Uses
Cabozantinib (thyroid cancer) is used to treat a certain type of thyroid cancer that is getting worse and that has spread to other parts of the body. Cabozantinib (thyroid cancer) is in a class of medications called tyrosine 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 tablet (thyroid cancer) to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC; a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the kidneys) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; a type of liver cancer) in certain patients who have previously been treated with another medication. This monograph only gives information about cabozantinib capsules (thyroid cancer) for thyroid cancer. If you are using this medication for advanced RCC or HCC, read the monograph entitled cabozantinib (liver and kidney cancer).
Side Effects Of Cabozantinib (Thyroid Cancer)
Cabozantinib (thyroid cancer) is used to treat a certain type of thyroid cancer that is getting worse and that has spread to other parts of the body. Cabozantinib (thyroid cancer) is in a class of medications called tyrosine 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 tablet (liver and kidney cancer) to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC; a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the kidneys) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; a type of liver cancer) in certain patients who have previously been treated with another medication. This monograph only gives information about cabozantinib capsules (thyroid cancer) for thyroid cancer. If you are using this medication for advanced RCC or HCC, read the monograph entitled cabozantinib (liver and kidney cancer).
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking cabozantinib (thyroid cancer):
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cabozantinib (Cabometyx, Cometriq), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in cabozantinib capsules. 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, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: adefovir (Hepsera); antifungals such as itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole, and voriconazole (Vfend); clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac); dexamethasone; furosemide (Lasix); certain medications for HIV or AIDS such as abacavir (Ziagen), atazanavir (Reyataz), cidofovir, indinavir (Crixivan), lamivudine (Epivir, in Combivir); nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), saquinavir (Invirase), and tenofovir (Viread); certain medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Equetro, Tegretol, Teril), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); nefazodone; probenecid (Probalan), rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifactin, Rifadin, in Rifamate, in Rifater); rifapentine (Priftin); telithromycin (Ketek); and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Many other medications may also interact with cabozantinib (thyroid cancer), so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you more carefully for side effects.
- 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. Also tell your doctor 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 with cabozantinib 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 you are taking cabozantinib (thyroid 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 (thyroid cancer).
- if you are having surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. Your doctor will probably tell you to stop taking cabozantinib (thyroid cancer) at least 21 days before your surgery and will tell you when you should start taking the medication again after your surgery.
- you should know that cabozantinib (thyroid 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 (thyroid 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 this medication. Your doctor will probably monitor your blood pressure during your treatment.
Dosage Of Cabozantinib (Thyroid Cancer)
Cabozantinib (thyroid cancer) comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is taken usually once a day on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after eating. Take cabozantinib (thyroid cancer) at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cabozantinib (thyroid cancer) exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass (8 ounces, 240 mL) of water. Do not open them.
Your doctor may decrease your dose of cabozantinib (thyroid 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 this medication.
The length of your treatment depends on how well you respond to the medication and the side effects you experience. Continue to take cabozantinib (thyroid cancer) even if you feel well. Do not stop taking cabozantinib (thyroid cancer) without talking to your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to cabozantinib (thyroid cancer).
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.