Medication Guide: Cabometyx Details - Strength variants, form types, usage timing, and additional information
In the world of cancer treatment, Cabometyx (cabozantinib) is a medication that plays a significant role in the management of certain types of cancer. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the typical dosages and administration instructions for adults with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).
Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)
For monotherapy in adult patients with advanced RCC, the recommended dosage is 60 mg orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. When used in combination with nivolumab, the dosage is reduced to 40 mg orally once daily. It's important to note that tablets should not be substituted with capsules in this case.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
In patients with HCC who have been previously treated with other medicines, the typical dosage for Cabometyx is 60 mg orally once daily. This dosage is similar to that for RCC, but always follow the guidance of your physician based on tolerance and clinical response.
Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (DTC)
For adults with locally advanced or metastatic DTC that has progressed after prior VEGFR-targeted therapy and is radioactive iodine-refractory or ineligible, the recommended dosage is 140 mg orally once daily in capsule form. For those with a body surface area of 1.2 m² or more, the tablet form at a dosage of 60 mg once daily is also an option. As with other indications, capsules and tablets should not be substituted for each other.
Regarding pediatric use, no specific dosage for cabozantinib in children is documented for these cancers. The drug is primarily approved and dosed for adults, and pediatric use would depend on clinical trial evidence or specialist recommendation, often involving dose adjustment based on body surface area or tolerability.
General Administration Instructions
Cabometyx is an oral tablet that is swallowed whole. It should not be divided, crushed, chewed, or placed in water. Take Cabometyx on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before a meal or at least 2 hours after. It may be helpful to take Cabometyx around the same time of day to maintain a steady level of the drug in your body.
Precautions and Overdose
Never change your dosage of Cabometyx without your doctor's recommendation. In case of overdose, call your doctor right away or America's Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, consult an article for tips on how to take this form of medication. If you're having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Cabometyx in an easy-open container. Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech.
If you miss a dose of Cabometyx, take it as soon as you remember, but if your next scheduled dose is within 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take two doses to make up for a missed one.
For more information about other aspects of Cabometyx, such as its use in treating different types of cancer, refer to our cancer hub. If you have questions about how to take Cabometyx, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
- In the management of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the recommended dosage for Cabometyx is 60 mg orally once daily, while for combination therapy with nivolumab, it's reduced to 40 mg daily.
- For patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with other medicines, the typical dosage for Cabometyx is the same as for advanced RCC, being 60 mg orally once daily, but always under the guidance of a physician.
- For adults with locally advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer (DTC) that has progressed after prior VEGFR-targeted therapy and is radioactive iodine-refractory or ineligible, the recommended dosage for Cabometyx is 140 mg orally once daily in capsule form, or 60 mg once daily in tablet form for those with a body surface area of 1.2 m² or more.
- The safety and efficacy of Cabometyx in children for these cancers have not been established as no specific dosage in children is documented.
- General administration instructions for Cabometyx include taking the oral tablet on an empty stomach, never substituting capsules with tablets, and if trouble swallowing tablets, seeking tips in an article or asking the pharmacist about easy-open containers.
