Xermelo (telotristat ethyl) tablets can be used in combination with somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome diarrhea. It has been shown helpful for improving diarrhea symptoms that SSA therapy alone has inadequately controlled. Xermelo is a tryptophan hydroxylase enzyme inhibitor and lowers the level of serotonin and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid. 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid is the main metabolite of serotonin.
Carcinoid tumors when metastatic to liver can produce symptoms of carcinoid syndrome due to excess production of hormones or serotonin. These tumors are also known as functional tumors. The Xermelo in adult patients is studied as 250 mg three times daily for diarrhea that has been not adequately controlled by a SSA therapy. Side effects including constipation and others should be discussed with your physician.
