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Tabrecta (capmatinib)

Editorial Team's avatar image

By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: August 2023 | Last updated: August 2023

Tabrecta® (capmatinib) is a drug used to treat some adults with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body.1,2

Tabrecta is for people whose cancer has a specific mutation in the mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) gene. When this gene is abnormal, it can cause cancer cells to grow.1

Tabrecta is a type of targeted therapy approved for this type of NSCLC. Your doctor will perform a genetic test to find out whether your cancer falls into this category and whether Tabrecta might be right for you.1

What are the ingredients in Tabrecta?

The active ingredient in Tabrecta is capmatinib.1

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How does Tabrecta work?

Tabrecta belongs to a class of drugs called kinase inhibitors. Kinase inhibitors treat different types of cancer by changing how cells grow.1,2

NSCLC cells with an abnormal MET gene may grow and divide when they are not supposed to. This is what causes the cancer to grow and spread to other parts of the body. Tabrecta targets the MET gene and the signals it makes that tell cells to grow. By stopping this gene and its signals, Tabrecta may stop or slow cancer cell growth.1

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Tabrecta include:1

  • Swelling of the hands or feet (edema)
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Muscle or bone pain
  • Tiredness, weakness
  • Breathing problems, cough
  • Loss of appetite
  • Changes in certain blood tests

These are not all the possible side effects of Tabrecta. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Tabrecta. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Tabrecta.

Other things to know

Your doctor should run a blood test to check your liver function before you start taking Tabrecta. While you are taking it, you will need regular blood tests to monitor your liver health.1

Limit time in the sun during and after treatment with Tabrecta. Tabrecta may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. You may burn more easily and get severe sunburns. When in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen to protect against sunburn.1

Before starting treatment with Tabrecta, tell your doctor if you have or have had:1

  • Lung or breathing problems other than your lung cancer
  • Liver problems
  • Pancreatic problems

Tabrecta can harm an unborn baby. If you or your partner can become pregnant, you should use birth control during treatment and for some time after the last dose of Tabrecta. You should also not breastfeed during treatment with Tabrecta and for some time after the last dose. Talk to your doctor about your options for birth control and breastfeeding while taking Tabrecta.1

Before beginning treatment for lung cancer, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Tabrecta.