Cabometyx

Pronunciation: Ka-boe-met-iks
Generic name: cabozantinib
Dosage form: oral tablet (20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg)
Drug classes: Multikinase inhibitors, VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Mar 26, 2025.

What is Cabometyx?

Cabometyx is an oral tablet taken once a day that is used to treat:

• advanced kidney cancer, sometimes in combination with another medicine called nivolumab.
• liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) in people who have been previously treated with sorafenib.
• a type of thyroid cancer called differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) that has spread, and has progressed after treatment with a VEGFR-targeted treatment, and can no longer be treated with, or you are not able to receive radioactive iodine.
• pancreatic and extra-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET and epNET).

Cabometyx is a kinase inhibitor that blocks the action of several tyrosine kinases involved in normal cellular function and processes that support cancer formation, growth, spread, and maintenance of the tumor microenvironment.

Cabometyx (cabozantinib) first gained FDA approval on November 29, 2012. There is no generic.

• Do not substitute Cabometyx tablets for cabozantinib capsules (Cometriq).

Warnings

Cabometyx may cause a perforation (a hole or tear) or a fistula (an abnormal passageway) within your stomach or intestines. This medicine 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 taking this medicine

To make sure Cabometyx is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• 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; or

• 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 Cabometyx and for at least 4 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you think you might be pregnant.

Cabozantinib may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because Cabometyx can harm an unborn baby.

You should not breastfeed while using Cabometyx, and for at least 4 months after your last dose.

How should I take Cabometyx?

Take Cabometyx 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 take Cabometyx tablets in place of Cometriq (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 Cabometyx on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after you eat anything.

• Do not take Cabometyx with food; take it with a full glass of water.
• Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Swallow it whole.

When used with Cabometyx, nivolumab is usually given as an infusion into a vein once every 2 to 4 weeks.

Your blood pressure, thyroid, and liver function may need to be checked often.

If you need surgery or dental work, stop taking Cabometyx at least 3 weeks ahead of time. After a surgery or dental procedure, you may need to wait 2 weeks before you start taking Cabometyx again. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

If you have stopped taking Cabometyx for any reason, talk with your doctor before you start taking it again.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Renal Cell Carcinoma:

• As a single agent: Cabometyx 60 mg orally once a day until the patient no longer experiences clinical benefit or unacceptable toxicity occurs.
• In combination with nivolumab: Cabometyx 40 mg once a day until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Usual Adult Dose for Hepatocellular Carcinoma:

• Cabometyx 60 mg orally once a day until the patient no longer experiences clinical benefit or unacceptable toxicity occurs.

Usual Adult Dose and Pediatric Dose for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer and Neuroendocrine Tumors

• 12 years and older and bodyweight at least 40 kg: Cabometyx 60 mg once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
• 12 years and older and bodyweight less than 40 kg: Cabometyx 40 mg once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 12 hours. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Cabometyx?

Grapefruit may interact with Cabometyx and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking cabozantinib.

Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John's wort.

Cabometyx side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Cabometyx: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cabometyx may cause a perforation (a hole or tear) or a fistula (an abnormal passageway) within your stomach or intestines. Call your doctor if you have severe stomach pain, or if you feel like you are choking and gagging when you eat or drink.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;

• vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation that are severe and ongoing;

• swelling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet;

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual bleeding, or any bleeding that will not stop);

• bloody or tarry stools, cough with bloody mucus or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• pain, blisters, bleeding, or severe rash in the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet;

• confusion, thinking problems, weakness, vision changes, seizure;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• jaw pain or numbness, red or swollen gums, loose teeth, or slow healing after dental work;

• low blood calcium - muscle spasms or contractions, numbness or tingly feeling (around your mouth, or in your fingers and toes;

• low white blood cell counts - fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing;

• adrenal gland problems - nausea, vomiting, extreme tiredness, dizziness, weakness, fainting; or

• signs of a stroke or blood clot - sudden numbness or weakness on one side of your body, problems with vision or balance, trouble speaking or understanding what is said to you, chest pain, trouble breathing, swelling or pain in an arm or leg.

Your future doses of cabozantinib may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common Cabometyx side effects may include:

• tiredness, depressed mood, dry skin, thinning hair, decreased sweating, weight gain, puffiness in your face, feeling more sensitive to cold temperatures;

• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation;

• pain, redness, swelling, or sores in your mouth or throat;

• trouble speaking, changes in taste;

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough;

• rash;

• pain in your muscles, bones, and joints;

• abnormal liver function tests or other blood tests;

• weight loss; or

• hair color turning lighter.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

What other drugs will affect Cabometyx?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may interact with cabozantinib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Cabometyx only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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