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Cabozantinib (thyroid cancer)

Brand Name(s): Cometriq®

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Cabozantinib (Cometriq) is used to treat a certain type of thyroid cancer that is getting worse and that has spread to other parts of the body. Cabozantinib (Cometriq) is in a class of medications called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Cabozantinib (Cometriq) comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is taken usually once a day on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after eating. Take cabozantinib (Cometriq) at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cabozantinib (Cometriq) exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass (8 ounces, 240 mL) of water. Do not open them.

Your doctor may decrease your dose of cabozantinib (Cometriq) or permanently or temporarily stop your treatment if you experience serious side effects. Be sure to talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment with cabozantinib (Cometriq).

The length of your treatment depends on how well you respond to the medication and the side effects you experience. Continue to take cabozantinib (Cometriq) even if you feel well. Do not stop taking cabozantinib (Cometriq) without talking to your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before taking cabozantinib (Cometriq),

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cabozantinib (Cabometyx, Cometriq), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in cabozantinib capsules. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: adefovir (Hepsera); antifungals such as itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole, and voriconazole (Vfend); clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac); dexamethasone; furosemide (Lasix); certain medications for HIV or AIDS such as abacavir (Ziagen), atazanavir (Reyataz), cidofovir, indinavir (Crixivan), lamivudine (Epivir, in Combivir); nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), saquinavir (Invirase), and tenofovir (Viread); certain medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Equetro, Tegretol, Teril), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); nefazodone; probenecid (Probalan), rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifactin, Rifadin, in Rifamate, in Rifater); rifapentine (Priftin); telithromycin (Ketek); and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Many other medications may also interact with cabozantinib (Cometriq), so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you more carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort.
  • tell your doctor if you have recently had any unusual or severe bleeding such as coughing up blood, vomiting blood, or bloody or black tarry stools. Also tell your doctor if you have an open or healing wound, or if you have or have ever had high blood pressure or liver disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You will need to have a pregnancy test before you start treatment with cabozantinib. You should not become pregnant during your treatment with cabozantinib and for 4 months after your final dose. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that you can use during your treatment. If you become pregnant while you are taking cabozantinib (Cometriq), call your doctor immediately. Cabozantinib may harm the fetus.
  • tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may tell you not to breastfeed during your treatment and for 4 months after your final dose.
  • you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men and women. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking cabozantinib (Cometriq).
  • if you are having surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking cabozantinib (Cometriq). Your doctor will probably tell you to stop taking cabozantinib (Cometriq) at least 21 days before your surgery and will tell you when you should start taking the medication again after your surgery.
  • you should know that cabozantinib (Cometriq) may cause serious problems with your jaw. A dentist should examine your teeth before you start to take cabozantinib and regularly during your treatment. Be sure to brush your teeth and clean your mouth properly while you are taking cabozantinib (Cometriq). Talk to your doctor before having any dental treatments while you are taking this medication. Your doctor will probably tell you to stop taking cabozantinib at least 21 days before dental surgery.
  • you should know that your blood pressure may increase during your treatment with cabozantinib (Cometriq). Your doctor will probably monitor your blood pressure during your treatment.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit or any foods or supplements that contain grapefruit or grapefruit juice while you are taking this medication.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is less than 12 hours until your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Cabozantinib (Cometriq) may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • constipation
  • hemorrhoids
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • heartburn
  • change in ability to taste food
  • difficulty swallowing
  • redness, swelling, sores, or pain in your mouth or throat
  • loss of appetite
  • weight loss
  • tiredness or weakness
  • pain in joints
  • muscle pain or spasms
  • anxiety
  • numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
  • dry skin
  • patchy thickening of the skin
  • hair loss
  • hair color turning lighter or gray
  • voice changes or hoarseness

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • coughing up blood or blood clots
  • vomiting material that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
  • menstrual bleeding that is heavier than usual
  • red or black, tarry stool
  • any unusal or heavy bleeding or bruising
  • diarrhea
  • tender or painful stomach area
  • swelling or pain in the arms or legs
  • shortness of breath
  • lightheadedness or fainting
  • sweating
  • numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of your body
  • dizziness
  • sudden difficulty with balance or coordination
  • swollen or painful gums
  • sudden, severe headache
  • jaw pain
  • toothache
  • seizures
  • sudden trouble walking
  • sudden vision problems
  • confusion
  • sudden difficulty thinking or speaking clearly
  • rash
  • redness, pain, swelling, or blistering on the palms or the soles
  • difficulty eating or drinking due to mouth sores or nausea and vomiting

Cabozantinib (Cometriq) may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

  • memory loss
  • confusion
  • weight loss

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to cabozantinib (Cometriq).

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: December 15, 2021.


AHFS® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024