Cometriq cabozantinib 20 mg capsule for thyroid cancer treatment. Learn about its uses, price in India, dosage guide, mechanism of action, and how to take Cometriq safely.

Generic name: Cabozantinib [ KA-boe-ZAN-ti-nib ] Other brand names of cabozantinib include: Cabometyx, Cometriq
Drug classes: Multikinase inhibitors, VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors

What is Cometriq?

• Cometriq is a kinase inhibitor that interferes with the growth of some cancer cells.
• Cometriq is a prescription medicine used to treat thyroid cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
• The Cabometyx brand of cabozantinib is used to treat advanced kidney cancer and liver cancer in people who have been previously treated with sorafenib (Nexavar).
• Cometriq (cabozantinib) is a targeted cancer therapy classified as a kinase inhibitor.
• It works by interfering with certain proteins (enzymes) that signal cancer cells to grow and multiply, helping to slow or stop the spread of the disease.
• Cometriq is primarily prescribed to treat progressive, metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) that has spread to other parts of the body.

How should I take Cometriq?

• Take Cometriq exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
• Do not use cabozantinib tablets in place of cabozantinib capsules. Take only the pill form your doctor has prescribed. Avoid medication errors by always checking the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.

Take Cometriq on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after you eat anything.

• Do not take this medicine with food.
• Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
• Do not open a Cometriq capsule. Swallow the capsule whole.
• Your blood pressure, thyroid, and liver function may need to be checked often.
• If you need surgery or dental work, stop taking Cometriq at least 3 weeks ahead of time. After a surgery or dental procedure, you may need to wait 2 weeks before you start taking Cometriq again. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.
• If you have stopped taking Cometriq for any reason, talk with your doctor before you start taking it again.
• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

How to Take Cometriq

• Dosage: The usual adult dose is 140 mg once daily (usually split between different strength capsules).

• Take Cometriq on an empty stomach:

  • At least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.

• Do not crush or open capsules—swallow whole with water.

• Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it can increase side effects.

• Avoid St. John’s Wort, an herbal supplement that can interfere with how Cometriq works.

Missed a Dose?

If it’s been less than 12 hours since your scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to the next dose, skip the missed one—never double up.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Thyroid Cancer:

Capsules: 140 mg orally once a day until patient no longer experiences clinical benefit or unacceptable toxicity occurs

Before taking this medicine

To make sure Cometriq is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• A low calcium level in your blood (hypocalcemia)

• An open wound on your skin (or a wound that is still healing)

• Bleeding problems (such as bloody or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds)

• High blood pressure

• Liver disease

• A pre-existing dental problem.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

• Cabozantinib may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 4 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you think you might be pregnant.
• Cometriq may affect fertility (ability to have children). However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because cabozantinib can harm an unborn baby.
• You should not breastfeed while using Cometriq, and for at least 4 months after your last dose.

Warnings

• Cometriq may cause a perforation (a hole or tear) or a fistula (an abnormal passageway) within your stomach or intestines. Cometriq can also increase your risk of serious bleeding.
• Call your doctor if you have: severe stomach pain, choking or gagging when you eat or drink, unusual bleeding, bloody or tarry stools, heavy menstrual bleeding, or if you cough up blood.

Before You Take Cometriq

Inform your healthcare provider if you have:

• Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia)

• Unhealed wounds or open sores

• Bleeding disorders

• High blood pressure

• Liver disease

• Dental issues (you may need a dental exam before starting)

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Cometriq can harm an unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 4 months after your last dose.

• Breastfeeding is not recommended while on Cometriq and for 4 months after stopping.

• Cometriq may also impair fertility in both men women.

Precautions

Cometriq can cause serious side effects including:

• Gastrointestinal perforation or fistula: This means a tear or abnormal hole may develop in the stomach or intestines.

• Severe bleeding risks: Including internal bleeding, coughing up blood, or blood in stools.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe stomach pain

• Choking/gagging while eating

• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

• Bloody or black, tarry stools

• Heavy or abnormal bleeding

What are the serious side effects of cabozantinib?

While less common, the most serious side effects of cabozantinib are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Discover the benefits of Cometriq (cabozantinib) 20 mg capsules in treating thyroid cancer. Get complete details on its medical uses, dosage instructions, price in India, and how the drug works.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cabozantinib may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking cabozantinib and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Severe Bleeding

Cabozantinib can increase your risk of severe bleeding that can lead to death. Some people with serious bleeding may need a blood transfusion or surgery. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding while taking cabozantinib.

• Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
• Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
• Red or black stools (which look like tar)
• Coughing up blood or blood clots

Stomach Bleeding

Cabozantinib can increase your risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) in your gut. Stop taking cabozantinib and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Vomiting blood
• Black or tarry poop
• Stomach pain that does not go away
• Upset stomach
• Feeling faint

Blood Clots

Cabozantinib may cause blood clots in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism, including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Stop taking cabozantinib and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of blood clots.

• Chest pain or pressure
• Fast or abnormal heartbeat
• Trouble breathing
• Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
• Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
• Sudden weakness on one side of your body
• Sudden and severe headache
• Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
• Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg
• Vision loss
• Bulging eyes
• Double vision

Hand-Foot Syndrome

Cabozantinib can cause “hand-foot” syndrome, also called palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome. Hand-foot syndrome can cause you to have numbness, tingling, or changes in feeling in the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. It may also cause redness, swelling, or pain in your hands and feet. Stop taking cabozantinib and call your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms and cannot do your usual activities.

Liver Damage

 Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking cabozantinib. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach or belly pain
• Fever
• Weakness or unusual tiredness
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Light-colored poop
• Dark-colored urine (pee)
• Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Reduced Adrenal Function. Taking cabozantinib in combination with another medicine called nivolumab can cause your body’s adrenal glands to make less cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency can worsen if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
• Low blood pressure

Protein in Urine. Cabozantinib can cause a high amount of protein in the urine, called proteinuria. If you experience high levels of protein in your urine, your health care provider may need to pause your medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have the following symptoms. 

• Foamy or bubbly pee
• Swelling in your hands, feet, belly, and face
• Peeing more often than normal
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle cramps at night

Wound Healing Issues

Cabozantinib can make it difficult for your body to heal wounds. Tell your health care provider if you have any planned or emergency surgeries or if you have any injuries that occur while taking cabozantinib.

Severe Jawbone Problems (Osteonecrosis)

Cabozantinib can rarely cause severe jawbone problems, also called osteonecrosis of the jaw. In this condition, your jawbone may get damaged due to reduced blood flow. You may be at higher risk if you are undergoing certain dental procedures (such as a tooth extraction or dental implants), have poor oral health, or have cancer or certain other conditions. You may be told to see a dentist before starting cabozantinib and to practice good mouth care. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of jaw osteonecrosis.

• Jaw pain or discomfort
• Mouth sores
• Loose teeth

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)

Cabozantinib may cause a rare but serious brain condition called PRES. PRES involves swelling and narrowing of blood vessels in your brain. If PRES is not treated, it can lead to a stroke. Call your health care provider right away if you have the following symptoms of PRES.

• Changes in thinking or behavior
• Confusion or hallucinations
• Sudden decrease or change in vision
• Sudden severe headache
• Seizures

Low Thyroid Hormones (Hypothyroidism)

 Cabozantinib can cause the function of your thyroid gland to change, which can lead to low thyroid levels. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following signs of low thyroid hormones.

• Weight gain
• Feeling cold
• Tiredness that does not go away or continues to worsen
• Constipation

Low Calcium Levels (Hypocalcemia)

Cabozantinib can cause low calcium levels, which can be serious. Your health care provider will monitor your calcium levels. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in your arms, feet, or face
• Muscle stiffness or spasms
• Seizures
• Sudden weight gain
• Swelling of your arms, hands, legs, and ankles