What is Capmatinib?
Capmatinib can be used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer that has spread to other areas of the body or is not able to be removed by surgery.
Capmatinib can only be used if the cancer carries a specific genetic mark (a "MET" gene abnormality). This gene will be tested by your doctor. Capmatinib can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Capmatinib
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing and/or swelling of face, lips or throat
Capmatinib can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Chest pain/comfort; new or worsened cough;
- Fever, cough, and mucus
- Severe nausea and vomiting.
- Dark urine, rapid heart rate, and jaundice are all signs that you may have liver or pancreatic issues.
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be delayed or discontinued permanently.
Capmatinib can cause a number of side effects, including:
- Trouble breathing
- Vomiting, nausea, and decreased appetite
- Feeling tired or weak
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Swelling in the hands or feet
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; for reporting purposes call the Food and Drug Administration directly at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Methotrexate, Keytruda, Avastin, Cisplatin, Pembrolizumab, and Tagrisso
Warnings
Please carefully follow all the instructions listed on your medication's label or package, and tell your healthcare provider of all relevant conditions, allergies and medications you take.
Before you take this drug
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Other lung diseases other than lung cancer
- Liver disease.
Before starting the treatment, you may need to take a pregnancy test. Women and men who use capmatinib are advised to use birth control methods that prevent pregnancy. Capmatinib may harm an unborn child if either the mother or father uses this medication.
Continue to use birth control at least one week after you have taken your last dose. If you become pregnant while taking capmatinib, either as a mother or father, tell your doctor immediately. Do not breastfeed for 1 week after taking this medication.
How to take capmatinib?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose.Take your medication exactly as instructed. Capmatinib can be taken with or without food.
Your liver will require frequent blood tests. You should not stop taking the medicine or change your dosage without consulting your doctor.
Do not chew or crush the tablet. Do not take another capmatinib dose if you vomit soon after taking it. Do not take another dose of capmatinib until you have taken your next scheduled dosage.
Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature. Keep the tablets and the moisture-absorbing preservative in the original containers. After opening the bottle, throw away any remaining tablets.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for non-small cell lung cancer:
Take 400 mg twice daily.
Use: For the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumours have a mutation that leads to mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) exon 14 skipping as detected by an approved test.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the missed dose. Use your next dose as usual. Do not take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Capmatinib can cause you to burn more quickly. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock (SPF 30 or higher).
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, which can increase side effects and make them less effective. Capmatinib can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
