Why is this medication prescribed?

Cabozantinib is a medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of certain types of cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs known as kinase inhibitors, which work by blocking the action of abnormal proteins that promote cancer growth. Cabozantinib is used for the treatment of:

• Renal Cell Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer): It’s approved for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy.
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Liver Cancer): Cabozantinib is used in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who have been previously treated with sorafenib.
• Thyroid Cancer: It’s also approved for the treatment of metastatic medullary thyroid cancer.

In each of these cases, Cabozantinib works by inhibiting the activity of certain proteins involved in tumor growth, blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), and spread (metastasis), thereby slowing down or halting the progression of the disease.

How should this medicine be used?

Cabozantinib is typically taken orally, usually once a day, with or without food. The exact dosage and schedule will be determined by your healthcare provider based on factors such as the type of cancer being treated and your individual medical history.

Here are some general guidelines for taking Cabozantinib:

• Follow your doctor’s instructions: Always take Cabozantinib exactly as prescribed. Do not alter the dosage or frequency of use without consulting your healthcare provider first.
• Take it at the same time each day: To maintain consistent levels of the medication in your body, try to take Cabozantinib at the same time every day.
• Swallow the capsules whole: Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. Swallow them whole with a glass of water.
• Do not skip doses: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to make up for a missed one.
• Keep up with your appointments: Your healthcare provider will likely schedule regular check-ups and monitoring appointments to assess the effectiveness of Cabozantinib and monitor for any potential side effects. Attend these appointments as recommended.
• Be aware of potential interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as they may interact with Cabozantinib.
• Store properly: Keep Cabozantinib capsules in their original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about how to take Cabozantinib or if you experience any unexpected side effects.

Other uses for this medicine

Cabozantinib is primarily used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, particularly renal cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, there may be instances where healthcare providers prescribe it for off-label uses, meaning uses not specifically approved by regulatory authorities but supported by scientific evidence or clinical experience. Some potential off-label uses of Cabozantinib may include other types of cancer or conditions, but these should only be pursued under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional.

What special precautions should I follow?

When taking Cabozantinib, it’s important to follow specific precautions to ensure safe and effective use. Here are some key precautions to keep in mind:

• Medical history: Inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, including any existing medical conditions, especially if you have a history of heart problems, high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, liver disease, or thyroid problems.
• Medication interactions: Notify your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as Cabozantinib may interact with certain medications, potentially affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Cabozantinib can cause harm to an unborn baby, so it is not recommended during pregnancy. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least four months after the last dose. It’s also not known whether Cabozantinib passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding is not advised during treatment.
• Blood pressure monitoring: Cabozantinib can cause an increase in blood pressure, which may need to be monitored regularly during treatment. Inform your doctor if you experience symptoms such as severe headache, dizziness, blurred vision, or chest pain.
• Thyroid function: Cabozantinib can affect thyroid function, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain or loss, constipation, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. Thyroid function should be monitored regularly during treatment.
• Risk of bleeding: Cabozantinib may increase the risk of bleeding, so it’s important to inform your doctor if you have any history of bleeding disorders or are taking blood-thinning medications.
• Liver function: Cabozantinib can affect liver function, so regular liver function tests may be conducted during treatment.
• Avoid grapefruit: Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Cabozantinib, as it may increase the levels of the medication in your blood, potentially leading to increased side effects.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and guidance regarding the use of Cabozantinib, and promptly report any concerning symptoms or side effects during treatment.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Grapefruit avoidance: Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Cabozantinib, as it can increase the levels of the medication in your blood, potentially leading to increased side effects.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Take it as soon as you remember: If you miss a dose of Cabozantinib, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.
• Do not double dose: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Simply skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
• Notify your healthcare provider: Inform your healthcare provider about the missed dose, especially if it becomes a recurring issue, so they can provide guidance on how to proceed.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Cabozantinib, like many medications, can cause side effects. It’s important to be aware of these potential side effects and to promptly notify your healthcare provider if you experience any of them. Common side effects of Cabozantinib may include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension): Cabozantinib can cause an increase in blood pressure. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is typically recommended during treatment.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak is a common side effect of Cabozantinib.
• Diarrhea: Some people may experience diarrhea while taking Cabozantinib.
• Nausea and vomiting: These gastrointestinal symptoms are possible side effects of Cabozantinib.
• Decreased appetite: Some individuals may experience a reduced desire to eat while taking Cabozantinib.
• Hand-foot syndrome: This condition can cause redness, swelling, pain, and peeling of the skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
• Changes in taste: Cabozantinib may alter your sense of taste, causing a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth.
• Weight loss: Some people may experience weight loss while taking Cabozantinib.
• Hair color changes: Cabozantinib may cause changes in hair color, such as graying.
• Thyroid dysfunction: Cabozantinib can affect thyroid function, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain or loss, constipation, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold.
• Risk of bleeding: Cabozantinib may increase the risk of bleeding. It’s important to be cautious and to inform your doctor if you experience any signs of bleeding, such as easy bruising or prolonged bleeding from cuts.
• Liver problems: Cabozantinib may affect liver function, leading to elevated liver enzyme levels in blood tests.

These are not all the possible side effects of Cabozantinib. Some individuals may experience other side effects not listed here. If you experience any concerning symptoms while taking Cabozantinib, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of Cabozantinib:

• Storage: Keep Cabozantinib capsules in their original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not store them in the bathroom or kitchen, where moisture levels may be high. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
• Disposal: Dispose of unused Cabozantinib capsules according to local regulations or guidelines provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless specifically instructed to do so. Instead, consult with your pharmacist or local waste disposal facility to learn about safe disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Seek medical help: If you suspect an overdose of Cabozantinib or experience severe symptoms such as fainting, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or going to the nearest emergency room.
• Inform healthcare provider: If possible, inform the healthcare professionals treating you about the specific details of the overdose, including the amount of medication ingested and when it was taken.

What other information should I know?

• Regular monitoring: Your healthcare provider will likely schedule regular check-ups and monitoring appointments to assess the effectiveness of Cabozantinib and monitor for any potential side effects. Attend these appointments as recommended and report any concerning symptoms promptly.
• Compliance: Take Cabozantinib exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not alter the dosage or frequency of use without consulting them first.
• Follow-up care: After completing treatment with Cabozantinib, your doctor may recommend follow-up care to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence or long-term side effects.
• Supportive care: Depending on your individual needs and treatment plan, your healthcare provider may recommend additional supportive care measures to help manage side effects and improve your overall well-being during treatment.
• Stay informed: Stay informed about your condition, treatment plan, and any potential side effects of Cabozantinib. Ask your healthcare provider any questions you may have and seek reliable sources of information to supplement your understanding.

By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can help ensure the safe and effective use of Cabozantinib as part of your cancer treatment regimen.