Cabozantinib: Introduction, Prescription, Intake, Side Effects, Doses, Precautions, Interactions

What is Cabozantinib?

Cabozantinib has generic names cabometyx and cometriq which would be further used to refer to the former. Cabometyx is prescribed to treat progressive kidney cancer, often in tandem with another drug known as nivolumab.

It is also a remedy to cure liver cancer in people who have been formerly administered with sorafenib. Cometriq is recommended to treat thyroid cancer that has perpetrated to other body parts.

Cabozantinib may also be utilized for objectives not catalogued in this concise medication directory.

What are the common conditions in which Cabozantinib prescribed?

Cabometyx is restrictively prescribed to cure advanced kidney cancers. It is also used to treat thyroid cancer that has undergone considerable metastasis.

Cabozantinib is recommended in treatment of renal cell and hepatocellular carcinoma as well.

How should I take Cabozantinib?

• Adhere to the instructions of your medic or guidelines as mentioned on the prescription tab. Take the medicine precisely according to the directions of your doctor.
• Do not take Cabozantinib tablets in lieu of Cabozantinib capsules. Use the formulation (capsule or pill) as prescribed by the doctor. Always verify the medicine you receive at the pharmacy to avoid medication errors.
• Use Cabozantinib on empty stomach, at the minimum 1-hour prior or 2 hours after you take your meals.
• Avoid taking this medication with food.
•   Use Cabozantinib with a full glass of water.
•   Avoid smashing, munching breaking the tablet and opening the capsule. Swallow the respective formulation whole.
•   When administered with Cabometyx, nivolumab is generally given as an intravenous infusion once every 2 to 4 weeks.
•   Your blood pressure and liver function may need to be examined often.
•   If you have to undertake any surgery or dental operation, quit using Cabozantinib minimum 3 weeks ahead of the due time. After a surgery or dental action is accomplished, you may have to pause 2 weeks before you resume using Cabozantinib. Strictly align with your doctor’s dosing directions.
•    In case you have discontinued using the medicine, tell your doctor before taking it again.
•    Store at room temperature in a cool and dry place.

Typical Adult Dose for Thyroid Cancer:

• Capsules: 140 mg is administered orally once in a day.

This continues up until the patient does not complain of any toxicity or no clinical benefit is observed.
It is prescribed to treat advanced metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)

Typical Adult Dose for Renal Cell Carcinoma:

• Tablets: 60 mg is taken orally once in a day. This continues up until the patient does not complain of any toxicity or no clinical benefit is observed.

It is prescribed to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Typical Adult Dose for Hepatocellular Carcinoma:

• Tablets: 60 mg is taken orally once in a day. This continues up until the patient does not complain of any toxicity or no clinical benefit is observed.

It is prescribed to treat patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been earlier administering sorafenib.

When you should not take Cabozantinib?

Avoid taking grapefruit while you are on Cabozantinib as on interaction with grapefruit, the medicine may cause certain undesirable side effects. Avoid taking grapefruit products while using Cabozantinib.

Do not use any herbal product containing St. John’s wort.

What are the possible side effects of Cabozantinib?

If you experience any symptoms of allergic reaction such as hives; shallow breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, hasten for emergency medical help.

Cabozantinib may result in a perforation or a fistula (an atypical passage) inside your stomach or intestines. Visit your doctor if you get serious stomach aches or if you have difficulty breathing and gagging while you eat or drink.

Tell your doctor urgently if you face:

• Serious headache, hazy vision, thumping in your neck or ears;
• Severe and consistent vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation
• inflammation in your hands, arms, legs, or feet;
• easy bruising or bleeding such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual bleeding, or any uncontrolled bleeding;
• stools that are bloody or tarry, cough with bloody mucus or vomit that appears like coffee grounds;
• jaundice;
• discomfort, blisters, bleeding, or intense rashes in the palms of your hands or soles of your feet;
• misperception, cognition problems, weakness, vision alters, seizure;
• extreme dizziness
• jaw pain or numbness, red or swollen gums, wobbly teeth, or gradual healing after dental procedure;
• low white blood cell counts: fever, mouth sores, skin blisters, sore throat, cough, difficult breathing;
• adrenal gland issues: nausea, vomiting,
• extreme fatigue, vertigo, weakness, fainting; or
• symptoms of a stroke or blood clot: abrupt coldness or paleness on one side of your body, vision or balance problems,
• distressful speaking or grasping the commands,
• angina, shallow breathing, inflammation or hurting in an arm or leg.

If you experience any of these negative responses due to Cabozantinib your future dosages may be deferred or lastingly stopped.

Most common side effects may consist of:

• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, diarrhoea, stomach bloating;
• pain, redness, inflammation, or sores in your mouth or throat;
• difficulty speaking, taste changes;
• symptoms of cold such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough;
• rash;
• pain in your muscles, bones, and joints;
• anomalous liver function tests or other blood tests;
• feeling fatigue;
• weight loss; or
• change in hair colour.

However, above-mentioned symptoms are general while there are other side effects too that may befall. Discuss with your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What to do if I miss the dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, although skip the missed dose if time for your next dose within 12 hours.

Avoid taking two doses at a time to compensate for the missed one.

Common Drug Interaction with Cabozantinib.

• Often it is not okay to take certain medicines all at once. Few drugs can impact blood absorption of other drugs you use.
• This may heighten the likelihood of facing side effects or your blood levels of other drugs you take, or it may even abate the efficacy of the medicine.
• Other drugs may disturb Cabozantinib, together with prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

It is imperative that you disclose to your doctor regarding your current medicinal course and any medicine that you lately started or stopped using.

Bottom Line

Cabozantinib is a prescriptive drug used to counter advanced kidney cancer as well as also used in thyroid cancer.

The medication should be administered in line with the guidance of your medic. Avoid ignorance in taking the medicine as it may result in severe consequences.

In case you observe any reactions and adverse effects of the medicine, do not delay in approaching your doctor.