Tabrecta
Tabrecta (capmatinib) is an oral medication used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread. It’s used as a single medication to treat your NSCLC, so you don’t have to take other medications with it. Tabrecta (capmatinib) is conveniently taken by mouth, but you’ll need to take it twice daily. This medication can cause liver and pancreas problems, so your provider will order blood work before you start and regularly during your treatment to check if your liver and pancreas are healthy. Other side effects people might experience from Tabrecta (capmatinib) include swelling in the hands and feet, muscle or joint pain, and nausea.
What is Tabrecta (capmatinib)?
What is Tabrecta (capmatinib) used for?
Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with changes in the MET gene
How Tabrecta (capmatinib) works
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can be caused by different types of mutations, or changes in certain genes. One type of mutation involves changes in the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) gene. When the MET gene isn’t working properly, it can make too many proteins and cause cancer cells to grow and spread in the body.
Tabrecta (capmatinib) is a kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking the action of proteins made by the MET gene. When it does, the cancer cells can’t grow and spread as well.
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What are the side effects of Tabrecta (capmatinib)?
Common Side Effects
- Lower albumin levels (72%)
- Higher creatinine levels (65%)
- Swelling of face, arms, or legs (59%)
- Nausea (46%)
- Lower white and red blood cell counts (up to 45%)
- Joint, muscle, and bone pain (40%)
- Higher liver enzyme levels (up to 39%)
- Tiredness (34%)
- Higher digestive enzyme levels (up to 34%)
- Vomiting (28%)
- Changes in certain electrolyte levels (up to 26%)
Other Side Effects
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Infection in the lungs
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Weight loss
- Trouble breathing
- Cough
- Lower appetite
Serious Side Effects
- Serious lung problems: dry cough, fever, trouble breathing, taking rapid breaths, chest pain
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Bone pain
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands
Pros and cons of Tabrecta (capmatinib)
Pros
Taken by mouth
Can be taken with or without food
Considered a first-line treatment option in people with NSCLC in the MET gene
Cons
Taken twice daily
Commonly causes swelling of the face, arms, or legs
Can cause serious lung problems
Pharmacist tips for Tabrecta (capmatinib)
Take Tabrecta (capmatinib) with or without food at the same times every day. Swallow the tablet whole so that the medication works properly. Don’t cut, chew, or crush the tablet.
If you miss a dose of Tabrecta (capmatinib), or vomit after taking a dose, don’t take another dose to make up for it. Just take your next dose at the normally scheduled time.
Tabrecta (capmatinib) can cause a rare, but serious, lung condition that makes it difficult for you to breathe. Let your provider know right away if you have cough, chest pain, or trouble breathing.
Store Tabrecta (capmatinib) out of the way from children or pets so that they don't accidentally touch or eat it. Ask your provider or pharmacist about the best way to handle and throw away Tabrecta (capmatinib) safely. Anticancer medications can be very harmful to people who handle or come into contact with them.
Frequently asked questions about Tabrecta (capmatinib)
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What are the risks and warnings for Tabrecta (capmatinib)?
Tabrecta (capmatinib) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Serious lung problems
Rarely, Tabrecta (capmatinib) can cause serious lung problems, like inflammation of your lungs or interstitial lung disease. Sometimes, these problems can be life-threatening. Your provider might tell you to stop taking Tabrecta (capmatinib) if you develop lung problems. Let your provider know if you have any new or worsening breathing problems, chest pain, or dry cough.
Liver problems
Tabrecta (capmatinib) can raise the level of certain liver enzymes in your body, which might lead to liver problems. This can happen as quickly as 2 weeks after you start treatment. You’ll need to get regular blood tests before you start and regularly while you’re taking this medication to make sure that your liver is healthy. If you develop any liver problems, your provider might temporarily stop or lower your dose of Tabrecta (capmatinib), or stop your treatment, depending how serious your liver problem is. Let your provider know if you experience symptoms of liver problems, such as tiredness, nausea or vomiting, little to no appetite, dark urine, right-side stomach pain, easy bruising or bleeding, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Pancreas damage
Some people taking Tabrecta (capmatinib) experienced higher levels of certain pancreatic enzymes in their body. This typically happens 2 months after you start treatment. But for some people, it didn’t happen until they’ve been taking this medication for almost 3 years. The higher levels of enzymes might lead to inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis), which can be serious. Your provider will order lab work to check your pancreatic enzyme levels regularly while you’re taking Tabrecta (capmatinib). If you develop any pancreas problems, your provider might have you stop taking Tabrecta (capmatinib) (sometimes temporarily) or lower your dose, depending how serious your condition is. Let your provider know if you experience any pain in your upper stomach or back that gets worse when you eat, unexplained weight loss, nausea, or vomiting.
Harm to unborn baby
Tabrecta (capmatinib) hasn’t been studied in human pregnancies, but based on animal studies, it can cause harm to an unborn baby. If you're able to become pregnant, your provider might ask you to take a pregnancy test before you start treatment. If you're able to or have a partner who’s able to become pregnant, you should use birth control while taking Tabrecta (capmatinib) and for at least 1 week after your last dose. Let your provider know right away if you or your partner become pregnant during this time.
Tabrecta (capmatinib) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Tabrecta (capmatinib)
The typical dose is 400 mg taken by mouth twice daily
How much does Tabrecta (capmatinib) cost?
What are alternatives to Tabrecta (capmatinib)?
Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with changes in the MET gene
Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) mutations
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