TABRECTA (Capmatinib)

What is this medication?

TABRECTA (Capmatinib)
Antineoplastic Agent, MET Inhibitor, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor

TABRECTA (Capmatinib) is a potent and highly-selective inhibitor of MET, including the mutant variant produced by exon 14 skipping. MET exon 14 skipping results in increased downstream MET signaling. Through MET inhibition, Capmatinib decreases cancer cell growth. TABRECTA (Capmatinib) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have a mutation that leads to mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) exon 14 skipping.

How does this medication work? 

TABRECTA (Capmatinib) belongs to a class of oncology drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors that act as highly-selective inhibitors of MET.  TABRECTA (Capmatinib)  inhibits MET phosphorylation triggered by binding of c-MET (also known as hepatocyte growth factor) or by MET amplification, as well as MET-mediated phosphorylation of downstream signaling proteins which helps to slow down or stop the growth and spread of lung cancer.

How should I take this medication? 

Oral: Take 400 mg twice daily.

How to Take: Take with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not break, crush or chew the tablets.

Note: Select patients for treatment based on the presence of a mutation that leads to MET exon 14 skipping in tumor or plasma specimens (if not detected in plasma, test tumor tissue if feasible).

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before starting TABRECTA (Capmatinib) make sure to tell your doctor if you experience worsening pulmonary symptoms like shortness of breath and difficulty with breathing are interstitial lung disease and pneumonitis.  There is a risk of photosensitivity and patients should limit direct ultraviolet exposure.   Advise females with reproductive potential of potential risk to the fetus and to use effective contraception while on TABRECTA (Capmatinib).

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, do not make up the dose, but to take the next dose at its scheduled time.

How should I store this medication?

TABRECTA (Capmatinib) should be stored at room temperature, 15 to 30 ˚C (59 to 86 ˚F). Protect from moisture.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Swelling of your hands or feet, nausea, fatigue, weakness, vomiting, and loss in appetite.  More serious adverse include hepatotoxicity, pancreatic toxicity, and pulmonary toxicity.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for TABRECTA (Capmatinib), only common ones.