Cabozantinib 20mg

Cabozantinib 20mg — Uses and Benefits

Cabozantinib is used in the treatment of certain advanced cancers, including advanced kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma), liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and a type of thyroid cancer (medullary thyroid cancer).

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Advanced or metastatic kidney cancer
• Liver cancer in patients previously treated with other therapy
• Advanced medullary thyroid cancer
• Sometimes combined with other cancer drugs as advised by the oncologist

HOW IT WORKS

• It blocks certain proteins called tyrosine kinases that help cancer cells grow and form new blood vessels
• By blocking these signals, it slows down tumour growth and spread
• It also reduces the blood supply that tumours need to grow

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for common infections or general pain
• Not a cure for cancer; it is used to control and slow disease progression
• Not to be used for cancers other than those specifically advised by your oncologist
• Not suitable for use without proper cancer diagnosis and specialist supervision

How to Use Cabozantinib 20mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily
• Take on an empty stomach, generally at least one hour before or two hours after a meal
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew
• Do not eat grapefruit or grapefruit juice while on this medicine
• Take at the same time each day for consistent effect
• Do not stop or change the dose without consulting your doctor

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• If you remember the same day, take it as soon as you remember
• If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one
• Contact your doctor if you miss doses often

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight
• Keep in the original container, tightly closed
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Cabozantinib 20mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Diarrhoea
• Tiredness and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss
• Hand and foot skin redness or peeling
• High blood pressure

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Mouth sores
• Hair colour change or hair thinning
• Changes in taste
• Constipation
• Low blood counts
• Abnormal liver test results

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe bleeding from any part of the body
• Signs of a hole (perforation) in the stomach or intestine, such as severe stomach pain
• Blood clots such as sudden chest pain, breathlessness or leg swelling
• Severe uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Wounds that do not heal
• Yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine (signs of liver problems)
• Seizures or severe headache with confusion

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Cabozantinib 20mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and must be used strictly under the supervision of a cancer specialist.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to cabozantinib or any ingredient in the tablet
• Have recently had major surgery or have an unhealed wound
• Have severe uncontrolled bleeding
• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy, unless specifically advised

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have high blood pressure
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have a history of blood clots or bleeding disorders
• Have had recent stomach or bowel surgery
• Are breastfeeding
• Are planning to have surgery soon

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers (certain antifungals, antibiotics, antiseizure medicines)
• Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
• Other blood pressure medicines
• Grapefruit juice
• Any other cancer therapy without doctor's knowledge

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine with food?

No, it should be taken on an empty stomach as advised by your doctor for proper absorption.

Is it safe during pregnancy?

No, it can harm the unborn baby, so effective contraception is advised during and after treatment.

How long do I need to take this medicine?

• Duration depends on your response and your doctor's assessment of the cancer's progress.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.