Cabozantinib (By mouth)
ka-boe-ZAN-ti-nib
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Cabozantinib is used to treat medullary thyroid cancer that has already spread to different parts of the body. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Cabozantinib is an antineoplastic (cancer) medicine.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. Do not eat for at least 2 hours before and 1 hour after you take this medicine.
Swallow the capsule whole with at least 8 ounces of water. Do not crush, break, chew, or open the capsule.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose:
If it is less than 12 hours until your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose. If it is more than 12 hours until your next dose, take it as soon as you can. Then take your next dose at the scheduled time.Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines and foods can affect how cabozantinib works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
Dexamethasone Nefazodone HIV/AIDS medicine, such as atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir Infection medicine, such as clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, telithromycin, voriconazole Seizure medicine, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin St John’s wortDo not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to cabozantinib, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use birth control for at least 4 months after you stop taking this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, liver disease, blood clotting or bleeding problems, high blood pressure, an open wound, or dental problems.
This medicine may cause you to bleed more easily, and for wounds to heal more slowly. Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
High blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, or blood clot Higher levels of protein in your urine, and kidney damage Hand-foot skin reaction, a condition that can cause pain and blisters on your hands or feet Perforation (hole) in your digestive system Jaw bone problems that can cause pain or sores to develop in your mouthYour doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Your doctor will also check your blood pressure on a regular basis.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, fainting
Gagging, coughing, or choking when you eat or drink
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
Red or dark brown urine, bloody or black, tarry stools, unexplained nosebleeds
Rash, redness, pain, swelling, or blisters on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
Severe diarrhea or stomach pain
Severe pain anywhere in your body
Shortness of breath, coughing up blood, pain in your lower leg (calf)
Sudden or severe headache, confusion, seizures, problems with vision, speech, or walking
Swelling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Tightness in your jaw, mouth pain or numbness, loose teeth
Unusual or heavy bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Change in hair color
Decreased appetite, change or loss of taste, weight loss
Mild diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Cometriq
There may be other brand names for this medicine.