Cabozantinib 40mg

Cabozantinib 40mg — Uses and Benefits

Cabozantinib is used to treat advanced kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma), liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) in patients who have already received other treatment, and a specific type of thyroid cancer (medullary thyroid cancer).

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Advanced or metastatic kidney cancer
• Liver cancer after prior treatment has stopped working
• Progressive medullary thyroid cancer
• Sometimes used in combination with other cancer medicines as directed by your oncologist

HOW IT WORKS

• It blocks certain proteins (tyrosine kinases) that cancer cells use to grow and form new blood vessels
• By cutting off blood supply and growth signals, it slows or stops tumour progression

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not a painkiller or general cancer cure
• It is not used for early-stage, curable cancers where surgery is the main treatment
• It should not be used for cancers other than those specifically advised by your oncologist
• It is not meant for self-medication without a cancer specialist's supervision

How to Use Cabozantinib 40mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily
• Take on an empty stomach — at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food, unless your doctor advises otherwise
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew it
• Do not eat grapefruit or grapefruit juice while on this medicine
• Take it at the same time every day to maintain steady levels in the body
• Continue the full course as advised, even if you feel well, unless your doctor tells you to stop

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• If a dose is missed and it is close to the next scheduled dose (within about 12 hours), skip the missed dose
• Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one
• Contact your doctor if you are unsure what to do

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep in the original container, out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Dispose of unused medicine safely as advised by your pharmacist

Cabozantinib 40mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Diarrhoea
• Tiredness or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Mouth sores
• Hand-foot skin reaction (redness, pain, peeling on palms/soles)
• High blood pressure

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Weight loss
• Hair colour change or hair thinning
• Changes in taste
• Constipation
• Voice hoarseness
• Abnormal liver function tests

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe bleeding from any site
• Signs of a hole (perforation) in the stomach or intestine, such as severe stomach pain
• Blood clots, chest pain, or sudden breathlessness
• Very high blood pressure or hypertensive crisis
• Wounds that do not heal after surgery or dental work
• Yellowing of skin/eyes suggesting liver problems
• Seizures or severe headache with vision changes

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

Cabozantinib 40mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and must be used only under the supervision of a qualified oncologist.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to cabozantinib or any ingredient in the tablet
• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy, unless specifically advised by your doctor
• Have recently had major surgery or have a non-healing wound
• Have severe uncontrolled bleeding or a bleeding disorder

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of blood clots
• Have liver or kidney problems
• Have a history of stomach ulcers, bowel disease, or fistula
• Are breastfeeding
• Are scheduled for any surgery or dental procedure soon
• Have any wounds that have not healed

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers (certain antifungals, antibiotics, anti-seizure medicines)
• Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
• Other cancer medicines or immunosuppressants
• Grapefruit juice and herbal supplements like St. John's Wort
• Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

It is best to avoid alcohol as it may worsen liver-related side effects; check with your doctor.

Will this medicine cause hair loss?

Some patients notice hair thinning or colour change, but complete hair loss is uncommon.

How long will I need to take this medicine?

• Duration depends on how your cancer responds and is decided by your oncologist based on regular check-ups.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.