Capmatinib is an anticancer drug that belongs to the class of medications called protein kinase inhibitors. FDA approved it initially in August 2020 for treating a certain type of lung cancer.

Capmatinib is available as a tablet. It is used to treat adults with a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other body parts or is caused by a change (mutation) in a gene that makes an enzyme called MET in adults.

It is an orally available prescription drug. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of capmatinib based on the disease condition and other factors. Always take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet with or without food. Do not break, chew, crush, or break the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with water.

The common side effects of capmatinib are swelling in the face, and body, decrease in appetite, nausea, cough, and fatigue. Other side effects of capmatinib are vomiting, liver injury, muscle pain, shortness of breath, lung infection, and respiratory disease.

This drug is indicated to cause severe lung infection. Report to your physician if you have any lung problems other than lung cancer before initiating the treatment. This medicine may cause liver injury. Capmatinib should not be given to pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Inform your physician if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction, including rash, hives, fever, difficulty breathing, or low blood pressure. This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents below 18. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to capmatinib or any ingredients. Inform the physician if you have or have ever had lung or breathing problems other than your lung cancer, liver problems, or pancreatic problems. Inform your healthcare provider about all your medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, vaccinations, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications interact with capmatinib and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.

Store at 20°C to 25°C. Protect the medicine from light and excessive moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets. If you forgot to take the tablet, take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.  Limit direct exposure to the sun or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light while using this medicine. Use sunscreen, wear sunglasses and protective clothing while you are going outdoors, and for at least 7 days after you stop taking it.

Report immediately to your doctor if you have abdominal pain. This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. If you are a female patient with reproductive potential, use an effective form of birth control during the treatment and for 1 week after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 1 week after the last dose. Do not breastfeed while using this medicine and for at least 1 week after your last dose. Your doctor may do lab tests to check the therapy's effectiveness or monitor the unwanted side effects.

1. Capmatinib Tablets, PIL.; 2022. Accessed May 2, 2023. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/tabrecta-epar-product-information_en.pdf
2. TABRECTATM - Capmatinib Tablets.; 2020. Accessed May 2, 2023. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/213591s000lbl.pdf
3. Vansteenkiste JF, Van De Kerkhove C, Wauters E, Van Mol P. Capmatinib for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy. 2019;19(8):659-671. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/14737140.2019.1643239
4. Choi W, Park SY, Lee Y, et al. The Clinical Impact of Capmatinib in the Treatment of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with MET Exon 14 Skipping Mutation or Gene Amplification. Cancer Research and Treatment. Published online January 29, 2021. doi:https://doi.org/10.4143/crt.2020.1331

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 can receive this treatment.