading to dose interruptions were reported in 30.6% of patients, while no patients had AEs leading to dose reductions. A total 22.2% patients had ADRs leading to dose modification (either dose interruptions or reductions). The ADRs leading to dose modification (incidence ≥ 5%) were vomiting and pyrexia (11.1% patients each), and diarrhea (5.6%). No patient had ADRs that led to treatment discontinuation.
The observed safety profile of selumetinib granules in the SPRINKLE study was comparable with pooled safety data in paediatric patients treated with selumetinib capsules (NF1-PN Paediatric Pool).
In the NF1-PN adult patients, the most common adverse reactions of any grade (incidence ≥ 20%) were acneiform rashes (55%), blood creatine phosphokinase increased (37%), diarrhoea (30%), non-acneiform rashes (27%) and vomiting (20%). A total of 25.5% patients had adverse reactions leading to dose modification of selumetinib (either dose interruptions or reductions). The adverse drug reaction (ADR) leading to dose modification (incidence ≥ 5%) of selumetinib was blood creatine phosphokinase increased (5.8%). The adverse reactions leading to treatment discontinuation were reported in 1.5% patients.
The safety profile was also substantiated by a pool of safety data from 7 studies in adult patients with multiple tumour types (N=347) who received 75 to 100 mg of selumetinib twice daily.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
Table 5 presents the adverse reactions identified in the paediatric and adult population with NF1 who have inoperable PN and also in adult patients with multiple tumour types (see footnote to Table 5). The frequency is determined from the paediatric pool (N = 126) and adult patients (N = 137) as defined above. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are organised by MedDRA system organ class (SOC). Within each SOC, preferred terms are arranged by decreasing frequency and then by decreasing seriousness. Frequencies of occurrence of adverse reactions are defined as: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from available data), including isolated reports.
Table 5. Adverse drug reactions reported in the selumetinib NF1-PN studies and in other identified clinical trials in adult patients with multiple tumour types
MedDRA SOC and MedDRA term
Paediatric Pool a
(N = 126)
KOMET Study b
(N = 137)
Overall Frequency
(All CTCAE Grades) c
Frequency of CTCAE Grade 3 and above d
Overall Frequency
(All CTCAE Grades) c
Frequency of CTCAE Grade 3 and above e
Eye disorders
Vision blurred ^
Common (9%)
-
Common (4%)
-
Retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED)/ Central serous retinopathy (CSR) * ††
-
-
Uncommon (0.6%)
-
Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) * ††
-
-
Uncommon (0.3%)
-
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Dyspnoea *
Common (6%)
-
Common (3%)
Common (1%)
Gastrointestinal disorders
Vomiting ^
Very common (62%)
Common (7%)
Very common (20%)
-
Diarrhoea ^
Very common (56%)
Very common (10%)
Very common (30%)
-
Nausea ^
Very common (52%)
Common (2%)
Very common (17%)
-
Stomatitis ^*
Very common (40%)
Common (1%)
Very common (14%)
Common (1%)
Constipation
-
-
Very common (10%)
-
Dry mouth
Common (4%)
-
Common (6%)
-
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rashes (acneiform) ^*
Very common (60%)
Common (2%)
Very common (55%)
Common (2%)
Paronychia ^
Very common (50%)
Very common (10%)
Very common (17%)
Common (3%)
Dry skin
Very common (44%)
Common (1%)
Very common (13%)
-
Rashes (non-acneiform) ^*
Very common (39%)
Common (2%)
Very common (27%)
Common (1%)
Hair changes ^*
Very common (29%)
-
Very common (18%)
-
General disorders
Pyrexia
Very common (44%)
Common (5%)
Common (5%)
Common (1%)
Asthenic events *
Very common (37%)
-
Very common (15%)
-
Peripheral oedema *
Very common (18%)
-
Very common (16%)
-
Facial oedema *
Common (8%)
-
Common (4%)
-
Investigations f
Blood CPK increased ^
Very common (54%)
Common (6%)
Very common (37%)
Common (7%)
AST increased
Very common (37%)
Common (2%)
Very common (12%)
Common (1%)
Haemoglobin decreased *
Very common (35%)
Common (2%)
Very common (11%)
Common (2%)
Blood albumin decreased *
Very common (35%)
-
Common (2%)
-
ALT increased
Very common (29%)
Common (2%)
Very common (11%)
Common (1%)
Ejection fraction decreased ^
Very common (21%)
Common (1%)
Common (7%)
Common (1%)
Blood creatinine increased
Very common (19%)
Common (1%)
Common (2%)
-
Increased blood pressure *
Very common (11%)
-
Common (4%)
Common (2%)
a NF1-PN Paediatric Pool data (N = 126) is pooled from SPRINT Phase I (N = 24), SPRINT Phase II, Stratum 1 (N = 50), China Phase I study; paediatric cohort (N=16), Japan Phase I Study (N=12), and Phase I Food effect (N=24) studies. Frequency percentage numbers are rounded to the nearest full number.
b NF1-PN adult patients data is from KOMET study (N = 137). Frequency percentage numbers are rounded to the nearest full number.
c Per National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), all studies used CTCAE v5.0, except for SPRINT paediatric study which used CTCAE v4.03.
d All events were CTCAE grade 3, except for two CTCAE grade 4 event of blood CPK increased and one CTCAE grade 4 event of blood creatinine increased. There were no deaths.
e All events were CTCAE grade 3, except for one CTCAE grade 4 event of pyrexia and four CTCAE grade 4 events of blood CPK increased. There were no deaths.
f In the SPRINT study, all lab abnormalities were reported as AEs. In other studies included in the NF1-PN paediatric and adult patients, lab abnormalities were only reported as AEs when they met SAE criteria, resulted in discontinuation, or were clinically relevant as judged by the investigator.
CPK = creatine phosphokinase; AST = aspartate aminotransferase; ALT = alanine aminotransferase
^ See Description of selected adverse reactions
†† Identified ADRs from other clinical trial experience in adult patients (N = 347), with multiple tumour types, receiving treatment with selumetinib (75 mg twice daily). These ADRs have not been reported in paediatric or adult population with NF1 who have inoperable PN.
* ADRs based on grouping of individual Preferred Terms (PT):
Asthenic events: fatigue, asthenia
Blood albumin decreased: hypoalbuminaemia, blood albumin decreased
CSR/RPED: detachment of macular retinal pigment epithelium, chorioretinopathy
Dyspnoea: dyspnoea exertional, dyspnoea, dyspnoea at rest
Facial oedema: periorbital oedema, face oedema, lip swelling, eyelid oedema, swelling face
Haemoglobin decreased: anaemia, haemoglobin decreased
Hair changes: alopecia, hair colour change
Increased blood pressure: blood pressure increased, hypertension
Peripheral oedema: oedema peripheral, oedema, localised oedema, peripheral swelling
Rashes (acneiform): dermatitis acneiform, acne, folliculitis
Rashes (non-acneiform): rash pruritic, rash maculo-papular, rash papular, rash, rash erythematous, rash macular
RVO: retinal vascular disorder, retinal vein occlusion, retinal vein thrombosis
Stomatitis: stomatitis, mouth ulceration, aphthous ulcer, gingival swelling
Description of selected adverse reactions
Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) reduction
In the NF1-PN Paediatric Pool (N=126), LVEF reduction (PT: ejection fraction decreased) was reported in 26 (21%) patients; among them, in 25 (19.8%) patients, the reported ADRs were CTCAE grade 2, and in 1 (0.8%) patient, the ADR reported was CTCAE grade 3. In 4 (3.2%) patients, LVEF decrease led to dose reduction and in 2 (1.6%) patients, LVEF decrease led to dose interruption. At the time of analysis, of the 26 patients, 20 patients were recovered. The median time to first occurrence of LVEF reduction was 283 days (median duration 110.5 days).
In the NF1-PN adult patients (N = 137), LVEF reduction (PT: ejection fraction decreased) was reported in 10 (7%) patients; among them, in 1 (0.7%) patient, the reported ADR was CTCAE grade 3. In 2 (1.5%) patients, LVEF decrease led to dose interruption. At the time of analysis, 7 of the 10 patients had recovered. The median time to first occurrence of LVEF reduction was 342 days (approximately 11 months) [median duration 112.5 days (approximately 4 months)].
Patients with LVEF lower than the institutional LLN at baseline were not included in the pivotal studies. In addition, a small number of serious cases of LVEF reduction associated with selumetinib have been reported in paediatric patients who participated in an expanded access program. For clinical management of LVEF reduction (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).
Ocular toxicity
In the NF1-PN Paediatric Pool (N=126), CTCAE grade 1 and 2 events of blurred vision were reported in 11 (9%) patients. Two patients (1.6%) required dose interruption. At the time of analysis, of the 11 patients, 10 patients were recovered.
In the NF1-PN adult patients (N = 137), CTCAE grade 1 event of blurred vision was reported in 5 (4%) patients. One patient (0.7%) required dose interruption. All events were managed without dose reduction and at the time of analysis, all 5 patients had recovered.
For clinical management of new visual disturbances (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).
In addition, a single event of RPED was reported in a paediatric patient receiving selumetinib monotherapy (25 mg/m2 twice daily) for pilocytic astrocytoma involving the optic pathway in an externally sponsored paediatric study (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).
Paronychia
In the NF1-PN Paediatric Pool (N=126), paronychia was reported in 63 (50%) patients. The median time to first onset of maximum grade paronychia adverse event was 375 days (approximately 12 months) and the median duration of events was 55 days (approximately 2 months). The majority (51 patients, 40.5% the NF1-PN Paediatric Pool) had a maximum CTCAE grade of 1 or 2. Grade ≥ 3 events occurred in 12 (10%) patients. Eighteen patients (14.3%) required dose interruption for adverse event of paronychia, and 9 patients (7.1%) had an AE of paronychia that led to dose reduction. In one patient (0.8%) the event led to treatment discontinuation.
In the NF1-PN adult patients (N = 137), paronychia was reported in 23 (17%) patients. The median time to first onset of maximum grade paronychia was 390 days (approximately 13 months) and the median duration of the maximum grade event was 63 days (approximately 2 months). Nineteen (13.9%) patients had a maximum CTCAE grade of 1 or 2. Grade 3 events occurred in 4 (3%) patients. One patient (0.7%) required dose interruption for adverse event of paronychia, and 3 patients (2.2%) had an event of paronychia that led to dose reduction. Paronychia did not lead to dose discontinuation in any of the patients. At the time of analysis, 11 of the 23 patients had recovered.
Blood creatine phosphokinase (CPK) increase
ADRs of blood CPK elevation occurred in 68 (54%) patients in the NF1-PN Paediatric Pool (N=126). The median time to first onset of the maximum CTCAE grade CPK increase was 112 days (approximately 4 months) and the median duration of the maximum CTCAE grade event was 126 days (approximately 4 months). The majority (61 cases, 48.4% of the NF1-PN Paediatric Pool) had maximum CTCAE grade event that was grade 1 or 2. A maximum CTCAE grade 3 events occurred in 5 (4%) patients, and CTCAE grade 4 event occurred in 2 (1.6%) patients. Five patients had an AE of blood CPK increase that led to treatment interruptions and required dose reduction.
In the NF1-PN adult patients (N = 137), ADRs of blood CPK increase occurred in 51 (37%) patients. The median time to first onset of the maximum CTCAE grade blood CPK increase was 167 days (approximately 6 months), and the median duration of maximum grade event was 122 days (approximately 4 months). Forty-two patients (30.7%) had maximum CTCAE grade of 1 or 2. A maximum CTCAE grade 3 events occurred in 5 (3.6%) patients, and CTCAE grade 4 events occurred in 4 (2.9%) patients. Six patients had an event of blood CPK increase that led to dose interruptions and dose reduction was required in 3 patients. At the time of analysis, 21 of the 51 patients had recovered.
Gastrointestinal toxicities
In the NF1-PN Paediatric Pool (N=126), vomiting (78 patients, 62%), diarrhoea (71 patients, 56%), nausea (66 patients, 52%), and stomatitis (50 patients, 40%) were the most commonly reported gastrointestinal (GI) events. The majority of these cases were CTCAE grade 1 or 2. CTCAE grade ≥ 3 events were reported for diarrhoea (10%), vomiting (7%), nausea (2%) and stomatitis (1%). Dose modification was required in 25 (19.8%) patients with vomiting, 14 (11.1%) with nausea, 11 (8.7%) with diarrhoea, and 6 (4.8%) with stomatitis. One patient each reported an event of diarrhoea, nausea and stomatitis led to treatment discontinuation. Dose reduction had occurred in one patient with AE of diarrhoea and in 2 patients with AE of stomatitis. No CTCAE grade ≥ 4 events were reported.
In the NF1-PN adult patients (N = 137), diarrhoea (41 patients, 30%), vomiting (27 patients, 20%), nausea (23 patients, 17%), stomatitis (19 patients, 14%), and constipation (13 patients, 10%) were the most reported gastrointestinal (GI) events. Most of these events were CTCAE grade 1 or 2. In 1 patient (0.7%), CTCAE grade 3 event was reported for stomatitis. Dose interruption was required in 2 patients (1.5%) each with nausea and vomiting, and in 1 patient (0.7%) each with diarrhoea and stomatitis. Dose reduction occurred in 1 patient (0.7%) each with an ADR of nausea and stomatitis. One patient reported an event of nausea that led to treatment discontinuation.
Skin toxicities
In the NF1-PN Paediatric Pool (N=126), acneiform rashes were observed in 76 (60%) patients [median time to onset 29 days; median duration of 176 days (approximately 6 months) for the maximum CTCAE grade event]. The majority (73 patients, 58% of the NF1-PN Paediatric Pool) of these reported ADRs with maximum CTCAE were grade 1 or 2. In 4 patients (3.2%), acneiform rashes led to dose interruption and 3 patients (2.4%) acneiform rashes led to dose reduction. CTCAE grade 3 events were reported in 3 (2.4%) patients. Other (non-acneiform) rashes were observed in 49 (39%) patients in the NF1-PN Paediatric Pool and were predominantly (46 patients, 36.5% of the NF1-PN Paediatric Pool) CTCAE grade 1 or 2.
In the NF1-PN adult patients (N = 137), acneiform rashes were observed in 75 (55%) patients [median time to onset 19 days; median duration of 124 days (approximately 4 months) for the maximum CTCAE grade event]. Seventy-two (53%) patients reported ADRs with maximum CTCAE grade 1 or 2. CTCAE grade 3 events were reported in 3 (2.2%) patients. In 3 patients (2.2%) acneiform rashes led to dose interruption, and in 2 patients (1.5%) each acneiform rashes led to dose reduction and dose discontinuation. Rashes (non-acneiform) were observed in 37 (27%) patients and were predominantly (36 patients, 26.3%) CTCAE grade 1 or 2.
Hair changes
In the NF1-PN Paediatric Pool (N=126), 37 (29%) patients experienced hair changes adverse event (reported as [PT: hair colour changes] in 21 patients (16.7%) and hair thinning [PT: alopecia] in 30 patients (23.8%)). All cases were CTCAE grade 1 (33 patients, 26.2%) or 2 (4 patients, 3.2%) and dose interruption was reported in 1 (0.8%) patient.
In the NF1-PN adult patients (N = 137), 24 (18%) patients experienced hair changes adverse event [reported as (PT: hair colour changes) in 6 (4.4%) patients and hair thinning (PT: alopecia) in 20 (14.6%) patients]. All cases were CTCAE grade 1 or 2. Dose interruption was reported in 1 (0.7%) patient and dose reduction in 2 (1.5%) patients.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
There is no specific treatment for overdose. If overdose occurs, patients should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of adverse reactions and treated supportively with appropriate monitoring as necessary. Dialysis is ineffective in the treatment of overdose.
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