Uses
Cabozantinib (kidney and liver cancer) is used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC; a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the kidneys). It is also used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; a type of liver cancer) in people who were previously treated with sorafenib (Nexafar). Cabozantinib (kidney and liver cancer) is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.
Cabozantinib is also available as a capsule (Cometriq) to treat a certain type of thyroid cancer. This monograph only gives information about cabozantinib tablets (kidney and liver cancer) for advanced RCC or HCC. If you are using this medication for thyroid cancer, read the monograph entitled cabozantinib (thyroid cancer).
Side Effects Of Cabozantinib (Liver and Kidney Cancer)
Before taking cabozantinib (kidney and liver cancer):
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cabozantinib (Cabometyx, Cometriq), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in cabozantinib tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: boceprevir (Victrelis), carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol, Teril), clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac), conivaptan (Vaprisol), indinavir (Crixivan), itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox), ketoconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir (Viracept), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), posaconazole (Noxafil), rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, Rifater), rifapentine (Priftin), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), saquinavir (Invirase), telithromycin (Ketek), and voriconazole (Vfend). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with cabozantinib (kidney and liver cancer), so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.
- tell your doctor if you have recently had any unusual or severe bleeding such as coughing up blood, vomiting blood, or bloody or black tarry stools, or if you have an open or healing wound, or if you have or have ever had high blood pressure or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You will need to have a pregnancy test before you start treatment with cabozantinib. You should not become pregnant during your treatment and for 4 months after your final dose. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that you can use during your treatment. If you become pregnant while taking cabozantinib (kidney and liver cancer), call your doctor immediately. Cabozantinib may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may tell you not to breastfeed during your treatment and for 4 months after your final dose.
- you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men and women. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking cabozantinib (kidney and liver cancer).
- if you are having surgery tell the doctor that you are taking cabozantinib (kidney and liver cancer). Your doctor will probably tell you to stop taking cabozantinib (kidney and liver cancer) at least 21 days before your surgery or procedure and will tell you when you should start taking the medication again.
- you should know that cabozantinib (kidney and liver cancer) may cause serious problems with your jaw. A dentist should examine your teeth before you start to take cabozantinib and regularly during your treatment. Be sure to brush your teeth and clean your mouth properly while you are taking cabozantinib (kidney and liver cancer). Talk to your doctor before having any dental treatments while you are taking this medication. Your doctor will probably tell you to stop taking cabozantinib at least 21 days before dental surgery.
- you should know that your blood pressure may increase during your treatment with cabozantinib. Your doctor will probably monitor your blood pressure before and during your treatment.
Warnings & Precautions
Cabozantinib (kidney and liver cancer) comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after eating. Take cabozantinib (kidney and liver cancer) at around the same time every day. The length of your treatment depends on how well your body responds to the medication and the side effects that you experience. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cabozantinib (kidney and liver cancer) exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass (8 ounces, 240 mL) of water. Do not split, chew, or crush them.
Your doctor may decrease your dose of cabozantinib (kidney and liver cancer) or permanently or temporarily stop your treatment if you experience serious side effects. Be sure to talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment with cabozantinib (kidney and liver cancer).
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Dosage Of Cabozantinib (Liver and Kidney Cancer)
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to cabozantinib (kidney and liver cancer).
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Other
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
