Uses
Capmatinib is used to treat a certain type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other parts of the body. Capmatinib 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.
Side Effects Of Capmatinib
Capmatinib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- vomiting
- nausea
- fatigue
- constipation
- weight loss
- back pain
- loss of appetite
- tiredness
- swelling in hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- shortness of breath, cough, fever, or other signs of infection
- chest pain
- pain in the right upper part of the stomach; unusual bruising or bleeding; dark urine; yellowing of the skin and eyes; or loss of appetite
Capmatinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking capmatinib:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to capmatinib, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in capmatinib tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: amitriptyline, carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol, others); clarithromycin (in Biaxin); clozapine (Versacloz); corticosteroids; certain medications for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) such as efavirenz (Sustiva, in Atripla), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), and saquinavir (Invirase); itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox, Tolsura); ketoconazole; nefazodone; oxcarbazepine (Trileptal); phenobarbital; phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); pioglitazone (Actos, in Duetact, Oseni); rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifater); rosuvastatin (Crestor, Ezallor); verapamil (Verelan, in Tarka); or warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). 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 capmatinib, 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 or have ever had lung disease or breathing problems other than from lung cancer, or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while you are taking capmatinib. You will need to have a pregnancy test before you start treatment, and you should use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment and for at least 1 week after your final dose. If you are a male with a female partner who may become pregnant, you should use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment and for at least 1 week after your final dose. Capmatinib may harm your unborn baby. If you or your partner become pregnant during your treatment with capmatinib, call your doctor immediately.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are taking capmatinib and for at least 1 week after your final dose.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear a hat, other protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Capmatinib Dosage
Capmatinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice daily with or without food. Take capmatinib at around the same time(s) 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 capmatinib 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; do not split, chew, or crush them.
If you vomit after taking capmatinib, do not take another dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.
Your doctor may need to temporarily or permanently stop your treatment or decrease your dose of capmatinib during your treatment. This depends on how well the medication works for you and the side effects you experience. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with capmatinib.
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 capmatinib.
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.
