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Dosing in CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib) HCC monotherapy

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Available in 3 strengths to help you find the right dose for your patients when needed1

RECOMMENDED
STARTING DOSE*		 FIRST
REDUCTION		 SECOND
REDUCTION

60 mg
once daily
40 mg
once daily
20 mg
once daily†
RECOMMENDED STARTING DOSE* 60 mg once daily
FIRST REDUCTION 40 mg once daily
SECOND REDUCTION 20 mg once daily†

Tablets shown are not actual size.

*Until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity administered as recommended.1

†If previously receiving lowest dose, resume at same dose. If lowest dose not tolerated, discontinue CABOMETYX.1

In the CELESTIAL trial, the mean average daily dose was 37 mg2
Reduce dose of CABOMETYX for patients with hepatic impairment1

Child-Pugh B: Reduce the starting dose of CABOMETYX to 40 mg once daily in patients with moderate hepatic impairment.

  • Avoid CABOMETYX in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C)

How to administer CABOMETYX1

DO NOT ADMINISTER CABOMETYX WITH FOOD
Administer CABOMETYX at least 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after eating

Swallow whole
DO NOT CRUSH TABLET

  • Withhold CABOMETYX for at least 3 weeks prior to elective surgery, including dental surgery. Do not administer CABOMETYX for at least 2 weeks after major surgery and until adequate wound healing is observed1

  • Do not substitute CABOMETYX tablets with cabozantinib capsules1

  • Do not take a missed dose within 12 hours of the next dose1

  • Modify the dose for certain patients with hepatic impairment and for patients taking drugs known to strongly induce or inhibit CYP3A41

Pharmacokinetics

The predicted terminal half-life of CABOMETYX is approximately 99 hours.1

Dose modifications1

You may need to adjust the CABOMETYX dose based on individual patient safety and tolerability. If ARs occur, consider supportive care and/or adjust the dose.

For intolerable Grade 2 ARs, Grade 3-4 ARs, and ONJ

Withhold CABOMETYX

Wait until improvement or resolution (return to baseline or resolution to Grade 1)

Reduce the dose by 20 mg
If previously receiving 20 mg once daily, resume at same dose.
If not tolerated, discontinue CABOMETYX

Permanently discontinue CABOMETYX for Grade 3 or 4 hemorrhage, development of a GI perforation or Grade 4 fistula, acute myocardial infarction or Grade 2 or higher cerebral infarction, Grade 3 or 4 arterial thromboembolic events or Grade 4 venous thromboembolic events, Grade 4 hypertension/hypertensive crisis or Grade 3 hypertension/hypertensive crisis that cannot be controlled, nephrotic syndrome, or reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome.1

Median time to dose reductions3,4

 

When strong CYP3A4 inhibitors cannot be avoided1

Reduce the daily dose of CABOMETYX if concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors cannot be avoided.

Resume CABOMETYX at the dose used prior to initiating the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor 2-3 days after discontinuation of the strong inhibitor.

Examples of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors‡:

  • Boceprevir
  • Clarithromycin
  • Conivaptan
  • Grapefruit juice
  • Indinavir/ritonavir
  • Itraconazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Lopinavir/ritonavir 
  • Nefazodone
  • Nelfinavir
  • Posaconazole
  • Ritonavir
  • Saquinavir/ritonavir
  • Voriconazole

 

When strong CYP3A4 inducers cannot be avoided1

Increase the daily dose of CABOMETYX if concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inducers cannot be avoided.

Resume CABOMETYX at the dose used prior to initiating the strong CYP3A4 inducer 2-3 days after discontinuation of the strong inducer.

  • Do not exceed a daily dose of 80 mg

Examples of strong CYP3A4 inducers‡:

  • Rifampin
  • Phenytoin
  • Carbamazepine
  • St. John’s wort

‡Examples listed may not be comprehensive.

For eligible patients who have been prescribed CABOMETYX: Dose Exchange Program

Provides a free 15-tablet supply in the lower dose to help patients who require a dose reduction§||

§

Additional restrictions and eligibility rules apply.  

||

Patients are required to return any unused product.

Learn More

This description of the Exelixis Access Services® (EASE) program is for informational purposes only. Exelixis® makes no representation or guarantee concerning reimbursement or coverage for any service or item. Information provided through the Exelixis Access Services program does not constitute medical or legal advice and is not intended to be a substitute for a consultation with a licensed health care provider, legal counsel, or applicable third-party payer(s). Exelixis reserves the right to modify the program at any time without notice.

Download the CABOMETYX Dosing and Administration Guide

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Download the CABOMETYX Treatment Management Guide

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AR=adverse reaction; CYP3A4=cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily A member 4; GI=gastrointestinal; HCC=hepatocellular carcinoma; ONJ=osteonecrosis of the jaw.

References:

  1. CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib) Prescribing Information. Exelixis, Inc.
  2. Data on file. Exelixis, Inc.
  3. European Medicines Agency: Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). Assessment report: CABOMETYX. September 2018. Accessed 2019.
  4. Schwartz G, Darling JO, Mindo M, Damicis L. Management of adverse events associated with cabozantinib treatment in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Target Oncol. 2020;15(4):549-565. doi:10.1007/s11523-020-00736-8

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hemorrhage: Severe and fatal hemorrhages occurred with CABOMETYX. The incidence of Grade 3 to 5 hemorrhagic events was 5% in CABOMETYX patients in RCC, HCC, and DTC studies. Discontinue CABOMETYX for Grade 3 or 4 hemorrhage and prior to surgery as recommended. Do not administer CABOMETYX to patients who have a recent history of hemorrhage, including hemoptysis, hematemesis, or melena.

Perforations and Fistulas: Fistulas, including fatal cases, occurred in 1% of CABOMETYX patients. Gastrointestinal (GI) perforations, including fatal cases, occurred in 1% of CABOMETYX patients. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of fistulas and perforations, including abscess and sepsis. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who experience a Grade 4 fistula or a GI perforation.

Thrombotic Events: CABOMETYX increased the risk of thrombotic events. Venous thromboembolism occurred in 7% (including 4% pulmonary embolism) and arterial thromboembolism in 2% of CABOMETYX patients. Fatal thrombotic events occurred in CABOMETYX patients. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop an acute myocardial infarction or serious arterial or venous thromboembolic events that require medical intervention.

Hypertension and Hypertensive Crisis: CABOMETYX can cause hypertension, including hypertensive crisis. Hypertension was reported in 37% (16% Grade 3 and <1% Grade 4) of CABOMETYX patients. Do not initiate CABOMETYX in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Monitor blood pressure regularly during CABOMETYX treatment. Withhold CABOMETYX for hypertension that is not adequately controlled with medical management; when controlled, resume at a reduced dose. Permanently discontinue CABOMETYX for severe hypertension that cannot be controlled with anti-hypertensive therapy or for hypertensive crisis.

Diarrhea: Diarrhea occurred in 62% of CABOMETYX patients. Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 10% of CABOMETYX patients. Monitor and manage patients using antidiarrheals as indicated. Withhold CABOMETYX until improvement to ≤ Grade 1, resume at a reduced dose.

Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia (PPE): PPE occurred in 45% of CABOMETYX patients. Grade 3 PPE occurred in 13% of CABOMETYX patients. Withhold CABOMETYX until improvement to Grade 1 and resume at a reduced dose for intolerable Grade 2 PPE or Grade 3 PPE.

Proteinuria: Proteinuria was observed in 8% of CABOMETYX patients. Monitor urine protein regularly during CABOMETYX treatment. For Grade 2 or 3 proteinuria, withhold CABOMETYX until improvement to ≤ Grade 1 proteinuria; resume CABOMETYX at a reduced dose. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop nephrotic syndrome.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ): ONJ occurred in <1% of CABOMETYX patients. ONJ can manifest as jaw pain, osteomyelitis, osteitis, bone erosion, tooth or periodontal infection, toothache, gingival ulceration or erosion, persistent jaw pain, or slow healing of the mouth or jaw after dental surgery. Perform an oral examination prior to CABOMETYX initiation and periodically during treatment. Advise patients regarding good oral hygiene practices. Withhold CABOMETYX for at least 3 weeks prior to scheduled dental surgery or invasive dental procedures, if possible. Withhold CABOMETYX for development of ONJ until complete resolution, resume at a reduced dose. 

Impaired Wound Healing: Wound complications occurred with CABOMETYX. Withhold CABOMETYX for at least 3 weeks prior to elective surgery. Do not administer CABOMETYX for at least 2 weeks after major surgery and until adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of CABOMETYX after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established.

Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS): RPLS, a syndrome of subcortical vasogenic edema diagnosed by characteristic findings on MRI, can occur with CABOMETYX. Evaluate for RPLS in patients presenting with seizures, headache, visual disturbances, confusion, or altered mental function. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop RPLS.

Thyroid Dysfunction: Thyroid dysfunction, primarily hypothyroidism, has been observed with CABOMETYX. Based on the safety population, thyroid dysfunction occurred in 19% of patients treated with CABOMETYX, including Grade 3 in 0.4% of patients.

Patients should be assessed for signs of thyroid dysfunction prior to the initiation of CABOMETYX and monitored for signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction during CABOMETYX treatment. Thyroid function testing and management of dysfunction should be performed as clinically indicated.

Hypocalcemia: CABOMETYX can cause hypocalcemia. Based on the safety population, hypocalcemia occurred in 13% of patients treated with CABOMETYX, including Grade 3 in 2% and Grade 4 in 1% of patients. Laboratory abnormality data were not collected in CABOSUN.

In COSMIC-311, hypocalcemia occurred in 36% of patients treated with CABOMETYX, including Grade 3 in 6% and Grade 4 in 3% of patients.

Monitor blood calcium levels and replace calcium as necessary during treatment. Withhold and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue CABOMETYX depending on severity.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: CABOMETYX can cause fetal harm. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating CABOMETYX and advise them to use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common (≥20%) adverse reactions are:

CABOMETYX as a single agent: diarrhea, fatigue, PPE, decreased appetite, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, weight decreased, and constipation. 

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: If coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors cannot be avoided, reduce the CABOMETYX dosage. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: If coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inducers cannot be avoided, increase the CABOMETYX dosage. Avoid St. John’s wort.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during CABOMETYX treatment and for 4 months after the final dose.

Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, reduce the CABOMETYX dosage. Avoid CABOMETYX in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Please see full Prescribing Information.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Indication

CABOMETYX is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib.

CABOMETYX is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib.

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