Cabozantinib

This page provides detailed information about cabozantinib, covering its indication, dosage, administration, mechanism of action, related brands with strengths, warnings, and common side effects.

Context and Approval Date

Approved for medical use in November 2012, cabozantinib is a targeted anticancer treatment drug.

Mechanism of Action of Cabozantinib

Cabozantinib is a biological agent that is used as targeted drug therapy to treat cancer. It is an anticancer drug in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor class. It targets receptor tyrosine kinases, disrupting cell signaling and halting the growth and spread of cancer cells. Cabozantinib is indicated for use alone or in combination with Nivolumab.

All Substitues

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Product Packaging Size Company Price
Cazanat 20mg tablet 30 tablets Natco Pharma INR 5100
Cabolong 20mg tablet 30 tablets MSN Laboratories INR 5100
Cabozanib 20mg tablet 30 tablets BDR Pharmaceuticals INR 3850
Cazanat 40mg tablet 30 tablets Natco Pharma Ltd INR 4000
Cabolong 40mg tablet 30 tablets MSN Laboratories INR 7000
Cazanat 60mg tablet 30 tablets Natco Pharma Ltd INR 5150

Uses of Cabozantinib

Cabozantinib was created to treat a certain kind of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma, differentiated thyroid cancer in people who can't get radioactive iodine therapy, and kidney cancer called renal cell carcinoma after the disease has gotten worse and other cancer treatments haven't worked well.

Cabozantinib administration guidelines and available dosage options

Cabozantinib comes in the form of film-coated tablets with doses of 20mg, 40mg, and 60mg. Consume a Cabozantinib tablet either an hour before eating or two hours after meals. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water, and avoid crushing or chewing them.

Information about Cabozantinib

Cabozantinib uses

Cabozantinib is used in the treatment of liver cancer, kidney cancer, and thyroid cancer.

How cabozantinib works

Cabozantinib works by stopping an abnormal protein from doing its job, which triggers the growth of cancer cells. This stops or slows the spread of these cells.

Common side effects of cabozantinib

Fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, Stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), High blood pressure, Decreased appetite, Taste change, Low blood platelets, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, Decrease in body weight, Increased liver enzymes, Dyspepsia.
Cabozantinib is used for the treatment of thyroid cancer. Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time each day. Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Drink plenty of fluids, and inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools. Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for a month after you stop taking it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of very high blood pressure, such as a severe headache, confusion, problems with your eyesight, nausea, or vomiting. It may cause a serious bleeding problem. Inform your doctor if you get headaches, stomach pain, or if you notice blood in your urine or stools. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Warning, Precautions, and Side Effects Associated with Cabozantinib

Warning

Contact an immediate doctor if you notice shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fever, or significant bleeding. During Cabozantinib treatment, your doctor may regularly monitor complete blood counts, blood sugar, electrolytes, thyroid panel, urine for proteinuria, and kidney parameters to prevent complications. Inform your doctor if you have conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or issues with the heart, liver, skin, kidneys, or blood. Inform your physician before undergoing surgery or dental procedures, and discontinue Cabozantinib for three weeks before surgery and two weeks after. Get immediate medical help for symptoms like itching, yellowing eyes or skin, unusual bruising, or severe diarrhea.

Precaution

Cabozantinib causes a risk of harm to an unborn baby. Inform your healthcare provider before starting this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Both men and women are recommended to use appropriate contraceptive methods during the treatment period and for 4 months after the final dose of Cabozantinib tablets. Refrain from breastfeeding during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose, as cabozantinib may affect the baby's growth and development through breast milk transmission.

Side Effects

Common side effects expected during cabozantinib treatment include diarrhea, tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, constipation, rash, hypothyroidism, musculoskeletal pain, abdominal pain, cough, and an upper respiratory tract infection. . Notify your doctor immediately in case of allergic reactions, unusual bruising, or severe diarrhea.

Word of Advice

Regularly monitor your blood pressure and immediately inform your physician of any abnormal readings. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you encounter dizziness, confusion, or fatigue during cabozantinib treatment.

FAQ - Cabozantinib

1What is the timeframe for cabozantinib to show its effectiveness?
Cabozantinib commonly takes two months to start showing effects.
2Can you drink alcohol while on treatment with Cabozantinib?
Limited quantities of alcohol do not impact the effectiveness of cabozantinib. However, it is recommended to restrict alcohol consumption during this treatment.
3Is it safe to undergo surgery during treatment with Cabozantinib?
Cabozantinib is related to a higher risk of bleeding complications and delayed wound healing. Inform your doctor before undergoing surgery or dental procedures. Your physician may recommend discontinuing Cabozantinib tablets three weeks before and for two weeks after the surgical procedure.
4Do the side effects of Cabozantinib persist for an extended period of time?
The side effects associated with cabozantinib typically exist as long as the drug is present in the body. It has been noticed that the effects of this medication stay in the body for approximately two weeks after the last dose.
5What should you not take with cabozantinib?
Avoiding grapefruit or grapefruit juice is advised during cabozantinib treatment. Inform your healthcare provider about any prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking.
6When should you inform your doctor?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fever, or severe bleeding.

References

1. Exelixis, Inc., US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Jul 2022] [Accessed on 29th Sep 2022], https://www.cabometyx.com/downloads/
CABOMETYXUSPI.pdf

2. Gregory A. Brent and Ronald J. Koenig, Thyroid and Antithyroid Drugs, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 2018, 787-801.