Cabozantinib is a targeted anticancer treatment drug that was approved for its medical use on November 2012.

Cabozantinib has been developed to treat a type of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), differentiated thyroid cancer in patients who are ineligible for radioactive iodine therapy and kidney cancer (Renal cell carcinoma) after disease progression and inadequate response to other anticancer therapies. 

Cabozantinib is available in the form of film-coated tablets in the doses 20mg and 60mg. Take Cabozantinib Tablet an hour before food or two hours after meals. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water and do not crush or chew them.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Cabozantinib are diarrhoea, tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, constipation, rash, hypothyroidism, musculoskeletal pain, abdominal pain, cough and upper respiratory tract infection. If you experience allergic reactions, unusual bruising or severe diarrhoea, report to your doctor immediately.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fever, or severe bleeding. During the Cabozantinib treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your complete blood counts, blood sugar, electrolytes, thyroid panel, urine test (for proteinuria) and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, problems in your heart, liver, skin, kidneys or blood disorders. Tell your physician before you undergo surgery or dental procedures. Withhold Cabozantinib treatment 3 weeks before surgery and for two weeks after surgery. Get immediate medical attention if you experience itching, yellowing eyes or skin, unusual bruising or severe diarrhoea.

Cabozantinib may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. It is advised for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose of Cabozantinib Tablet. Avoid breastfeeding your baby during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose as Cabozantinib can impact the growth and development of the baby by passing into the breast milk.

Monitor your blood pressure regularly and report to your physician immediately in case of high blood pressure. Avoid driving or operating heavy machines if you experience dizziness, confusion or tiredness while on treatment with Cabozantinib.

1. Gregory A. Brent and Ronald J. Koenig, Thyroid and Antithyroid Drugs, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 2018, 787-801.

2. Exelixis, Inc., US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Jul 2022] [Accessed on 29th Sep 2022], https://www.cabometyx.com/downloads/CABOMETYXUSPI.pdf

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.