Cabozantinib
About Cabozantinib
Cabozantinib is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. It is a disease in which cancer cells grow uncontrollably in the kidney and form a tumor. Cabozantinib is used in treating advanced renal cell carcinoma as first-line therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma in combination with nivolumab and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients who have previously been treated with sorafenib.
Cabozantinib contains Cabozantinib as an active ingredient, which belongs to the class of medicines known as kinase inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme (tyrosine kinase) and thus stops the abnormal growth of cancer cells.
Cabozantinib may cause certain side effects such as diarrhea, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, increased blood pressure, muscle cramps, decreased weight, dizziness, and constipation. Inform your doctor if any of these side effects bother you. Cabozantinib should be taken as advised by your doctor.
Avoid taking Cabozantinib if you are allergic to it or any other components of it. Before taking Cabozantinib, inform your doctor if you have/had liver or kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, heart problems, blood or bleeding disorders, open or healing wounds, and a history of recent surgery. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, it is not recommended for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Uses of Cabozantinib
Medicinal Benefits
Cabozantinib contains Cabozantinib, which is used in treating advanced renal cell carcinoma and liver cancer. It works by stopping the action of a tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. This helps stop the abnormal growth of cancer cells and thus reduce the further spread to other parts of the body. It also decreases the blood supply to cancer tumors to slow down the growth of the tumor. In this way, Cabozantinib stops the body's production, spread and growth of cancerous cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cabozantinib
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Increased blood pressure
- Tiredness
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Difficulty speaking
- Muscle pain
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Drug Warnings
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Cabozantinib for the period that your doctor has prescribed. Caution should be exercised if you have/had liver or kidney disease, any planned surgery, heart disease, blood or bleeding disorders, open/healing of wound, or gastrointestinal disorders. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant before starting the treatment, as this medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Cabozantinib may cause hypertension, thrombotic events, hemorrhagic events, gastrointestinal perforation and fistula, Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS), hepatotoxicity, severe diarrhoea, Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia (PPE), adrenal insufficiency, impaired wound healing, and proteinuria in some patients. Hence, inform your doctor about your complete medication and medical history before taking Cabozantinib. Breastfeeding should be discontinued in nursing mothers during the treatment as it passes into breast milk and may cause a possible risk to the infant. Avoid driving and operating machines, as this medicine may cause dizziness. This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cabozantinib may have interaction with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (clarithromycin, diltiazem, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir), strong CYP3A4 inducers (carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, dexamethasone).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
Dug-Disease Interactions: Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart problems, GI perforation, thyroid dysfunction, or thromboembolism before starting the treatment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol while on treatment with Cabozantinib as it may cause serious side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeCabozantinib is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity and harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Cabozantinib. You should not become pregnant while you are taking Cabozantinib for at least four months from the last dose of Cabozantinib. Using effective birth control methods while on treatment is suggested.
Breast Feeding
unsafeCabozantinib should not be taken if you are breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk and may harm your infant. Avoid nursing your child while on treatment with this medicine and for at least four months from the last dose of medicine.
Driving
unsafeIn some cases, Cabozantinib may cause dizziness and visual problems. As a result, do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any activity that requires clear vision until you are satisfied you can drive while on Cabozantinib therapy.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before taking this medicine. Cabozantinib is known to cause hepatotoxicity when taken in combination with nivolumab. Hence, this medicine should be taken cautiously in patients with moderate liver impairment. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your liver function while on treatment with this medicine.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before taking Cabozantinib. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeCabozantinib is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps strengthen muscles, reduces fatigue, helps in weight loss, and gives strength. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Getting adequate sleep as resting helps improve your health and mental ability and improves attention.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listening to soothing music.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, etc.
- Foods containing fibre help in better digestion. These include beans, peas, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may suggest periodic liver function tests, kidney function tests, and urine tests to monitor the function of the liver kidney and the presence of protein in urine due to the use of Cabozantinib.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you have swelling in your lower legs, fast heartbeats, or trouble breathing, as it may be a sign of a heart problem.
- It is advised to use effective contraceptive methods while using Cabozantinib to prevent pregnancy.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Renal Cell Carcinoma: Also known as kidney cancer. It is the most common type of cancer seen in adults. This condition occurs when cancer/ malignant cells grow uncontrollably in the kidney and form a tumor. Advanced kidney cancer (metastatic renal cell carcinoma) occurs when the malignant cells spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms include red, orange, or pink-coloured urine due to the presence of blood in the urine.
Hepatocellular carcinoma: Also known as liver cancer. It occurs when the cancer/ malignant cells grow out of control. This infects the liver, destroys the liver cells and affects the ability of the liver to work properly. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and pale bowel motions.
FAQs
Cabozantinib contains Cabozantinib, which works by stopping the action of a tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells.
Cabozantinib may cause thyroid dysfunction, leading to decreased thyroid hormone levels. This effect causes hypothyroidism. So, notify your doctor if you feel extremely tired, colder than others, sudden weight gain/ weight loss, hair loss, or change in voice while using this medicine.
