When you or a loved one starts a new medication for lung cancer, it's normal to feel a little nervous and curious. Especially when you hear a name like 'Capmatinib', many questions come to mind, such as what it does, how to use it, and what to watch out for. So today, let's talk about what you need to know about this medication in a simple, friendly way. This isn't like a prescription leaflet being given to you, but like a friend explaining it to you.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Capmatinib is a specific type of medication used to treat lung cancer. You may sometimes find it under the brand name `TABRECTA`.
This works in a very interesting way. There is a special protein in our body that helps cancer cells grow and spread. What this medicine does is block the action of that protein. Then the ability of cancer cells to grow and multiply is reduced. In this way, this medicine helps to control or stop the spread of cancer.
Things to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, he or she needs to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell them honestly and completely . This is very important for your safety.
- Liver disease: If you have any problems with your liver.
- Lung or respiratory diseases: If you have other respiratory diseases such as asthma or COPD.
- Pancreatic disease: If you have problems with the pancreas.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies, not just to capmatinib, but to any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or have even the slightest suspicion that you are pregnant, you should definitely tell your doctor.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child, inform your doctor about this as well.
How should I use this medicine?
For a medicine to work properly, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Take these pills with a glass of water.
- Most importantly: Do not break, crush, or chew these tablets. Swallow the tablet whole.
- You can take this before or after meals. However, if you feel an upset stomach, it is best to take it with food.
- Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day. That way, you're less likely to forget.
- If you experience any side effects, your healthcare team may change your dose or tell you to stop taking the medication for a while. Never change your dose or stop taking the medication on your own without medical advice.
Very important: Avoid drinking grapefruit juice completely while taking this medication. Grapefruit juice can affect the way this medication works.
What if I miss a dose or take too much?
Missed dose: Don't worry. If you forget to take your medicine at the right time, skip it. Taking two doses at once to make up for a missed dose can be a big problem . So, take your next dose at the right time.
Overdose: If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Other medications, foods, and supplements you take can interact with capmatinib. This means that taking them together may change how the drug works or increase side effects. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking.
| Type of material that can collide | Examples |
|---|---|
| Some antibiotics | Clarithromycin |
| Medicines for fungal infections (Antifungals) | Ketoconazole, itraconazole |
| Medicines for HIV or Hepatitis (Antivirals) | Ask the doctor. |
| Grapefruit juice | Must be stopped completely. |
| Caffeine | Coffee, tea, some soft drinks |
| Cholesterol-lowering medications | Rosuvastatin |
| Other | Digoxin, St. John's Wort (herbal extract) |
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all the herbs, vitamins, and non-prescription drugs you are taking.
Side effects seen when taking medication
Like any medicine, capmatinib can cause side effects. Some are minor, but some require immediate attention.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Breathing difficulties | Unexplained dry cough, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark yellow/brown urine, and tarry stools. |
| Pancreatitis | Severe pain in the stomach (this may spread to the back), pain that increases when eating or touching the stomach, fever, nausea, vomiting. |
| 🙂 Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Body pain | Bone pain, muscle pain. |
| General inconveniences | Loss of appetite, fatigue. |
| Swelling | Swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands. |
| Skin | Sensitivity to light. |
How do you store and dispose of medication?
- Storage: Always keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius), away from moisture, and in the original bottle tightly closed. Do not remove the small packet (moisture absorbing packet) inside the bottle, as it helps keep the medicine dry. Discard any remaining medicine 6 weeks after opening the bottle.
- Disposal: Ask your doctor about the best way to dispose of unused or expired medication. If that's not possible, remove the pills from the bottle, mix them with something like cat litter, soil, or coffee grounds, put them in a sealable bag or container, and throw them in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has prescribed, and only in the prescribed dose. Never change the dose yourself.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice completely while taking the medication.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, severe stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin/eyes.
- Avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine and for one week after stopping it. Also avoid breastfeeding during this time.
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