Generic
Capmatinib
(kap-MA-ti-nib)
Brand
Tabrectra™
(ta-BREK-tah)
Additional resources
Capmatinib (Tabrectra™) is used to treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has a genetic mutation that leads to mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) exon 14 skipping as detected by an FDA-approved test.
Our Medication Sheet
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Page 1 CAPMATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Name of your medication Generic name — capmatinib (kap MA ti nib) Brand name — Tabrectra™ (ta BREK tah) Approved uses Capmatinib is used to treat metastatic non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has a genetic mutation that leads to mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) exon 14 skipping as detected by an FDA approved test. Dose and schedule Taking capmatinib as instructed is important to allow your treatment to be as effective as possible, so here are some key points to remember. Your dose may vary, but the usual dose of capmatinib is 400 milligrams (400 mg) to be taken by mouth at a scheduled time twice a day. Capmatinib can be taken (with or without) food, but at the same time each day. Capmatinib should be taken whole and not crushed, cut, or dissolved. If you are unable to swallow capmatinib, talk to your care provider or pharmacist for possible options. If you miss a dose of capmatinib, do not take an extra dose or two doses at one time. Simply take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Be sure to write down if you miss a dose and let your care provider know about any missed doses. Drug and food interactions Capmatinib has many drug interactions. Please inform your care providers of all prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice, Seville oranges (commonly found in marmalades), and star fruit may interact with capmatinib; avoid eating or drinking these during treatment with capmatinib. Talk with your care provider or pharmacist before taking new medications or supplements, or receiving any vaccines. Monitor caffeine intake. Capmatinib can increase the effects and duration of caffeine. Storage and handling Handle capmatinib with care. Just like when chemotherapy is given into the vein, this drug can be toxic, and exposure of the drug to others should be limited. Store capmatinib at room temperature (68°F–77°F) in a dry location away from light. Keep capmatinib out of reach of children and pets. Whenever possible, you should give capmatinib to yourself and follow the steps below. If a family member, friend, or caregiver needs to give the capmatinib to you, they also need to follow these steps. 1. Wash hands with soap and water. 2. Put on gloves to avoid touching the medication. (Gloves are not necessary if you give the drug to yourself.) 3. Gently transfer the capmatinib from its package to a small medicine or other disposable cup. CAPMATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 2 4. Administer the medicine immediately by mouth with water. 5. Remove gloves and do not use them for anything else. 6. Throw gloves and medicine cup in household trash. 7. Wash hands with soap and water. If a daily pill box or pill reminder will be used, contact your care team before using. • The person filling the box or reminder should wear gloves (gloves are not necessary if you are filling the box or reminder). • When empty, the box or reminder should be washed with soap and water before refilling. Be sure to wash hands with soap and water after the task is complete, whether or not gloves are worn. If you have any unused capmatinib, do not throw it in the trash and do not flush it down the sink or toilet. Talk to your care provider or pharmacist about proper disposal of capmatinib. If you are traveling, put your capmatinib’s packaging in a separate sealed plastic bag. Ask your pharmacist if any additional travel precautions are needed. Side Effects of Capmatinib Below are common side effects that have been known to happen in about one third or more of patients taking capmatinib; these are listed on the left side of this table. You MAY NOT experience these side effects. Options to help manage any side effects that do occur are included on the right side of this table. These should be discussed with your care provider. If you experience any side effect you cannot manage or that is not listed here, contact your care provider. Possible Side Effect Management Changes in electrolytes and other laboratory values • Decreased albumin • Increased amylase Changes in some laboratory values may occur and will be monitored by a simple blood test. • You may not feel any symptoms if the changes are mild, and they usually are not a sign of a serious problem. • More severe changes may occur, which can be a sign of a serious problem. Notify your care provider if you have any of the following: • Shortness of breath • Chest discomfort • Weakness or fatigue • New aches and pains • Headaches • Dizziness • Swelling of your legs or feet • Red or brown colored urine • Abdominal pain Continued on the next page CAPMATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 3 Possible Side Effect Management Changes in kidney function Your kidney (renal) function will be checked periodically by a simple blood test. Contact your care provider if you notice any of the following: • Decreased amount of urination • Unusual swelling in your legs and feet Fluid retention or swelling • Do not stand for long periods of time. • Keep your legs elevated when sitting or lying down. • Avoid eating salty foods, which can increase swelling. • Avoid wearing tight fitting clothing and shoes. • Weigh yourself daily. Contact your care provider if you notice the following: • Swelling in the hands, feet, or legs • Shortness of breath • Weight gain of 5 pounds or more in a week Nausea or vomiting • Eat and drink slowly. • Drink 8–10 glasses of water or fluid each day unless your care provider has instructed you to limit your fluid intake. • Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day rather than a few large meals. • Eat bland foods; avoid spicy, fried, and greasy foods. • Avoid vigorous exercise immediately after eating. • Don’t lie down immediately after eating. • Avoid strong odors. Let your provider know if you experience nausea or vomiting. Your provider may prescribe medication to help with the nausea or vomiting. Decreased white blood cells (WBCs) and increased risk for infection Your WBCs should be monitored by a simple blood test. When your WBCs are low, you are at a greater risk of having an infection. Take the following precautions to protect yourself from infection. • Wash your hands often, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. • Avoid crowds and people with fevers, flu, or other infection. • Bathe regularly to keep good personal hygiene. Contact your care provider if you experience any signs or symptoms of an infection: • Fever (temperature more than 100.4°F or 38°C) • Chills • Sore throat • Burning with urination • Unusual tiredness • A sore that becomes red, is draining, or does not heal Check with your care provider before taking any medicine for a fever or chills. Continued on the next page CAPMATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 4 Possible Side Effect Management Changes in liver function Your liver function will be checked periodically by a simple blood test. Contact your care provider if you notice any of the following: • Yellowing of the skin or whites of your eyes • Dark or brown urine • Bleeding or bruising Fatigue You may be more tired than usual or have less energy. • Stay as active as possible, but know it is okay to rest as needed. • Try to do some activity every day. • Plan your activities, and do them at a time of day when you feel a bit more energetic. • Avoid operating heavy machinery if you feel too tired. Serious side effects Capmatinib may cause your lung tissue to scar, which is called interstitial lung disease. Call your care team if you are feeling short of breath, have a fever, or have a lasting dry cough. While taking capmatinib, your skin may be more sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when out in the sun, even on cloudy days, and avoid tanning booths. Talk to your care team about other ways to prevent or manage this side effect. If you experience ANY uncontrolled side effect, call your physician or healthcare center immediately: (INSTITUTIONAL CONTACT INFO) Handling body fluids and waste Since capmatinib remains in your body for several days after it is taken, some of the drug may be present in urine, stool, sweat, or vomit. Once you have started to take capmatinib, it is important to adhere to the following instructions every day for as long as your treatment lasts. This is to keep yourself, loved ones, and the environment as safe as possible. Pregnant women should avoid touching anything that may be soiled with body fluids from the patient. Toilet and septic systems • You may use the same toilet, septic tank, and/or sewer that you usually use. If you have a low flow toilet, close the lid and flush twice to ensure that all waste has been discarded. • If the toilet or toilet seat becomes soiled with urine, stool, or vomit, clean the surfaces before other people use the toilet. • Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet. If you need a bedpan, be sure your caregiver knows to wear gloves to assist with cleanup and to wash the bedpan with soap and water every day. CAPMATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 5 If you do not have good control of bladder or bowels, use a disposable pad with a plastic back, a diaper, or a sheet to absorb body waste. Wash any skin that has been exposed to body waste or capmatinib with soap and water. Linens or clothing that are soiled with body fluids or body waste should be washed separately from other linens and clothing. If you do not have a washer, place the soiled linens in a plastic bag until they can be washed. Wash hands with soap and water after touching linens or clothing that may be soiled with body fluids. Pregnancy, sexual activity, and contraception Women should not become pregnant and men should not get a partner pregnant while taking capmatinib. Men and women of childbearing age and potential should use effective contraception during therapy and for a minimum of 7 days after the last dose of capmatinib. Effective contraception could include 1 or more of the following: oral contraceptive, barrier methods, etc. Do not breastfeed while taking capmatinib and for 7 days after the last dose of capmatinib. Please inform your care provider if you become pregnant. It is safe to hug and kiss. Special precautions may be needed for sexual activity while on oral chemotherapy, and you are encouraged to ask your care provider. Obtaining medication Talk with your care provider about the process for obtaining your capmatinib. (PHARMACY OR SPECIALTY PHARMACY CONTACT INFO) Additional resources Product website: www.hcp.novartis.com/products/tabrecta/met exon 14 skipping mutation nsclc Product prescribing information: www.novartis.us/sites/www.novartis.us/files/tabrecta.pdf Product resources: www.us.tabrecta.com/met exon 14 skipping mutation nsclc Updated – May 2020 Additional instructions CAPMATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 6 Important notice: The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC), Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA), National Community Oncology Dispensing Association, Inc. (NCODA), and Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) have collaborated in gathering information for and developing this patient education guide. This guide represents a brief summary of the medication derived from information provided by the drug manufacturer and other resources. This guide does not cover all existing information related to the possible uses, directions, doses, precautions, warnings, interactions, adverse effects, or risks associated with this medication and should not substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Provision of this guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of this medication by ACCC, HOPA, NCODA, or ONS, who assume no liability for and cannot ensure the accuracy of the information presented. The collaborators are not making any representations with respect to the medications whatsoever, and any and all decisions, with respect to such medications, are at the sole risk of the individual consuming the medication. All decisions related to taking this medication should be made with the guidance and under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional. Permission: Oral Chemotherapy Education (OCE) sheets are provided as a free educational resource for patients with cancer in need of concise, easy to understand information about oral cancer drugs. Healthcare providers are permitted to copy and distribute the sheets to patients as well as direct patients to the OCE website for information. However, commercial reproduction or reuse, as well as rebranding or reposting of any type, are strictly prohibited without permission of the copyright holder. Please email permission requests and licensing inquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Copyright © 2020 by Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association. All rights reserved.