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Cometriq
Cabozantinib
CABOZANTINIB treats thyroid cancer. It works by blocking a protein that causes cancer cells to grow and multiply. This helps to slow or stop the spread of cancer cells. Compare kinase inhibitors.
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Cometriq Side Effects

What should I watch for?

This medication may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your care team tells you to stop.

Before having surgery or dental work, talk to your care team to make sure it is ok. This medication can increase the risk of poor healing of your surgical site or wound. You will need to stop this medication for 3 weeks before surgery or dental work. After surgery, wait at least 2 weeks before restarting this medication. Make sure the surgical site or wound is healed enough before restarting this medication. Talk to your care team if questions.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

Avoid taking medications that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your care team. These medications may hide a fever.

This medication may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your care team if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication.

This medication may increase your risk for jaw problems. Tell your care team right away if you have severe pain in your jaw. Tell your care team if you have any pain that does not go away or that gets worse.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occurs if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 4 months after the last dose. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 4 months after the last dose. You care team can help you find the option that works for you.

Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 4 months after the last dose.

This medication may make cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.

Side Effects (Rare and Common)

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Blurred vision

burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations

confusion

dark urine

darkening of the skin

decreased urination

diarrhea

difficulty with breathing or swallowing

dizziness

dry mouth

fainting

headache

increase in heart rate

lightheadedness

loss of appetite

mental depression

nausea or vomiting

nervousness

pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves

pounding in the ears

rapid breathing

redness, swelling, or pain of the skin

scaling of the skin on the hands and feet

severe, sudden headache

skin rash or ulcers

slow or fast heartbeat

slurred speech

stomach pain

sudden loss of coordination

sudden, severe weakness or numbness in the arm or leg

sunken eyes

thirst

unsteadiness or awkwardness

unusual tiredness or weakness

vision changes

weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

wrinkled skin

yellow eyes or skin

Less common

Bleeding gums

bloody, black, or tarry stools

coughing up blood

heartburn

heavy jaw feeling

increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding

indigestion

loosening of a tooth

nosebleeds

pain, swelling, or numbness in the mouth or jaw

paralysis

prolonged bleeding from cuts

red or dark brown urine

severe stomach pain, cramping, or burning

trouble breathing

vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds, severe and continuing

Rare

Disturbed color perception

double vision

halos around lights

night blindness

overbright appearance of lights

seizures

tunnel vision

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Belching

bleeding after defecation

change in taste

changes in hair color

decreased appetite

decreased weight

difficulty having a bowel movement

difficulty with moving

dry skin

fear

hair loss or thinning of the hair

hoarseness

lack or loss of strength

loss of taste

muscle pain, spasm, or stiffness

pain in the joints

rash

sore throat

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

swelling or inflammation of the mouth

uncomfortable swelling around the anus

voice changes

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.