Frequently asked questions for Capmatinib
Capmatinib
Q. What is Capmatinib and what is it used for?
Capmatinib is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a kind of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery and whose tumors have an abnormal gene.Q. Can Capmatinib be taken during pregnancy?
This treatment may harm a baby developing in the womb. It is important not to conceive during and for 1 week after your last dose of Capmatinib. Talk to your doctor about effective contraception before starting the treatment.Q. How many times a day can I take Capmatinib?
This medicine is to be taken twice a day with or without food or as advised by your doctor. It is advisable not to change your dose or stop taking this medicine unless the doctor tells you to.Q. What tests will be prescribed before starting the treatment with Capmatinib?
You will be prescribed a liver test to assess how well your liver is working before and during the treatment. Inform your doctor immediately if you develop any signs and symptoms of liver problems, including your skin or the white part of your eyes turning yellow, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, or stomach pain.Q. Is Capmatinib a targeted therapy?
Yes, Capmatinib is the first targeted therapy designed specifically for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have a mutation that leads to mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) exon 14 skipping.Q. Which is better, targeted therapy or chemotherapy?
Both chemotherapy and targeted therapy are two effective methods for cancer therapy. The difference is that chemotherapy can also kill normal cells when destroying cancer cells. On the other hand, targeted therapy does not affect normal cells while killing the targeted cancer cells.Q. What should I avoid while taking Capmatinib?
Your skin may become sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity) during the treatment with this medicine. Use a sunscreen or wear clothes that cover your skin during your treatment to limit direct sunlight exposure.Q. I am experiencing nausea and extreme tiredness. Is this due to Capmatinib?
Nausea and fatigue or tiredness are some of the common side effects of this medicine. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the feeling of nausea. Avoid food that is salty, spicy, fried, or fatty. Take plenty of rest and do light exercise daily to keep yourself active and reduce fatigue.Q. Should I avoid any food and drinks while taking Capmatinib?
You can continue with your normal diet unless your doctor tells you otherwise. However, it is advisable to sip water regularly to prevent dehydration, eat small, simple but nourishing snacks every few hours rather than large meals, and suck on hard candy or popsicles to prevent nausea and vomiting.Q. I am noticing swelling in the lower legs and ankles. Should I inform my doctor?
You might experience swelling in different parts of your body while taking Capmatinib. Inform your doctor as they may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently stop the treatment according to the side effects.