Xermelo (telotristat ethyl) is a brand-name oral tablet that’s prescribed for diarrhea caused by carcinoid syndrome in certain adults. As with other drugs, Xermelo can cause side effects. These include nausea and headache.

Xermelo can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Xermelo in clinical trials:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Xermelo. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Xermelo’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Xermelo include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Xermelo and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Xermelo. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Xermelo may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Xermelo’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Xermelo, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported include:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Xermelo. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Xermelo may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Xermelo.

Constipation

Xermelo treats diarrhea that’s related to carcinoid syndrome, which is a group of symptoms caused by carcinoid tumors. Due to the way this drug works, it can cause constipation in some people. In clinical trials of Xermelo, constipation was commonly reported.

Constipation is typically mild. However, on rare occasions, it may become severe. Severe constipation can lead to complications, such as an intestinal blockage or tear. Symptoms of these conditions include severe, persistent, or worsening abdominal pain and swelling.

What you can do

Before you start treatment with Xermelo, tell your doctor if you have a condition that can cause constipation. This includes conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or hypothyroidism. It’s also important to tell your doctor about any other medications that you take. Certain drugs can cause constipation, including:

During treatment with Xermelo, tell your doctor if you experience constipation. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medication to treat this side effect. They may also recommend pausing Xermelo treatment until your symptoms ease.

However, if abdominal pain or swelling become severe, call 911 or your local emergency number. These symptoms could be due to an intestinal blockage or tear, which requires urgent medical care.

Depression

Xermelo can cause depression during treatment. In the drug’s clinical trials, depression was commonly reported.

Symptoms of depression can include:

  • low mood that doesn’t go away
  • persistent sadness or hopelessness
  • anxiety or irritability
  • lack of energy or motivation
  • eating more or less than is typical
  • getting more or less sleep than is typical
  • losing interest in activities you used to enjoy

What you can do

If you have new or worsening symptoms of depression while taking Xermelo, talk with your doctor. They can recommend whether you should continue taking Xermelo. They can also recommend ways to manage this side effect, such as talk therapy or an antidepressant medication.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Xermelo can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Xermelo. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Xermelo. This drug may not be the right treatment option for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Liver problems. If you have a liver problem, taking Xermelo could make it worse. You may also have an increased risk of side effects from this drug. Xermelo is not recommended for people with moderate or severe liver problems. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Dialysis. If you receive dialysis for kidney failure, talk with your doctor before you start taking Xermelo. Your doctor will determine whether this drug is safe for you to take with your condition. If necessary, they’ll recommend other treatment options for your carcinoid syndrome.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Xermelo or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Xermelo. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, Xermelo may not be safe for you to take. Talk with your doctor before you start Xermelo. They’ll let you know whether this drug is safe for you to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Alcohol consumption. If you drink alcohol, Xermelo is likely safe for you to take. However, alcohol and Xermelo can both cause nausea and headache. This means you may have an increased risk of these side effects if you drink alcohol while taking Xermelo.

Alcohol consumption can also worsen symptoms of carcinoid syndrome, which Xermelo is prescribed to treat. If you have questions about drinking alcohol during treatment with Xermelo, talk with your doctor.

If you’d like to learn more about Xermelo, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.