Antineoplastic Agent, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Inhibitor
CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship
How Does It Work
Cabozantinib, Cabometyx/Cometriq is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits multiple receptor kinases, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inducing apoptosis of cancer cells and suppressing tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis.
Indications For Use
Hepatocellular carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, thyroid cancer
Precautions
Before starting Cabozantinib, Cabometyx/Cometriq make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take. Cabozantinib, Cabometyx/Cometriq has been shown to cause dermatologic toxicity (i.e. palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome), gastrointestinal toxicity (i.e. diarrhea, vomiting, perforations, and fistulas), hemorrhage, hypertension, osteonecrosis of the jaw, proteinuria, and thromboembolic events (i.e. pulmonary embolism, arterial or venous thromboembolic events) all of which require medical intervention.
Usual Dosing
Oral: 60mg to 140mg once daily depending upon the type of carcinoma.
Missed doses: Do not take a missed dose within 12 hours of the next dose.
Pharmacist Tips On Using
Oral: Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals). Swallow whole; do not open capsules or crush tablets.
Side Effects
Hypertension, alopecia, erythema of the skin, hair discoloration, skin rash, xeroderma, hyperglycemia, hypoalbuminemia, electrolyte disturbances (i.e. hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia), elevated liver enzymes, weight loss, constipation, diarrhea, dysgeusia, dyspepsia, stomatitis, vomiting, proteinuria, hematologic disturbances (i.e. anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia), dizziness, fatigue, headache, mouth pain, voice disorder, arthralgia, asthenia, limb pain, muscle spasm, dyspnea, cough.
Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Cabozantinib, Cabometyx/Cometriq only common ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would my physician prescribe a medication with such serious side effects?
Your physician takes the most recent clinical guidelines to make evidence-based decisions on what medication is appropriate in which situations. Your current medications, your allergies, age, cost of medication, comorbid conditions, and many other factors will further complicate or limit which medications are appropriate. This medication is used for certain forms of cancer and your physician has determined the benefits outweigh the risks. Furthermore, they will be monitoring your bloodwork and symptoms closely to avoid many of the serious side effects and will keep you on the lowest effective dosage for the shortest amount of time possible.