Cabozantinib is used to treat advanced stages of kidney, thyroid and liver cancer.
Take Cabozantinib exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as film-coated tablet and capsule. Do not substitute tablets with capsules. Do not open, break or chew the capsules. The dose of Cabozantinib will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on your response to this medicine.
Cabozantinib must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If it is 12 hours or more until your next dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
If it is less than 12 hours until the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have history of bleeding or coughing up blood as Cabozantinib may not be suitable for you
Do not take Cabozantinib if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Cabozantinib may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Cabozantinib.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid pregnancy and lactation during treatment and for 4 months after you stop taking this medicine.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Cabozantinib to a child or elderly person.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high blood pressure
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- poor wound healing
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your blood pressure and check your response to the medication regularly. Your doctor may also need to do some tests (e.g. complete blood count, thyroid levels, electrolyte levels, ECG or electrocardiogram) while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Cabozantinib may make you drowsy or dizzy. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects may include headache, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, inflammation of the tongue, dry mouth, stomach pain, indigestion / gastric discomfort, weakness or lack of energy, rash, and cough.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unusual bleeding such as coughing up blood, nose bleeds, blood in the urine, stool, or gums
- severe abdominal pain, sudden sharp chest pain or difficulty of breathing
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, telithromycin
- medicine to treat depression e.g. nefazodone
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. atazanavir, indinavir, saquinavir
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole
- medicines for tuberculosis or TB e.g. rifampicin
- herbal medicines e.g. St. John’s wort
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Cabozantinib.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol, excessive consumption (more than 1 litre a day) of grapefruit juice, and St John's wort.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired tablets to the clinic, hospital or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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