Uses of Cabozantinib

Cabozantinib is used to control abnormal cell division in the body, especially of kidneys, liver and thyroid gland in patients with advanced stages of cancer.

Therapeutic Category

Cabozantinib: Anti-cancer agents

How Cabozantinib works

Cabozantinib is an anti-cancer medicine. It works by blocking the actions of certain proteins (such as receptor tyrosine kinases) in the body that triggers cancer formation. As a result, it prevents abnormal cell division within the body and slows down the growth of cancer cells in the body.

Common side effects of Cabozantinib

• nausea, vomiting
• stomach upset, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion and stomach pain
• skin rashes, abscess with pus, blisters and pain in the hands or soles of the feet
• loss of appetite, weight loss, altered taste sensation, acid reflux
• tiredness, weakness, headache, dizziness
• high blood pressure
• anaemia due to low levels of red blood cells
• low blood platelet and white blood cell counts
• pain, redness and swelling in the mouth or throat, difficulty in speaking, hoarse voice, cough, difficulty in swallowing, sore tongue
• shortness of breath
• low thyroid functions causing weight gain, tiredness, constipation, cold and dry skin
• painful or swollen arms and legs
• dehydration
• ringing in ears (tinnitus)
• increased or decreased blood sugar levels
• high bilirubin levels in the blood
• high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• numbness, tingling, burning sensation or pain in the limbs
• fistula (a painful tear or abnormal connection of the tissues in your body), piles
• dry mouth and pain in the mouth
• dry skin and severe itching of skin, acne
• hair loss and thinning, hair colour change
• joint pain, muscle spasms
• protein in urine
• respiratory tract infections, increased thyroid activity, lung infections when used in combination with nivolumab

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• signs of GI bleeding (such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fever, blood vomits, black stools, bloody urine, headache, coughing up blood)
• shortness of breath and swollen hands and feet
• posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (signs includes fits, headaches, confusion or finding it difficult to concentrate)
• drowsiness, confusion and loss of consciousness due to liver problems
• signs of jawbone damage (such as pain in the mouth, teeth or jaw, swelling or sores inside the mouth, numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw, or loosening of a tooth)

Health Tips for Cabozantinib

• Cabozantinib should not be taken with food. You should not eat anything for at least 2 hours before and for 1 hour after taking the medicine
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Adequate hydration is important for overall health and can help manage certain side effects such as diarrhoea or nausea that may be associated with Cabozantinib
• Maintain proper hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the restroom. This helps reduce the risk of infections, as this medicine can temporarily weaken the immune system
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as these may interact with this medicine and affect its effectiveness. It's recommended to avoid consuming grapefruit products while taking this medication
• Before taking Cabozantinib inform your doctor if you have blood pressure, thyroid problems, inflammatory bowel diseases, abnormal bulging or tear in blood vessels or a recent history of blood clot formation, stroke or heart attack as a precaution
• During treatment with Cabozantinib, it is important for you to practise a good oral hygiene. You must also inform your dentist about this medicine if you have a need to visit dentist regularly
• Cabozantinib may cause congenital abnormalities. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Men and women taking Cabozantinib must use a suitable contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with this medicine. Men may also seek advice on sperm preservation, if necessary, prior to the therapy with this medicine