{"product_id":"cabometyx-cabozatinib","title":"Cabometyx (Cabozantinib)","description":"\u003ch1\u003eCabozantinib (often misspelled \"Cabozatinib\"): Product Description, Uses, Dosing, and Safety\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you've searched for \u003cstrong\u003eCabozatinib\u003c\/strong\u003e, you're not alone, that spelling is common. The prescription cancer medicine is \u003cstrong\u003ecabozantinib\u003c\/strong\u003e. This is a plain-language product description of cabozantinib for patients and caregivers who want clear, safety-first details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCabozantinib is an \u003cstrong\u003eoral targeted therapy\u003c\/strong\u003e in a drug class called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). It works by blocking signals that help tumors grow and form new blood vessels. In the US, cabozantinib is sold as two different brand products that are \u003cstrong\u003enot interchangeable\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cstrong\u003eCabometyx\u003c\/strong\u003e (tablets) and \u003cstrong\u003eCometriq\u003c\/strong\u003e (capsules). They come in different forms, strengths, and dosing, so patients should never swap them without a prescriber's direction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause dosing and monitoring are individualized, use this as education only. Your oncology team and pharmacist should guide decisions for your diagnosis, labs, and other medicines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat cabozantinib is, and what it's used to treat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCabozantinib is a targeted anti-cancer medicine taken by mouth. It belongs to the \"kinase inhibitor\" family. Many cancers rely on kinase signals to keep growing, invade nearby tissue, and recruit blood supply. Cabozantinib aims to interrupt those signals, which may slow disease progression for certain diagnoses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the United States, cabozantinib has FDA-approved uses that depend on the product (Cabometyx tablets versus Cometriq capsules). For the most up-to-date indication wording and limitations, see the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2025\/208692s017lbl.pdf\"\u003eCabometyx FDA prescribing information (PDF)\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon FDA-approved uses include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRenal cell carcinoma (RCC)\u003c\/strong\u003e: advanced kidney cancer (Cabometyx), used alone in some settings or \u003cstrong\u003ein combination with nivolumab\u003c\/strong\u003e in certain first-line RCC regimens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)\u003c\/strong\u003e: liver cancer \u003cstrong\u003eafter prior sorafenib\u003c\/strong\u003e (Cabometyx).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifferentiated thyroid cancer (DTC)\u003c\/strong\u003e: for patients age 12 and older when radioactive iodine no longer works and after prior VEGFR-targeted therapy (Cabometyx).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMedullary thyroid cancer (MTC)\u003c\/strong\u003e: progressive, metastatic disease (Cometriq).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWell-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)\u003c\/strong\u003e: pancreatic NET (pNET) and extra-pancreatic NET (epNET) for patients age 12 and older with previously treated, unresectable, advanced, or metastatic disease (Cabometyx).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOncologists may also use cabozantinib \"off-label\" for other cancers when clinical evidence supports it. Still, off-label use is a clinician decision and depends on risks, expected benefit, and available options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho might not be a good fit (topics to discuss first):\u003c\/strong\u003e Cabozantinib can raise blood pressure and affect bleeding and clotting risk. It may also stress the liver. If you have uncontrolled hypertension, active bleeding, a history of serious blood clots, or significant liver disease, bring that up early so your team can plan monitoring, dose changes, or another therapy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow it works in the body, explained in plain English\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCabozantinib blocks several \"on switches\" on cells, including \u003cstrong\u003eVEGFR, MET, AXL, and RET\u003c\/strong\u003e (plus other kinases). Think of these switches like stuck buttons on a control panel. When they stay pressed, a tumor can keep getting growth signals and can build blood vessels to feed itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy blocking these pathways, cabozantinib can have two main effects. First, it can \u003cstrong\u003eslow cancer cell growth and spread\u003c\/strong\u003e in tumors that rely on these signals. Second, it can \u003cstrong\u003ereduce tumor blood supply\u003c\/strong\u003e by interfering with VEGFR-driven vessel growth. In practice, that may shrink tumors for some people or slow down progression, but responses vary and side effects often drive dose adjustments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/user-images.rightblogger.com\/ai\/27674195-182e-48de-8441-ae846f3e8cca\/cabozantinib-blocks-vegr-met-axl-ret-pathways-a1b45204.jpg\" alt=\"Simple medical illustration of a central tumor cell cluster with VEGFR, MET, AXL, and RET growth signal pathways depicted as lines blocked by inhibitor molecules like switches turning off. Clean line art style with soft blue and red colors on a white background, focusing solely on the tumor and four blocked signal icons.\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCabometyx vs. Cometriq, same drug name, different products\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCabozantinib comes as \u003cstrong\u003eCabometyx tablets\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eCometriq capsules\u003c\/strong\u003e. Even though the active drug is the same, the products are \u003cstrong\u003enot interchangeable\u003c\/strong\u003e. They differ in dosage form, available strengths, dosing schedules, and FDA-approved uses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a simple guide: \u003cstrong\u003eCabometyx\u003c\/strong\u003e is the tablet used for kidney cancer, liver cancer after sorafenib, some thyroid cancers, and certain neuroendocrine tumors. \u003cstrong\u003eCometriq\u003c\/strong\u003e is the capsule used for metastatic medullary thyroid cancer. Because dosing differs a lot, mixing them up can cause underdosing or dangerous overdosing. For example, Cometriq labeling includes boxed warnings related to serious bleeding and GI perforation and fistula risk, outlined in the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2012\/203756lbl.pdf\"\u003eCometriq FDA label (PDF)\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSafety habit that helps: check the \u003cstrong\u003eproduct name, strength, and dosage form\u003c\/strong\u003e on every refill. If anything looks different, call your pharmacy before taking the next dose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/user-images.rightblogger.com\/ai\/27674195-182e-48de-8441-ae846f3e8cca\/cabometyx-orange-tablets-cometriq-beige-capsules-67863841.jpg\" alt=\"Realistic photo of Cabometyx orange film-coated tablets and Cometriq beige capsules arranged side by side on a white pharmacy tray, one open bottle each showing contents under natural overhead lighting.\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStrengths, typical dosing, and how to take cabozantinib safely\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCabozantinib dosing depends on the product, diagnosis, other treatments, and side effects. Your prescriber sets the exact dose, and \u003cstrong\u003edose holds or reductions are common\u003c\/strong\u003e. The goal is to keep treatment effective while limiting harm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's a high-level reference for typical adult dosing patterns (not a substitute for your prescription label):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct (form)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCommon labeled dosing examples\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNotes you'll hear from clinics\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCabometyx (tablet)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOften \u003cstrong\u003e60 mg once daily\u003c\/strong\u003e for certain cancers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDose reductions may step down to \u003cstrong\u003e40 mg\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003e20 mg\u003c\/strong\u003e if needed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCabometyx + nivolumab\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOften \u003cstrong\u003e40 mg once daily\u003c\/strong\u003e in some first-line RCC regimens\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCombination plans add immune-therapy monitoring and timing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCometriq (capsule)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e140 mg per day\u003c\/strong\u003e for metastatic medullary thyroid cancer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUsually given as a daily total dose per label; not interchangeable with tablets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor exact dosing tables and adjustment rules, your care team may reference the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2025\/208692s019lbl.pdf\"\u003ecurrent Cabometyx FDA label (PDF)\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to take it:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTake cabozantinib on an \u003cstrong\u003eempty stomach\u003c\/strong\u003e (follow the product instructions, often \"no food for at least 2 hours before and 1 hour after\").\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTake it at the \u003cstrong\u003esame time each day\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwallow tablets or capsules \u003cstrong\u003ewhole\u003c\/strong\u003e with water. Don't crush, split, or open them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you miss a dose, follow your label and oncology team instructions. In many clinics, the advice depends on how close you are to the next scheduled dose.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInteractions matter because cabozantinib uses CYP3A4 metabolism.\u003c\/strong\u003e Some medicines can raise cabozantinib levels (more side effects), while others can lower levels (less effect). Grapefruit products and St. John's wort often come up in counseling for this reason. Before starting any new prescription, OTC product, or supplement, ask your pharmacist to screen it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your treatment plan includes another oral kinase inhibitor at a different time in your cancer journey, it may help to compare monitoring and interaction rules across drugs. For example, Chemistway also lists other targeted therapies like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chemistway.com\/products\/tabrecta-or-rahika-capmatinib150mg-x-60-tablets-capmatinib\"\u003eTabrecta (capmatinib) 150 mg tablets\u003c\/a\u003e, which has its own interaction and liver-test monitoring needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFood, timing, and everyday tips that reduce problems\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe empty-stomach rule is annoying, but it can reduce swings in drug exposure. A simple routine helps. Many people pick a consistent \"quiet hour\" (for example, early morning) and build the day around it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHydration also helps, because diarrhea and low appetite can sneak up fast. If your stools loosen, tell the clinic early. Don't wait for days. Early care often prevents bigger dose interruptions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkin issues can build slowly, too. Use fragrance-free moisturizer daily, and protect hands and feet from friction and heat. For example, cushioned socks and gentle shoes can reduce pressure points. Finally, check blood pressure at home if your team recommends it. High readings often show up before you feel symptoms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat your care team may monitor during treatment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonitoring keeps therapy safer and helps your team adjust doses before problems escalate. The exact schedule differs by diagnosis and baseline health, but common checks include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlood pressure\u003c\/strong\u003e, often at every visit and sometimes at home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLiver blood tests\u003c\/strong\u003e (because cabozantinib can injure the liver)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThyroid labs\u003c\/strong\u003e when treating thyroid cancers, or if symptoms suggest changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUrine protein\u003c\/strong\u003e tests, because some TKIs can affect the kidneys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBleeding or clot symptoms\u003c\/strong\u003e, since both risks exist with anti-angiogenic drugs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWound healing status\u003c\/strong\u003e, because cabozantinib can slow healing after procedures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso tell your team about planned dental work or surgery. Timing changes may be needed, but only your prescriber should direct holds and restarts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSide effects, serious warnings, and when to get help right away\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost people on cabozantinib notice side effects, especially during the first weeks. Some are manageable with early support and dose changes. Others are medical emergencies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon side effects\u003c\/strong\u003e (often treatable, but report them early):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiarrhea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNausea or vomiting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLow appetite and weight loss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFatigue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh blood pressure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMouth sores or mouth pain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHand-foot skin reaction (redness, pain, peeling on palms or soles)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSerious risks\u003c\/strong\u003e (need urgent medical evaluation):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBleeding\u003c\/strong\u003e, which can be severe or rarely fatal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlood clots\u003c\/strong\u003e (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGI perforation or fistula\u003c\/strong\u003e (a hole or abnormal connection in the gut)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSevere high blood pressure or hypertensive crisis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiver injury\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePoor wound healing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRare brain effects, including a risk of encephalopathy reported in some liver cancer patients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're on cabozantinib, don't \"tough it out\" with red-flag symptoms. Early action can be lifesaving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCall your doctor now or seek urgent care\u003c\/strong\u003e if you have:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or coughing blood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or one-sided swelling\/pain in a leg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSevere belly pain, fever with abdominal tenderness, or persistent vomiting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSevere headache, confusion, weakness, vision changes, or fainting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery high home blood pressure readings based on your clinic's threshold plan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCabozantinib can also harm an unborn baby. Avoid pregnancy during treatment, and use effective birth control for the timeframe your prescriber recommends. Don't breastfeed during treatment and for the advised period after the last dose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause serious safety warnings can vary by product and patient factors, your team may point you to label guidance such as the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2020\/203756s008lbl.pdf\"\u003eCometriq safety warnings in the FDA label (PDF)\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon side effects people notice first, and what can help\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiarrhea and mouth soreness often show up early. Ask your clinic what to use at the first loose stool, and keep it available at home. In the meantime, bland foods, smaller meals, and steady fluids can help you keep calories in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor mouth symptoms, a gentle rinse (your clinic may suggest salt and baking soda in water) can reduce irritation. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes unless your team says otherwise. When nausea hits, taking anti-nausea medicine early often works better than waiting until you feel miserable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHand-foot skin reaction can feel like walking on hot gravel. Moisturize often, protect pressure areas, and report pain before it limits walking or daily tasks. Dose adjustments can prevent cracks, infection, and long breaks in therapy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/user-images.rightblogger.com\/ai\/27674195-182e-48de-8441-ae846f3e8cca\/moisturizing-dry-cracked-hands-hand-foot-syndrome-9bec9e6e.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of hands applying thick moisturizer cream to palms and fingers to soothe dry cracked skin from hand-foot syndrome in a home bathroom setting with soft natural light.\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDrug interactions and special precautions to keep in mind\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCabozantinib levels can change when you add or stop drugs that affect \u003cstrong\u003eCYP3A4\u003c\/strong\u003e. Strong inhibitors (some antifungals and antibiotics) can raise cabozantinib exposure, while strong inducers (some seizure medicines) can lower it. Because the list is long, the safest move is simple: keep one updated medication list and share it with every prescriber and your pharmacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso mention blood thinners, aspirin, and NSAIDs. They don't always need to be avoided, but bleeding risk may change your plan. If you have liver cancer, ask about alcohol limits because liver stress and dehydration can worsen side effects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your cancer has a RET-altered pathway, your oncologist may discuss other targeted options in the broader treatment picture. One example in the same \"targeted therapy\" category is \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chemistway.com\/products\/retevmo-selpercatinib-40mg-120-capsules-selpercatinib\"\u003eRetevmo (selpercatinib) 40 mg capsules\u003c\/a\u003e, which targets RET in certain cancers, but it's used for different diagnoses and has different rules.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCabozantinib (often misspelled \"Cabozatinib\") is a \u003cstrong\u003etargeted oral cancer medicine\u003c\/strong\u003e used for several cancers, including kidney cancer, liver cancer after sorafenib, select thyroid cancers, certain neuroendocrine tumors, and medullary thyroid cancer (with the Cometriq product). Cabometyx tablets and Cometriq capsules share the same active drug, but they're \u003cstrong\u003edifferent products\u003c\/strong\u003e with different dosing and should not be swapped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDosing is individualized, and side effects are common. Still, many problems improve with early reporting, supportive meds, and dose adjustments. At the same time, serious warning signs like bleeding, clot symptoms, severe abdominal pain, or confusion need urgent care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore each refill, confirm the exact product and strength, and ask your pharmacist about interactions and monitoring. Finally, set up refill planning early so you don't miss doses during shipping or clinic schedule changes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chemistway","offers":[{"title":"20mg","offer_id":50111257280758,"sku":null,"price":220.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40mg","offer_id":50111257313526,"sku":null,"price":245.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60mg","offer_id":50111257346294,"sku":null,"price":269.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/chemistway.com\/products\/cabometyx-cabozatinib","provider":"Chemistway","version":"1.0","type":"link"}