Capmatinib
About Capmatinib
Capmatinib is used to treat advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the lungs grow abnormally. These cells do not perform normal lung functions and fail to form healthy lung tissue. In this condition, lung cells grow uncontrollably and, if not identified early, may spread to other body parts (metastatic). NSCLC is a category of lung cancer that happens when cells that form the lining of the lung start growing uncontrollably.
Capmatinib contains 'Capmatinib,' which belongs to a class of medications called 'kinase inhibitors.' It blocks the action of an abnormal protein (the mesenchymal-epithelial transition [MET] gene) that helps cancer cells in the lungs grow and multiply, thereby preventing cancer from spreading.
Capmatinib should be taken precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Continue taking Capmatinib for the duration specified, based on your medical condition. In some cases, Capmatinib may cause common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, muscle or bone pain, swelling in the hands or feet, or changes in specific blood tests. These side effects are generally mild and do not need medical attention. However, you are advised to consult your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
Before starting treatment with Capmatinib, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or other medications. Capmatinib may increase your sensitivity to sunlight, so limiting exposure to sunlight and using sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors is essential. Do not use Capmatinib if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, as it may harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor of your medical history, particularly if you have liver disease, lung problems, or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), before starting Capmatinib.
Uses of Capmatinib
Medicinal Benefits
Capmatinib is a targeted cancer medicine used to treat advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer or cancer that cannot be surgically removed. This type of cancer is known to spread rapidly to other areas of the body (metastatic). Capmatinib circulates through the bloodstream and targets cancerous cells in the lungs and other parts of the body. It contains Capmatinib, which belongs to a class of medications called 'kinase inhibitors.' It blocks the action of an abnormal protein (the mesenchymal-epithelial transition [MET] gene) that helps cancer cells in the lungs grow and multiply. In this way, Capmatinib slows or stops the growth and spread of cancer cells throughout the body.
Directions for Use
Take Capmatinib as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Capmatinib
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle or bone pain
- Swelling in the hands or feet
- Changes in certain blood tests
Drug Warnings
Before starting treatment with Capmatinib, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or other medications. Capmatinib may increase your sensitivity to sunlight, so it is important to limit exposure to sunlight and use sunscreen and protective clothing when going outdoors. Do not use Capmatinib if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, as it may harm an unborn baby. Be sure to use effective birth control during treatment and for at least one month after your last dose. Tell your doctor about your medical history, particularly if you have liver disease, lung problems, or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), before starting Capmatinib.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Capmatinib have interactions with certain medications such as antivirals (atazanavir, indinavir), anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenytoin), antibiotics (clarithromycin, rifampin), corticosteroids (dexamethasone), analgesics (morphine), and antifungals (ketoconazole, voriconazole).
Drug-Food Interaction: Capmatinib is known to interact with caffeine. It may elevate the blood levels and enhance the effects of caffeine.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have medical conditions such as liver disease, lung problems, or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) before starting Capmatinib, inform your doctor.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThere is limited information on how alcohol consumption affects Capmatinib. Please discuss with your doctor if you have concerns.
Pregnancy
unsafeCapmatinib is not recommended for use during pregnancy, as it may harm an unborn baby. It is better to use effective birth control methods to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine or for at least 6 months after taking the last dose of Capmatinib.
Breast Feeding
unsafeCapmatinib should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers, as it passes into breast milk and may pose a potential risk to the infant
Driving
cautionIt is not known if Capmatinib affects your driving ability. Drive only if you are fully alert and physically stable.
Liver
cautionCapmatinib should be used with caution in patients with liver impairment/disease.
Kidney
cautionIf prescribed by a doctor, Capmatinib is safe for patients with mild kidney disease. However, it should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease, as there are limited studies on this group.
Children
consult your doctorThere is no information on the safety of Capmatinib in children below 12 years. If you have any concerns regarding the use of Capmatinib for children, please consult a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do not smoke and limit exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Avoid exposure to harmful substances at home or work, like radon, asbestos, and chemicals, to lower your chances of getting lung cancer.
- Take into account your family history and HIV status; if you have a family history of lung cancer or are HIV-positive, talk to your doctor about the appropriate screenings for you.
- If you are a heavy smoker, avoid taking beta-carotene supplements, as they might increase the risk of lung cancer.
- Exercise regularly to stay healthy.
- Consume a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Keep up with the latest information about lung cancer and talk to your doctor about any personal risk factors or lifestyle changes that could help lower your risk.
Special Advise
- Regular monitoring of blood cell count and liver function is required during treatment with Capmatinib.
- While taking Capmatinib, you may become more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, it is important to limit your exposure to sunlight and wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): It is a category of lung cancer that occurs when cells forming the lining of the lung begin to grow uncontrollably. It includes types such as squamous cell carcinoma (a cancer that originates in the flat cells of the skin's outermost layer), adenocarcinoma (a cancer that develops in glandular tissue, which produces mucus and other fluids), and large cell carcinoma (a cancer consisting of large, irregularly shaped cells). The risk factors for lung cancer include smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, previous radiation treatment, exposure to radon gas, harmful chemicals such as asbestos or arsenic, and a family history of lung cancer. If lung cancer spreads to other areas of the body (metastatic), it can cause symptoms such as bone pain, loss of appetite, headaches, unintentional weight loss, and swelling in the face or neck.
FAQs
Capmatinib is a targeted cancer medicine used to treat advanced or non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body.
Capmatinib contains 'Capmatinib,' which belongs to a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein (the mesenchymal-epithelial transition [MET] gene) that helps cancer cells in the lungs grow and multiply, thereby preventing cancer from spreading.
Common side effects of Capmatinib include nausea, vomiting, coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, muscle or bone pain, swelling in the hands or feet, or changes in certain blood tests. Most of these side effects are temporary and do not need medical attention. However, if these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
There is limited information on the safety and effectiveness of Capmatinib in children. Therefore, consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding its use for this age group.
No, Capmatinib is not recommended for pregnant women or those planning pregnancy, as it may harm an unborn baby. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to consult your doctor.
Since Capmatinib may harm an unborn baby, it is not recommended to become pregnant during treatment with Capmatinib. Use effective birth control while taking Capmatinib and for at least one month after your final dose. If you plan to become pregnant, consult your doctor for further guidance.
You should take Capmatinib for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, based on your medical condition. However, if you experience any problems while taking Capmatinib, please consult your doctor.
