Selcaxen 40 mg (Generic Selpercatinib) – Everest Pharmaceuticals

Selcaxen 40 mg is a generic formulation of Selpercatinib — a highly selective, first-in-class RET kinase inhibitor — manufactured by Everest Pharmaceuticals Ltd. under WHO-GMP certified conditions in Bangladesh. Each capsule contains 40 mg of selpercatinib, the same active molecule found in Retevmo® (Eli Lilly), and is dispensed under the Named Patient Program for patients with RET-altered cancers who require an affordable alternative.

Unlike older multi-kinase inhibitors, selpercatinib is a highly selective RET inhibitor — designed to maximise anti-tumour activity against RET alterations while minimising off-target toxicity.

RET (Rearranged during Transfection) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that, when altered by gene fusion or point mutation, becomes constitutively active — continuously signalling tumour cells to grow, survive, and spread. RET alterations occur in approximately 1–2% of NSCLC and are the defining oncogenic driver in nearly all medullary thyroid cancers.

Selpercatinib is generally well tolerated, with a milder side-effect profile than multi-kinase inhibitors. Most patients experience minimal disruption to daily life during the first month.

• Week 1–2: Dry mouth is the most common early complaint — stay well hydrated. Mild diarrhoea or constipation may occur. Blood pressure monitoring begins from day one.
• Weeks 2–3: Liver function tests are scheduled — selpercatinib can cause hepatotoxicity (usually asymptomatic but detected on blood tests). Attend all monitoring appointments.
• Week 4: RET-altered tumours typically respond rapidly — many patients see measurable tumour shrinkage within the first cycle. Thyroid cancer patients may notice improving tumour markers.

Selpercatinib is notably better tolerated than multi-kinase inhibitors used for RET-altered cancers. Most side effects are mild to moderate and manageable without dose reduction.

Dosing is weight-based: 120 mg twice daily if under 50 kg; 160 mg twice daily if 50 kg or more. Your oncologist confirms your exact dose.

• 1
  Twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart — e.g. with breakfast and dinner. Consistency of timing maintains stable drug levels.
• 2
  With or without food in most cases — but if you are also taking a PPI, take selpercatinib with food to compensate for reduced acid environment.
• 3
  Avoid PPIs, H2 blockers, and antacids where possible — these reduce selpercatinib absorption significantly. If unavoidable, your oncologist will advise on timing adjustments.
• 4
  Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water. Do not open or crush capsules.
• 5
  Storage: below 25°C, protected from moisture and light, out of reach of children.

• ♥
  Monitor blood pressure twice daily — selpercatinib causes hypertension in approximately 35% of patients. Keep a log and share with the care team at every appointment.
• ♥
  Watch for liver symptoms — unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, upper abdominal discomfort, or yellowing of skin/eyes. These can precede detectable enzyme elevation on blood tests and should be reported immediately.
• ♥
  Manage the medication schedule carefully — the twice-daily dosing and acid-reducer interaction rules require careful planning. Set alarms for both doses and keep a medication diary.