Cabometyx (cabozantinib) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat certain types of cancer. The drug comes as a tablet you swallow. It’s usually taken once a day.

Cabometyx is used to treat some types of cancer, including:

Cabometyx may be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat types of cancer.

The active ingredient in Cabometyx is cabozantinib. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Cabometyx belongs to a group of drugs called kinase inhibitors.

This article describes the dosages of Cabometyx, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Cabometyx, see this in-depth article.

This section describes the usual dosages of Cabometyx. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Cabometyx’s form?

Cabometyx is available as an oral tablet you swallow.

What strengths does Cabometyx come in?

Cabometyx comes in three strengths:

  • 20 milligrams (mg)
  • 40 mg
  • 60 mg

What are the usual dosages of Cabometyx?

Your doctor will likely start you on the recommended dosage of Cabometyx to treat your condition. They’ll prescribe the dosage that provides the desired effect. They may adjust your dose depending on your response to the medication.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for liver cancer

For adults with liver cancer, the typical dosage of Cabometyx is 60 mg, taken once per day.
You’ll take this dose as long as your condition doesn’t worsen or you don’t experience any serious side effects.

Dosage for differentiated thyroid cancer

For adults with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), the typical dosage of Cabometyx is based on body surface area (BSA). (BSA is a way to measure your body size and weight.)

If you have a BSA greater than or equal to 1.2 meters squared (m2), your dosage of Cabometyx will be 60 mg taken once per day.

You’ll take this dosage as long as your condition doesn’t worsen or you don’t have serious side effects from Cabometyx.

Dosage for kidney cancer

When used alone, the typical Cabometyx dosage for adults with kidney cancer is 60 mg taken once per day.

Cabometyx may also be taken in combination with nivolumab (Opdivo) for kidney cancer. (Opdivo comes as a liquid solution and is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion.

When used in combination, the dosage of Cabometyx is 40 mg, taken once per day. The dosage of Opdivo is either 240 mg given every two weeks or 480 mg given every four weeks. Opdivo may be given for up to 2 years, depending on how you respond to treatment and your condition.

You’ll take Cabometyx and Opdivo as long as your condition doesn’t worsen or you don’t have serious side effects from the medications.

What’s the dosage of Cabometyx for children?

Cabometyx is used to help treat DTC in children ages 12 years and older.

For a child with a BSA greater than or equal to 1.2 m2, their dosage of Cabometyx is the same as the adult dosage, which is 60 mg taken once per day.

The dosage for children with BSA under 1.2 m2 is 40 mg taken once per day.

A doctor will prescribe the dose that’s right for your child. For more information about Cabometyx’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor.

Is Cabometyx used long term?

Yes, Cabometyx is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

Dosage adjustments

In some cases, a doctor may need to adjust the dosage of Cabometyx.

If you have moderate liver problems, your doctor will likely lower your starting dosage. Cabometyx is not recommended if you have severe liver disease.

Certain drugs, including strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and strong CYP3A4 inducers, can affect how your body breaks down Cabometyx.

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and ritonavir (Norvir), work by blocking the CYP3A4 enzyme. (This is the enzyme your body uses to break down Cabometyx.) This can increase the amount of Cabometyx in your body and raise your risk for side effects. Your doctor may lower your Cabometyx dosage if you take one of these medications.

Strong CYP3A4 inducers, such as enzalutamide (Xtandi) and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), can increase how quickly the CYP3A4 enzyme breaks down Cabometyx. This can lead to a decrease in the amount of Cabometyx in your body and cause the drug not to work as well.

Your doctor may increase your dosage of Cabometyx if you are taking one of these medications.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your current health conditions and all of your medications before starting Cabometyx.

The dosage of Cabometyx you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type of condition you’re using the drug to treat
  • your age
  • other medications you may be taking
  • whether you experience serious side effects
  • other conditions you may have (see the “Dosage adjustments” section above)

Cabometyx is available as an oral tablet you swallow once per day. Don’t take the medication with food. It is recommended to take the drug at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Don’t crush, cut, or chew Cabometyx tablets.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.

Cabometyx should not be taken within 3 weeks of any planned surgery or 2 weeks after any major surgery. (This includes dental surgery.) Cabometyx may increase your risk of bleeding and slow wound healing. Be sure to talk with your doctor and dentist about any planned surgeries before you begin Cabometyx.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Cabometyx, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Accessible drug containers and labels

Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

  • have large print
  • use braille
  • feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help or be able to supply Cabometyx in an easy-open container.

If you miss a dose of Cabometyx, and it’s less than 12 hours from your missed dose, take the missed dose.

But, if it’s been longer than 12 hours since your missed dose of Cabometyx, don’t take the missed dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and continue with your next regular dose. Don’t take a missed dose within 12 hours of your next dose of Cabometyx.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Cabometyx on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

If you’re not sure what to do about a missed dose, call your doctor’s office.

Do not take more Cabometyx than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

  • weight loss
  • a change in mental status
  • memory loss
  • increase of blood urea nitrogen (a measurement of how well your kidneys are working)

What to do in case you take too much Cabometyx

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Cabometyx. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Cabometyx’s dosage.

Is Cabometyx’s dosage similar to the dosages of Lenvima or Inlyta?

No. The strengths and dosages of each drug differ.

Cabometyx (cabozantinib) belongs to a group of drugs called kinase inhibitors. Lenvatinib (Lenvima) and axitinib (Inlyta) also belong to this group. They are all approved to treat certain types of cancer.

Lenvima is approved to treat differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and certain types of advanced endometrial cancer (cancer that affects the lining of your uterus). It comes as an oral capsule and is typically taken once per day.

Inlyta is approved to treat certain types of renal cancer. It comes as a tablet and is typically taken twice a day.

Your doctor will prescribe the drug and dosage that’s right for you. To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Cabometyx to start working?

Cabometyx starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition. The drug works to shrink tumors and slow cancer growth over time.

If you have other questions about what to expect from your Cabometyx treatment, talk with your doctor.

The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by Cabometyx’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends this drug, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Cabometyx without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Cabometyx exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • If I lose weight, will my dosage of Cabometyx be changed?
  • How does the dosage of Cabometyx compare with cabozantinib (Cometriq)?
  • Will I need a dosage adjustment if my cancer gets better?

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.