How to Use Capmatinib

Capmatinib is the first therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring a specific mutation, namely the mutation that causes MET exon 14 skipping.

How to Use Capmatinib

Medications used to treat cancer are usually highly potent and may cause many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is very important to cooperate closely with your doctor during the course of treatment.

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more frequently, and do not take it for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor. Otherwise, the risk of side effects may increase.

A patient information leaflet is provided with this medicine. It is very important to read and understand this information. Be sure to consult your doctor about any content you do not understand.

Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush, split or chew them. This medicine may be taken with or without food.

Side Effects of Capmatinib

Side effects with an unknown incidence include black, tarry stools; bleeding gums; blood in urine or stools; difficulty swallowing; increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight; pinpoint red spots on the skin; redness or other discoloration of the skin; severe sunburn; swelling of the face, throat or tongue; and unusual bleeding or bruising. Some side effects may occur during treatment, but usually do not require medical attention. They may disappear gradually as the body adjusts to the medicine.

In addition, your doctor may inform you how to prevent or alleviate certain side effects. If any side effect persists, bothers you or raises questions, consult your doctor. The more common side effects include back pain and diarrhea, while less common ones may include hives or wheals. Other side effects not listed here may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, please consult your doctor promptly.

Precautions for Capmatinib

1. Capmatinib may cause interstitial lung disease (a group of lung diseases that cause scarring of lung tissue), pneumonia (inflammation of lung tissue), hepatotoxicity (liver cell damage), photosensitivity reactions, and embryo-fetal toxicity.

2. Based on the clear positive phototoxicity signal observed in early laboratory cell studies, patients may become more sensitive to sunlight. They should be advised to take protective measures such as covering the skin, using sunscreen, and avoiding tanning while taking capmatinib.

3. Capmatinib may cause harm to the developing fetus or newborn infant.