What is Cabometyx: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Cabometyx overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Cabometyx, Cometriq

Generic Names:

  • Cabometyx

Uses:

  • Treats kidney, liver, and thyroid cancer.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

  • Capsule, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Cabometyx used for?

Cabometyx comes in tablet form and is used to treat kidney cancer, or thyroid cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps slow or stop the spread of cancer cells. Cabometyx may cause a perforation within your stomach or intestines and can also increase your risk of serious bleeding. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and loss of appetite.

What form(s) does Cabometyx come in

  • Capsule

  • Tablet

What are common Cabometyx doses?

  • Tablet 20MG

  • Tablet 40MG

  • Tablet 60MG

Common Cabometyx prescriptions

  • Cabometyx
    20mg tablet

  • Cabometyx
    40mg tablet

  • Cabometyx
    60mg tablet

How to take Cabometyx

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose and it is less than 12 hours until your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.If you miss a dose and it is more than 12 hours until your next dose, take a dose as soon as you can. Then take your next dose at the scheduled time.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Do not substitute the tablets with the capsules.

  • (Tablet): Do not take with food. Take at least 1 hour before and at least 2 hours after eating.

  • (Capsule): Do not take with food. Do not eat at least 2 hours before and at least 1 hour after taking cabozantinib.

  • Swallow the medicine whole with at least 8 ounces of water. Do not crush, break, chew, or open the medicine.

  • (Tablet): Do not take with food. Take at least 1 hour before and at least 2 hours after eating.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • (Capsule): Do not take with food. Do not eat at least 2 hours before and at least 1 hour after taking cabozantinib.

  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose and it is less than 12 hours until your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.If you miss a dose and it is more than 12 hours until your next dose, take a dose as soon as you can. Then take your next dose at the scheduled time.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Do not substitute the tablets with the capsules.

  • Swallow the medicine whole with at least 8 ounces of water. Do not crush, break, chew, or open the medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cabometyx

Cabometyx contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to cabozantinib, or if you are pregnant.

Cabometyx warnings

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tightness in your jaw, mouth pain or numbness, loose teeth

  • Unusual or heavy bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Oral routeThis medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

  • This medicine may cause you to bleed more easily and cause wounds to heal slowly. Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests. You may need to stop taking this medicine for at least 3 weeks before surgery, including dental procedures. Wait for at least 2 weeks after major surgery, or until adequate wound healing before taking this medicine again.

  • Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, blood clotting or bleeding problems, high blood pressure, an open wound, or dental problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Severe bleeding problemsHigh blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, or blood clotsIncreased levels of protein in your urine, which may lead to kidney damagePalmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (hand-foot skin reaction), a condition that can cause pain and blisters on your hands or feetPerforation (hole) or fistula in your stomach or bowelJaw bone problems that can cause pain or sores to develop in your mouthReversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS, a central nervous system disorder)

  • Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for at least 4 months after the last dose.

  • Oral routeIt is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 4 months after your last dose.

Cabometyx interactions

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • This medicine may cause you to bleed more easily and cause wounds to heal slowly. Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Severe bleeding problemsHigh blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, or blood clotHigher levels of protein in your urine, which may lead to kidney damageHand-foot skin reaction, a condition that can cause pain and blisters on your hands or feetPerforation (hole) or fistula in your digestive systemJaw bone problems that can cause pain or sores to develop in your mouthReversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS, a central nervous system disorder)

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how cabozantinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using abacavir, adefovir, atazanavir, boceprevir, carbamazepine, cidofovir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, dexamethasone, furosemide, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lamivudine, lopinavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, nevirapine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, posaconazole, probenecid, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, ritonavir, saquinavir, St John's wort, telithromycin, tenofovir, or voriconazole.

Cabometyx side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Red or dark brown urine, bloody or black, tarry stools, unexplained nosebleeds, vomit that looks like coffee grounds

  • Swelling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet

  • Tightness in your jaw, mouth pain or numbness, loose teeth

  • Severe diarrhea or stomach pain

  • Unusual or heavy bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Rash, redness, pain, swelling, or blisters on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet

  • Severe pain

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, fainting

  • Gagging, coughing, or choking when you eat or drink

  • Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, seizure, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or walking

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

  • Change in hair color

  • Decreased appetite, change or loss of taste, weight loss

  • Mild diarrhea, constipation

Subscribe to our savings newsletter

Health education, drug info, wellness & more

By clicking 'Subscribe', I agree to SingleCare's Terms & Conditions.