Cabometyx is a drug that your doctor may prescribe if you have a certain kind of cancer. It is a prescription drug used in adults to treat.

Children 12 years and older can be treated with Cabometyx.

To learn more about the drug’s uses, see the “What is Cabometyx used for?” section below.

Cabometyx basics

Cabometyx is a whole tablet. You will take it either an hour before or an hour after you eat.

Cabometyx has an active ingredient called cabozantinib. The active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

Cabometyx is a brand-name drug. It’s not available in generic form. Cabometyx belongs to a group of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

Cabometyx has side effects, costs, and more.

Cabometyx may cause mild or serious side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Cabometyx are described below. All possible side effects are not included in these lists.

Side effects of a drug can depend on other factors.

  • Your age.
  • You have other health conditions.
  • You take other drugs.

Side effects of Cabometyx can vary depending on whether you’re also taking nivolumab (Opdivo). The two drugs are sometimes used together to treat renal cell cancer. To learn more, see the “What is Cabometyx used for?” section below.

The doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about Cabometyx. They can suggest ways to reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Cabometyx can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Cabometyx’s prescribing information.

Cabometyx has had some mild side effects.

The side effects of many drugs can be gone in a few days. If they become intolerable, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Cabometyx can have serious side effects, but they are not common. If you have serious side effects from Cabometyx, you should call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, you should call the emergency number.

Cabometyx has been reported to have serious side effects.

The side effect focus section gives more information about this side effect.

Side effect focus

Learn about the side effects of Cabometyx.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common side effect of Cabometyx. With diarrhea, you might experience frequent loose stools. Other symptoms include cramping, nausea, and There is belly pain..

Diarrhea can be severe in some people taking Cabometyx. In studies of the drug, severe diarrhea was less common than mild diarrhea.

If your diarrhea is severe, you can become dehydrated by losing fluids too quickly. Severe diarrhea may need to be treated in the hospital.

What can help?

If you experience a stomach ache during your Cabometyx treatment, tell your doctor. They may reduce your dose of Cabometyx or stop your treatment. They may recommend loperamide.

Drinking plenty of liquids, such as water or sports drinks, can help prevent dehydration due to diarrhea. Sip liquids slowly between meals if you have nausea.

You should limit the amount of foods that can cause gas or make your segumental condition worse. Fried or fat foods, spicy foods, beans, and raw fruits and vegetables are examples.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure is a common side effect of Cabometyx. In rare cases, it may lead to hypertensive crisis, which is a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure.

“High blood pressure doesn’t usually have any symptoms. Hypertensive crises and very high blood pressure can have symptoms.”

What can help?

During your Cabometyx treatment, you’ll have your blood pressure checked regularly. You can get your blood pressure tested at your doctor’s office or at most pharmacies. Your doctor can also explain how to check your blood pressure at home with a home blood pressure monitor.

If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe a medication. In some cases, your doctor may recommend diet and lifestyle changes to help lower your blood pressure.

If you experience symptoms of high blood pressure, you should call your doctor or emergency medical service. If you experience a hypertensive crisis or high blood pressure, your doctor will likely stop Cabometyx treatment. If your doctor can manage your blood pressure, he or she may recommend a lower dose of Cabometyx.

Liver problems

Liver problems can occur with Cabometyx. It’s a less common side effect, but it can be serious. In studies, liver problems occurred more often in people who also took nivolumab (Opdivo).

Symptoms of theLiver problems may include:

What can help?

Before prescribing Cabometyx, your doctor will order a liver function test. You’ll continue to have these tests done regularly during your treatment to check for any liver problems.

If the tests show increased liver enzymes, it may be a sign that Cabometyx is affecting your body. Your doctor may stop your treatment if this happens. They may prescribe a steroid to reduce inflammation in your body.

“If your doctor thinks your liver enzymes are in a good range, he may restart your treatment. If you develop severe liver problems, such as failure, they won’t restart the treatment, even if your liver enzymes remain high. They will talk with you about other treatment options.”

Some people can make lifestyle changes that can help keep their body healthy. These might include:

  • drinking more water.
  • limiting the amount of sugar and fat.
  • You can manage your weight.
  • limiting the amount of alcohol.

If you have concerns about your body, talk to your doctor.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Cabometyx. Clinical studies did not report allergic reactions, but they can still happen.

A mild allergic reaction can include some symptoms.

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause breathing problems.

If you have an allergic reaction to Cabometyx, you should call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. To find current prices for Cabometyx in your area, visit WellRx.com.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Cabometyx manufacturer’s website to see if they have support options.

Or check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Cabometyx that’s right for you. Below is some information about Cabometyx dosing, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Form and strengths

Cabometyx is in tablets that you swallow. They are available in three strengths.

Recommended dosages

“There are several factors that affect Cabometyx’s dose. Your doctor will tell you the right amount. You will take Cabometyx by mouth once a day.”

Questions about Cabometyx’s dosage

There are many questions about Cabometyx.

  • What if I miss a dose of Cabometyx? Take your missed dose as soon as you remember, as long as you have more than 12 hours until your next dose. If you’re scheduled to take your next dose within the next 12 hours, skip the missed dose. You should not take two doses of Cabometyx at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so could raise your risk of side effects.
  • Will I need to use Cabometyx long term? Yes, Cabometyx is used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Cabometyx is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll take it long term.
  • How long does Cabometyx take to work? Cabometyx starts to work right after you take a dose. But it may take several weeks before your tumors become smaller or stop growing.

Find out what the answers are to some questions.

What is the life expectancy with Cabometyx treatment?

There is no specific life expectancy with Cabometyx treatment. It depends on a number of factors, including the type of cancer you are using it to treat and other health conditions.

Studies have shown that people taking Cabometyx lived longer than people taking certain other cancer drugs. You can learn more about life expectancy with Cabometyx from the manufacturer’s website or your doctor.

Does Cabometyx cause eye side effects?

“Cabometyx doesn’t cause eye side effects. A severe reaction called a reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome is possible. This condition causes your brain to swell, which can cause eye problems.”

Other symptoms of the syndrome may include:

  • There is a throbbing head.
  • There is There is There is confusion…
  • Seizures.

Vision changes can also be a symptom of high blood pressure, which Cabometyx can cause. (To learn more about high blood pressure with Cabometyx, see “Side effect focus” in the “What are Cabometyx’s side effects?” section above.)

If you experience changes in your vision or other serious side effects, call your doctor right away.

How effective is Cabometyx?

Studies have found Cabometyx to be an effective treatment for certain types of advanced kidney cancer, liver cancer, and thyroid cancer. To learn more about the drug’s effectiveness, see the manufacturer’s website or talk with your doctor.

How does Cabometyx work?

Cabometyx works by blocking an enzyme in your body called tyrosine kinase. Cancer cells need the tyrosine kinase enzyme to grow and multiply.

When Cabometyx blocks this enzyme, it prevents cancer cells from growing. This helps prevent your cancer from getting worse. In some people, Cabometyx treatment may cause tumors to shrink.

“Both Cabometyx and Cometriq contain the same active ingredient, cabozantinib. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. One drug can’t be used for another, and they treat different conditions.”

To see a brief comparison of these medications, check out this article. Also, talk with your doctor about the treatment option that’s right for you.

Cabometyx is used to treat cancer.

  • Advanced renal cell cancer (RCC). This is a kind of kidney cancer that has spread beyond the kidney. For this use, Cabometyx can be prescribed as a first treatment for RCC or after you’ve received other treatments. Your doctor may prescribe Cabometyx together with another drug called nivolumab (Opdivo).
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma. This is a type of liver cancer. For this purpose, Cabometyx is used in adults who have previously taken sorafenib (Nexavar).
  • Differentiated thyroid cancer. This is a kind of cancer that affects your thyroid gland. For this condition, Cabometyx is used in adults and in children ages 12 years and older whose cancer:
    • The body has spread.
    • Is radioactive therapy possible?
    • After some other treatments for cancer, it has progressed.

When considering Cabometyx treatment, it is important to discuss your health, the other medications you take, and any medical conditions you may have with your doctor.

Interactions

Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking Cabometyx, you should tell your doctor about all your medication. You should also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions that may occur.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Cabometyx can interact with a lot of drugs. Some examples are included.

“Doctors won’t recommend taking Cabometyx with these types of drugs due to the interactions. If you must take certain drugs with Cabometyx, your doctor may adjust the dose.”

The drugs that may interact with Cabometyx are not on the list. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the interactions that may occur with Cabometyx.

Cabometyx can also interact with other types of herbs and supplements, such as St. John’s wort. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using herbs and supplements with Cabometyx.

Other interactions

You should not drink or eat grapefruit while taking Cabometyx. If you have questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings

If you have a medical condition that affects your health, Cabometyx may not be right for you. Before you take Cabometyx, you should talk to your doctor about your health history. The factors to consider are listed below.

  • High blood pressure. Cabometyx can cause your blood pressure to increase. If you have high blood pressure that’s not well managed, your doctor will likely not prescribe Cabometyx. If you have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor about whether you can take Cabometyx.
  • Hemorrhage. Cabometyx may cause hemorrhage (There was a lot of bleeding.). If you recently had a hemorrhage, your doctor will likely not prescribe Cabometyx. Talk with your doctor about other treatment options.
  • Surgery. Cabometyx can cause your wounds to heal more slowly. You should not take this drug in the 3 weeks before or 2 weeks after major surgery. If you have a surgery planned, talk with your doctor about whether you’ll need to pause your Cabometyx treatment.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Cabometyx or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely recommend that you don’t take Cabometyx. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Cabometyx and alcohol

It is not known if it is safe to drink alcohol while taking Cabometyx.

If you drink alcohol, you should talk to your doctor about the amount that is safe for you to drink.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

“Cabometyx can cause harm to a fetus, so it’s not safe to take it during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Cabometyx, you should tell your doctor.”

“It is not known if breastfeeding is safe. Your doctor will likely recommend that you don’t feed your baby for 4 months after Cabometyx.”

If you are currently breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before taking Cabometyx.

“Your doctor will explain how Cabometyx works. They will explain how much to take and how often to take it. Follow your doctor’s instructions.”

Taking Cabometyx

You will swallow Cabometyx tablets whole. Do not chew the tablets. Cabometyx should not be taken with food. You should take your dose at least an hour before or after you eat.

Taking Cabometyx with other drugs

To treat advanced renal cell cancer, Cabometyx may be prescribed together with nivolumab (Opdivo).

Nivolumab is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, usually every 2 or 4 weeks. You may receive nivolumab treatment for up to 2 years, as long as you and your doctor decide that it’s safe and effective for you.

Accessible medication containers and labels

“If you can’t read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies may provide medication labels.”

  • Have a large print.
  • Use the visual aids.
  • You can use a code on a phone to change the text into audio.

“If your current pharmacy doesn’t offer these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a new pharmacy.”

“If you have trouble opening your bottles, please let your doctor know. They may be able to put Cabometyx in a container. The drug’s container may be easier to open with the help of your pharmacist.”

Questions about taking Cabometyx

Some questions about Cabometyx are listed below.

  • Can Cabometyx be chewed, crushed, or split? No, Cabometyx tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or split. You should swallow them whole. For tips on swallowing tablets, see this article.
  • Should I take Cabometyx with food? No, you should not take Cabometyx with food. You should take the drug at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after you eat.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about Cabometyx. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help you.

  • Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
    • How will Cabometyx affect me?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment to make you feel more comfortable.
  • “If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it.”

“Your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. They want you to get the best care possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or give feedback on your treatment”

Do not take more than your doctor prescribes. Side effects can be serious if you use more than this.

Symptoms of overdose

There are symptoms caused by an overdose.

  • memory loss
  • There is There is There is confusion…
  • weight loss
  • increased levels of blood urea nitrogen (a measurement of how well your kidneys are working)

What to do in case you take too much Cabometyx

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Cabometyx. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you have questions about Cabometyx, you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Some questions you may want to ask are listed below.

  • Will Cabometyx cure my cancer?
  • How will I know if Cabometyx is working for me?
  • Is there any recent news or research on liver cancer or new treatments?

You can also learn more about the kinds of cancer drugs available or about complementary therapies for renal cell cancer.

Q:

Can I have surgery while taking Cabometyx?

Anonymous

A:

If you have surgery planned and you are taking Cabometyx, you need to stop treatment at least 3 weeks before the surgery. The effects of Cabometyx can cause wounds to heal more slowly. The drug can cause bleeding.

“It is not known when it is safe to restart Cabometyx treatment after surgery. Cabometyx’s manufacturer recommends waiting at least 2 weeks after surgery before you start taking it again.”

Talk to your doctor about adjusting your Cabometyx treatment for a planned surgery.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.