Medical Information

Cabozantinib is a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and its side effects can be classified into severe reactions that require immediate medical attention, mild reactions that may self resolve, and special precautions. The following provides a systematic explanation from three aspects: symptom classification, relief measures, and medication warnings to help patients safely use medication.

Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention

(1) Cardiovascular chest pain, abnormal heart rhythm, sudden increase in blood pressure, or hypertensive crisis require urgent treatment. When acute myocardial infarction or thromboembolism occurs, the medication should be permanently discontinued.

(2) Risk of bleeding: Hemoptysis, vomiting blood, black stool, or continuous bleeding from wounds require immediate intervention. Patients with severe bleeding should not use it, and the medication should be stopped for 3 weeks before surgery.

(3) Sudden severe headaches, unclear speech, epileptic seizures, or changes in consciousness in the nervous system may indicate reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome and require permanent discontinuation of medication.

(4) Continuous diarrhea, intestinal perforation or fistula in the digestive system require medical intervention. If diarrhea of grade 3 or above occurs, medication should be suspended until relieved.

2 mild side effects that may self alleviate

(1) Skin reactions such as flaking, rash, or erythema on the palms and soles can be alleviated through moisturizing care, and in severe cases, dosage should be reduced.

(2) Moderate rest and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can improve muscle and joint pain, and dose assessment is necessary for persistent pain.

(3) Abnormal taste changes or dry mouth are usually short-lived, and maintaining oral hygiene can alleviate symptoms.

3 Special precautions and mitigation measures

(1) Blood pressure management requires regular monitoring before and after medication, and hypertensive patients must meet medication control standards before taking medication.

(2) When liver function protection is combined with nivolumab, it is necessary to strengthen liver enzyme monitoring, suspend and consider hormone therapy in case of abnormalities.

(3) Stop medication for 3 weeks before surgery for wound healing, and resume medication after confirming healing after surgery.

(4) Pregnant women of childbearing age should strictly use contraception during medication and within 4 months of discontinuation.