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What is carcinoid syndrome diarrhea?

Carcinoid syndrome diarrhea (CSD) is one of the most common symptoms of functioning neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)

Symptoms of CSD include urgency, frequency, and watery stools.

What causes CSD?

CSD occurs when a NET cell produces too much serotonin.

Serotonin: More than the “happy” hormone

Serotonin is a hormone that is made and released by cells in both the brain and the gut. It’s sometimes referred to as the “happy” hormone because serotonin produced in the brain helps regulate mood. But serotonin made in the gut plays an important role in other bodily functions, including bowel movements. 

Too much of a good thing

In people with carcinoid syndrome (CS), serotonin levels can be significantly greater than average. An overproduction of serotonin by NET cells can lead to diarrhea, flushing, wheezing, fibrosis, and carcinoid heart disease, among other effects.

Over time, too much serotonin may increase the amount of fluid in the gut. It can also speed up the function of the gut, which may cause frequent, unpredictable diarrhea. Even with somatostatin analog (SSA) treatment, some patients with CS continue to experience diarrhea.

The science behind CSD

Neuroendocrine tumor cell forms

When cells grow abnormally, they form a tumor.

Neuroendocrine tumor producing too much of the hormone serotonin

When a tumor forms in the neuroendocrine system, it may produce too many hormones, such as serotonin.

Hormone serotonin communicating with the gut to help with digestion

Hormones are one way your body’s cells communicate with each other to help with bodily functions. For example, serotonin is a hormone that communicates with your gut to help with digestion.

Neuroendocrine tumor cell producing too much serotonin

When NETs produce too much serotonin, your body’s natural serotonin levels can be thrown off balance. The extra serotonin in the gut can lead to CSD.

Diet and nutrition

See how diet and nutrition affect CSD

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Is your current treatment enough?

Learn about breakthrough
CSD symptoms

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Questions about CSD?

Our nurses can help you along the way and answer your questions

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Important Safety Information

  • Do not take XERMELO if you have a history of hypersensitivity to telotristat or any of the ingredients in XERMELO.
  • XERMELO may cause constipation which can be serious. You should stop taking XERMELO if severe constipation or severe, persistent, or worsening abdominal pain develops. Talk to your doctor if you have these symptoms.
  • Do not take XERMELO if you have a history of hypersensitivity to telotristat or any of the ingredients in XERMELO.
  • XERMELO may cause constipation which can be serious. You should stop taking XERMELO if severe constipation or severe, persistent, or worsening abdominal pain develops. Talk to your doctor if you have these symptoms.
  • The most common side effects of XERMELO include nausea, headache, increase in liver enzymes, depression, flatulence, decreased appetite, swelling of your hands and feet, fever, abdominal pain, and constipation.
  • Talk to your doctor about all medications you are taking as some may interact with XERMELO.
  • XERMELO is not recommended if you have moderate or severe liver impairment.

Indication

XERMELO is a prescription pill, used along with somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy, for carcinoid syndrome diarrhea in adults who are not adequately controlled by SSA therapy.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. To report suspected adverse reactions, contact the FDA at 1‑800‑FDA‑1088 or www.FDA.gov/medwatch. You may also contact TerSera Therapeutics at 1‑844‑334‑4035 or medicalinformation@tersera.com.

Please see Full Prescribing Information.

 

Important Safety Information

  • Do not take XERMELO if you have a history of hypersensitivity to telotristat or any of the ingredients in XERMELO.
  • XERMELO may cause constipation which can be serious. You should stop taking XERMELO if severe constipation or severe, persistent, or worsening abdominal pain develops. Talk to your doctor if you have these symptoms.
  • Do not take XERMELO if you have a history of hypersensitivity to telotristat or any of the ingredients in XERMELO.
  • XERMELO may cause constipation which can be serious. You should stop taking XERMELO if severe constipation or severe, persistent, or worsening abdominal pain develops. Talk to your doctor if you have these symptoms.
  • The most common side effects of XERMELO include nausea, headache, increase in liver enzymes, depression, flatulence, decreased appetite, swelling of your hands and feet, fever, abdominal pain, and constipation.
  • Talk to your doctor about all medications you are taking as some may interact with XERMELO.
  • XERMELO is not recommended if you have moderate or severe liver impairment.

Indication

XERMELO is a prescription pill, used along with somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy, for carcinoid syndrome diarrhea in adults who are not adequately controlled by SSA therapy.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. To report suspected adverse reactions, contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.FDA.gov/medwatch. You may also contact TerSera Therapeutics at 1-844-334-4035 or medicalinformation@tersera.com.

Please see Full Prescribing Information.

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