Xpovio (selinexor) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for certain types of cancer in adults. Xpovio comes as an oral tablet. The dosage varies depending on what type of cancer the drug is being used to help treat.

Xpovio is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain types of cancer. Specifically, it is prescribed to treat:

Xpovio belongs to a drug class called selective inhibitors of nuclear export (SINE). Xpovio is not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Xpovio, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Xpovio, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Xpovio provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Xpovio, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Read below for details about Xpovio’s dosages for its approved uses.

Xpovio form

Xpovio comes as an oral tablet that you swallow.

Xpovio strengths

Xpovio comes in four strengths:

  • 20-milligram (mg) tablet
  • 40-mg tablet
  • 50-mg tablet
  • 60-mg tablet

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for MM

Doctors may prescribe Xpovio to treat MM. Xpovio is typically taken in combination with other drugs. Which drugs Xpovio is taken with depends on what it is being used to treat:

  • For the treatment of MM: Xpovio is used in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone. The recommended dosage of Xpovio is 100 mg taken once weekly, on day 1 of each week.
  • For the treatment of RRMM: Xpovio is used in combination with dexamethasone. The recommended dosage of Xpovio is 80 mg taken twice weekly, on days 1 and 3 of each week.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for DLBCL

Xpovio is also approved to help treat relapsed or refractory DLBCL. In this case, the recommended dose of Xpovio is 60 mg taken twice weekly, on days 1 and 3 of each week.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.

Long-term treatment

Xpovio is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Xpovio is effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term unless you have side effects that are hard to manage or your cancer gets worse.

Before you start taking Xpovio, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

The Xpovio dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type of cancer you’re taking Xpovio to treat
  • how your body responds to Xpovio
  • side effects you may have with Xpovio

Xpovio comes as an oral tablet that you swallow whole. Do not divide, crush, chew, or place the tablet in water. You may take your dose with or without food.

It may be helpful to take Xpovio around the same time of day on the days you’re scheduled to take it. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Xpovio can work effectively.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have questions about how to take Xpovio, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Xpovio in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

If you miss a dose of Xpovio, skip that dose and take your next dose on your regularly scheduled day and time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

It’s important that you don’t take more Xpovio than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you take more than the recommended amount of Xpovio

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Xpovio. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Xpovio.

How long does it take for Xpovio to start working?

Xpovio starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. But your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Xpovio treatment.

Is there a typical dosage range for Xpovio?

Yes, the typical recommended dosage range for Xpovio is 40–160 mg per week. Your dosage will depend on which condition you’re taking Xpovio to treat and whether you experience side effects during treatment.

Your doctor will likely prescribe the highest recommended dosage for your condition to start. They may lower your dosage of Xpovio if you experience side effects that are bothersome or serious. The goal is to prescribe the highest dosage without causing unmanageable side effects.

For more information about Xpovio dosages, see the “Xpovio dosage” section above. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Xpovio for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Xpovio without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Xpovio that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Xpovio. These additional articles might be helpful:

  • More about Xpovio: For information about other aspects of Xpovio, refer to this article.
  • Side effects: To learn about side effects of Xpovio, see this article. You can also look at the Xpovio prescribing information.
  • Details about your condition: For details about your condition, see our cancer hub.

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.