We know that undergoing treatment for cancer is not an easy task. It will be a great help for you to be fully informed about the medicines that the doctors prescribe at that time. Today we are talking about one such specific anti-cancer drug, Cabozantinib. Let's understand this simply, as if a friend of yours were explaining it to you.
What exactly is Cabozantinib?
Simply put, Cabozantinib is not like a regular chemotherapy drug. It is a targeted therapy . This means that this drug directly targets certain proteins in cancer cells and stops them from growing. This means that it has very little effect on healthy cells.
This medicine comes in two main forms - capsules and tablets.
- Capsules: Mainly used for thyroid cancer.
- Tablets: Used for hepatocellular cancer, renal cell cancer, and thyroid cancer.
Your doctor may also recommend this medicine for other medical conditions.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting cabozantinib, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Addison's disease or decreased function of the adrenal glands.
- Bleeding disorders or blood clots.
- If you have high blood pressure .
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have low calcium levels in your blood.
- If you have been found to have protein in your urine.
- If you have recently had surgery .
- If you have skin conditions or sensitivities.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to cabozantinib or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .
Even if it's not on this list, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about any health concerns you may have.
How to use the medicine correctly?
Following the exact instructions for using this medicine is very important for results.
- Swallow this tablet/capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not cut, crush, or chew.
- This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach . To be precise, take it at least one hour before or two hours after a meal .
- Try to take the medicine at the same time every day.
- Never take this medication with grapefruit juice. It may affect the effectiveness of the medication.
- Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any anti-cancer drug, Cabozantinib can cause side effects. This is because it affects cancer cells as well as some healthy cells. The table below provides a clear understanding of this.
| Cabozantinib side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Bleeding | Black or tarry stools, red or dark brown urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red spots on the skin, eyes, or unusual bleeding from the gums. |
| Blood Clot | Chest pain, difficulty breathing, leg pain, swelling, or warmth. |
| Stroke | Vision changes, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding, severe headache, sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg. |
| Liver damage | Dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite. |
| Other serious symptoms | High blood pressure, signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat), jaw pain, redness, blistering or swelling of the skin on the palms and soles of the feet, severe stomach pain, signs of low calcium levels (rapid heartbeat, muscle twitching, numbness in the hands and feet). |
| 🙂 Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor injuries | Change in taste, diarrhea, mouth sores, weight loss. |
Things to be especially careful about while taking the medicine
Surgery and dental treatment
If you are going to have any surgery or dental treatment (such as a tooth extraction), be sure to tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medicine. This medicine should usually be stopped 3 weeks before the surgery. It should be restarted 2 weeks after the surgery, when the wound has healed completely. Discuss this with your doctor.
Pregnancy, lactation and fertility
- Avoid becoming pregnant: It is very important to avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 4 months after stopping. It can cause serious harm to an unborn baby.
- Avoid breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking the medicine and for 4 months after stopping.
- Fertility: This medicine may affect your ability to have children. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.
Other important points
- Bleeding risk: This medicine may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, use a soft toothbrush when brushing your teeth. Be careful not to cause unnecessary injuries.
- Risk of infection: The risk of infection may increase. If you develop symptoms such as fever or cold, do not self-medicate and tell your doctor. Avoid places where sick people are.
- Painkillers: Do not take painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen without consulting your doctor. These can suppress symptoms such as fever.
Take-Home Message
- Cabozantinib is a special drug that targets cancer cells.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Always take the medicine on an empty stomach, with water. Do not take it with grape juice.
- Seek immediate medical attention if severe side effects occur (severe bleeding, chest pain, stroke symptoms).
- Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking the medicine and for 4 months after stopping.
- If you have any concerns, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor. You are not alone.
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