Cabometyx (cabozantinib) is a brand-name oral tablet that’s prescribed for certain types of cancer. As with other drugs, Cabometyx can cause side effects, such as diarrhea and high blood pressure.

Cabometyx can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The following are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Cabometyx in clinical trials:

  • decreased appetite
  • diarrhea*
  • fatigue
  • nausea or vomiting
  • palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) syndrome*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Cabometyx use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Cabometyx’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Cabometyx include:

  • abdominal pain
  • changes in the sense of taste
  • constipation
  • decreased appetite
  • diarrhea (see “Side effect specifics” below)
  • fatigue
  • indigestion
  • nausea or vomiting
  • stomatitis (sores inside the mouth)
  • weight loss

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Cabometyx and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

Cabometyx may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Cabometyx’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Cabometyx, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • adrenal insufficiency (when the adrenal gland doesn’t work), which may include symptoms such as:
    • fatigue
    • muscle weakness
    • salt cravings
    • weight loss
  • blood clots in veins or arteries, which include deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, stroke, or death. Symptoms may include:
    • chest pain or pressure
    • leg pain, swelling, or warmth
    • shortness of breath
    • sudden numbness, paralysis, or trouble speaking or walking
  • gastrointestinal perforation (a hole or tear in the digestive system), which may include symptoms such as:
  • impaired wound healing, which may include symptoms such as:
    • lack of a scab forming on a wound
    • persistent bleeding or oozing from a wound
    • wound infections
  • jawbone damage, which may include symptoms such as:
    • gum or tooth infections
    • jaw pain
    • loose teeth
    • toothache
  • liver damage, which may include symptoms such as:
    • abdominal pain
    • fatigue
    • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
  • low blood calcium levels, which may include symptoms such as:
    • muscle cramps or twitching
    • tingling in the feet, hands, lips, or tongue
  • protein in the urine, which may include symptoms such as:
    • puffiness in the face
    • shortness of breath
    • swelling of the feet or ankles
    • urinating more often than usual
  • reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (a brain condition), which may include symptoms such as:
    • confusion
    • headache
    • seizures
    • vision problems
  • thyroid problems, which may include symptoms such as:
    • fatigue or trouble sleeping
    • feeling hot or feeling cold
    • weight gain or weight loss
  • high blood pressure*
  • palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) syndrome*
  • severe bleeding*
  • severe diarrhea*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Cabometyx oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Cabometyx oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Cabometyx may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Cabometyx.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure was a common side effect reported by people taking Cabometyx in clinical trials. In rare cases, it was severe and led to a medical emergency called a hypertensive crisis.

High blood pressure doesn’t typically cause symptoms. However, if high blood pressure becomes very severe, it may cause symptoms such as:

  • chest pain
  • dizziness
  • severe headache
  • vision changes
  • vomiting

What you can do

Due to the risk of high blood pressure, your doctor will likely check your blood pressure before starting Cabometyx. They’ll also check it from time to time during Cabometyx treatment. If you develop high blood pressure, your doctor may treat it with medication. In some cases, your doctor may recommend reducing the dosage of Cabometyx or stopping the medication.

Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) syndrome

PPE syndrome was commonly reported in clinical trials of Cabometyx. In some cases, it can be life threatening.

PPE is a skin reaction to certain medications. It’s also known as hand-foot syndrome. It causes symptoms on the skin of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, such as:

  • burning
  • itching
  • peeling
  • redness or discoloration
  • tingling

In severe cases, it can cause blisters, pain, and limited ability to walk or use your hands.

What you can do

Caring for your skin very carefully may help prevent hand-foot syndrome. Your doctor may recommend using a moisturizer when you start Cabometyx. You can also protect your skin by avoiding very hot water, sun exposure, and products that dry out the skin, such as those that contain rubbing alcohol.

If you develop symptoms of hand-foot syndrome, talk with your doctor. They can suggest more ways to heal your skin and help protect it.

Severe bleeding

Severe bleeding was commonly reported in clinical trials of Cabometyx. In some cases, it was fatal.

Symptoms of severe bleeding may include:

  • any unusual, heavy, or unmanageable bleeding
  • bloody or dark-colored urine or stool
  • coughing up blood or blood clots
  • heavier than usual menstrual bleeding
  • vomiting blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds

What you can do

Get medical care right away if you have symptoms of severe bleeding. Tell your doctor if you’re going to have surgery. Due to the risk of bleeding, doctors usually recommend stopping Cabometyx before surgery.

Severe diarrhea

In clinical trials of Cabometyx, diarrhea was a commonly reported side effect. Most people taking Cabometyx experienced some amount of diarrhea. For some people, diarrhea was severe or life threatening.

Severe diarrhea means having seven or more loose or watery bowel movements per day. Diarrhea, especially when it’s severe, can cause life threatening dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration may include:

  • confusion
  • dark yellow urine
  • dry mouth
  • fast breathing
  • fast heart rate
  • feeling more thirsty than usual
  • skin that stays pinched after you let go of it
  • urinating less than usual
  • weakness

What you can do

Talk with your doctor if you start having loose stools or diarrhea. They’ll likely recommend increasing the amount of fluids you drink and taking antidiarrheal medication. They may also tell you to stop Cabometyx for a period of time.

Diarrhea should start to get better within a few days of starting antidiarrheal medication. If it continues or gets worse, talk with your doctor right away. If you have symptoms of severe dehydration, go to your local emergency room.

Below is important information you should consider before taking Cabometyx.

Other precautions

Before taking Cabometyx, discuss your health history with your doctor. Cabometyx may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • high blood pressure
  • liver disease
  • low calcium level
  • recent bleeding problems
  • recent or planned surgery, including dental procedures
  • a wound that’s still healing
  • previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding
  • alcohol consumption

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.