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Cabozantinib

This page contains brief details about the drug cabozantinib, it’s indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Cabozantinib is a targeted anticancer treatment drug that was approved for its medical use on November 2012.

Mechanism of Action of Cabozantinib

Cabozantinib is a targeted cancer therapy that belongs to the class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This biological agent works by inhibiting receptor tyrosine kinases, disrupting cell signaling, and ultimately preventing the growth and spread of cancer cells. Cabozantinib can be used alone or in combination with Nivolumab.

Uses of Cabozantinib

Cabozantinib has been developed to treat various types of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer), differentiated thyroid cancer in patients who are not eligible for radioactive iodine therapy, and renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) after disease progression and inadequate response to other anticancer therapies.

Cabozantinib Drug administaration and Dosage available

Cabozantinib is available in the form of film-coated tablets in the doses 20mg and 60mg. Take Cabozantinib Tablet an hour before food or two hours after meals. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water and do not crush or chew them.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of Cabozantinib

Warnings

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fever, or severe bleeding. During the Cabozantinib treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your complete blood counts, blood sugar, electrolytes, thyroid panel, urine test (for proteinuria) and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, problems in your heart, liver, skin, kidneys or blood disorders. Tell your physician before you undergo surgery or dental procedures. Withhold Cabozantinib treatment 3 weeks before surgery and for two weeks after surgery. Get immediate medical attention if you experience itching, yellowing eyes or skin, unusual bruising or severe diarrhoea.

Precautions

Cabozantinib may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. It is advised for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose of Cabozantinib Tablet. Avoid breastfeeding your baby during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose as Cabozantinib can impact the growth and development of the baby by passing into the breast milk.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Cabozantinib are diarrhoea, tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, constipation, rash, hypothyroidism, musculoskeletal pain, abdominal pain, cough and upper respiratory tract infection. If you experience allergic reactions, unusual bruising or severe diarrhoea, report to your doctor immediately.

Word Of Advice

Monitor your blood pressure regularly and report to your physician immediately in case of high blood pressure. Avoid driving or operating heavy machines if you experience dizziness, confusion or tiredness while on treatment with Cabozantinib.

Frequently Asked Question

Cabozantinib typically takes 2 months to start showing effects.
Small amounts of alcohol do not affect the efficacy of Cabozantinib. However, it is advisable to limit alcohol intake during this treatment.
Cabozantinib is associated with increased risk of bleeding complications and poor wound healing. Tell your physician before you undergo surgery or dental procedures. Your physician will suggest discontinuation of Cabozantinib Tablet 3 weeks before and for 2 weeks after surgical procedure.
All the side effects that are relatively caused by Cabozantinib occur until the drug concentration stays in the body. It is found that the effects of this medicine will remain in your body for almost 2 weeks after the final dose.
It is not recommended to take grapefruit or grapefruit juice while on treatment with Cabozantinib. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any prescription medicines, over the counter drugs, vitamins or herbal supplements.

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is different from medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.