Capmatinib is used to treat a certain type of lung cancer known as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other parts of the body.
Take Capmatinib 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.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on the severity of your condition and response to this medicine.
Capmatinib 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 you missed a 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.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. Both men and women must use proven birth control methods during Capmatinib therapy and for at least 1 week after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Screening and assessment of tumour status are needed prior to initiation of therapy to check the appropriateness of Capmatinib therapy.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of lung or liver problems and photosensitivity reactions may also be needed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Capmatinib may cause any of the following side effects: constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, decreased appetite, back pain, and skin itch.
This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- shortness of breath, cough, fever
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
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 medicines for fungal infection e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, an infection known as tuberculosis)
- medicines for fits or seizures e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital
- efavirenz (medicine for HIV infection)
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
- gastric medicines e.g. rabeprazole
- rosuvastatin (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Capmatinib.
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.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture.
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.