Often used for:
Thyroid cancer and other cancers
What is cabozantinib?
Cabozantinib is a chemotherapy medicine that slows or stops cancer cell growth by blocking abnormal proteins that signal cells to multiply. It is used to treat certain pediatric cancers and may be given in the clinic, hospital, or at home. Patients have regular blood draws and blood pressure checks while on this medicine.
Possible long-term or late effects
- Fertility problems
Possible side effects
- High blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Change in hair color
- Constipation
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- Hair loss
- Skin rash or redness, swelling, and blistering on the hands and feet
- Mouth irritation
- Change in taste
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Muscle spasm
- Change in voice
- Cough
- Increase in triglycerides
- Increase in liver enzymes
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, hives, itching, runny nose, fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, dizziness, low blood pressure, pain in the chest, side, or back, or swelling of the face or neck.
- Not all patients who take cabozantinib will have these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report any symptoms or side effects to your care team or pharmacist.
Tips for patients and families
- Discuss all questions and instructions with your care team or pharmacist.
- Medicines may be prescribed to reduce nausea and vomiting.
- Wash hands often, keep patient areas clean, and avoid contact with people who are sick because this medicine can weaken the immune system.
- Maintain good dental hygiene and use a soft food diet, lip care, and ice therapy if mouth sores occur. Use prescribed mouth rinse as directed.
- Avoid foods and beverages containing grapefruit while taking cabozantinib.
- Cabozantinib can affect fertility. Talk to the care provider about risks and options for protecting fertility.
- Inform the care team if the patient is sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Sexually active patients should prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after it is complete.
- Give cabozantinib on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
- Swallow tablets or capsules whole with a full glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break them.
- If a dose is missed, give it as soon as possible unless it is near the next dose. Do not give two doses at the same time.
- Store at room temperature in a dry place and do not use past the expiration date.
- Follow instructions for safe handling, storage, and disposal, and keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets.
