Description

Cabozantinib Tablets 60 mg

Cabozantinib Tablets 60 mg is an oral targeted therapy used in the treatment of advanced kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma – RCC), liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma – HCC), and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). It belongs to a class of medications called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and works by blocking multiple cancer-driving proteins involved in tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels).

This 60 mg strength is the standard recommended daily dose for adult patients with advanced-stage cancers, administered once daily on an empty stomach.

What Is Cabozantinib Used For?

Cabozantinib 60 mg is indicated for the treatment of:

• Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) in adults
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in patients previously treated with sorafenib
• Progressive or Metastatic Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC)

It may be used as a monotherapy or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors under specialized clinical protocols.

How Cabozantinib Works

Cabozantinib blocks multiple tyrosine kinases including:

• VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3
• MET
• AXL and RET

These receptors are involved in critical pathways that control:

• Tumor cell growth and survival
• Angiogenesis (blood vessel growth)
• Cell migration and metastasis

By inhibiting these pathways, Cabozantinib slows or halts disease progression, starves tumors of nutrients, and may shrink tumor size.

Dosage and Administration

• Usual Adult Dose: 60 mg once daily
• Form: Oral tablet, film-coated
• Administration Guidelines:
  • Take once daily on an empty stomach
  • No food for at least 2 hours before and 1 hour after taking the tablet
  • Swallow whole. Do not cut or crush.

Dosage may be reduced based on tolerance or side effects. Other strengths (20 and 40 mg) may be used for dose adjustment.

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Cabozantinib (as Cabozantinib S-malate) 60 mg
• Dosage Form: Oral film-coated tablet
• Packaging: Available in strips or bottles, typically 28 or 30 tablets per pack

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Mouth sores
• High blood pressure
• Hand-foot syndrome

Serious Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal perforation
• Hemorrhage
• Liver toxicity
• Blood clots
• QT interval prolongation
• Wound healing complications

Patients will need regular blood tests and monitoring during treatment.

Warnings and Precautions

• Pregnancy: May harm an unborn baby. Contraception is required during and after therapy.
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended during treatment and for at least 4 months afterward.
• Hepatic or Renal Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustment may be necessary.
• Drug Interactions: Avoid with strong CYP3A4 inducers/inhibitors unless medically necessary.
• Surgery: Discontinue Cabozantinib 2 weeks before major surgery.

Storage

• Store below 30°C (86°F)
• Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture
• Do not use beyond the expiry date
• Keep out of reach of children

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Cabozantinib 60 mg used for?
It is used to treat advanced kidney, liver, and medullary thyroid cancers by targeting specific protein receptors that help cancers grow and spread.

2. Is 60 mg the standard dose?
Yes, 60 mg once daily is the recommended starting dose for most adult patients. The dose may be reduced based on individual tolerance.

3. Can food be taken with Cabozantinib?
No. The tablet must be taken on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after and 1 hour before eating.

4. How long should I take Cabozantinib 60 mg?
It should be taken daily until disease progression or unacceptable side effects occur. Your doctor will guide the duration.

5. Is this a chemotherapy drug?
No, it is a targeted therapy. Cabozantinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which works differently from chemotherapy.

6. Are there any potential drug interactions?
Yes. Drugs that affect CYP3A4 liver enzymes can interfere with Cabozantinib’s activity. Always inform your doctor about all medications.

7. Can pregnant women use this medication?
No, it may cause harm to the unborn baby. Effective contraception must be used during treatment.

8. What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose and less than 12 hours have passed, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the dose.

9. How should I store the tablets?
Store at room temperature below 30°C, away from light and moisture.

10. Do I need a prescription for Cabozantinib?
Yes, Cabozantinib is a prescription-only medication and should only be used under the supervision of an oncologist or healthcare specialist.