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cabometyx

Cabometyx (Cabozantinib S-Malate) is a kinase inhibitor used to treat Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Cabozantinib S-Malate · by Exelixis

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Cabozantinib S-Malate
Form
Tablet
Strength
Cabozantinib S-MALATE EQ 20MG Base · Cabozantinib S-MALATE EQ 40MG Base · Cabozantinib S-MALATE EQ 60MG Base
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Exelixis
FDA application
NDA208692

What is Cabometyx?

From the FDA label:CABOMETYX is the ( S )-malate salt of cabozantinib, a kinase inhibitor. Cabozantinib ( S )-malate is described chemically as N -(4-(6,7-dimethoxyquinolin-4-yloxy)phenyl)- N' -(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxamide, (2 S )-hydroxybutanedioate. The molecular formula is C 28 H 24 FN 3 O 5 •C 4 H 6 O 5 and the molecular weight is 635.6 Daltons as malate salt. The chemical structure of cabozantinib ( S )-malate salt is: Cabozantinib ( S )-malate salt is a white to off-white solid that is practically insoluble in aqueous media. CABOMETYX (cabozantinib) tablets for oral use are supplied as film-coated tablets containing 20 mg, 40 mg, or 60 mg of cabozantinib, which is equivalent to 25 mg, 51 mg, or 76 mg of cabozantinib ( S )-malate, respectively. CABOMETYX also contains the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose anhydrous, hydroxypropyl cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. The film coating contains hypromellose, titanium dioxide, triacetin, and iron oxide yellow.

How to use

Do NOT substitute CABOMETYX tablets with cabozantinib capsules. ( 2.1 ) Administer on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after eating. ( 2.2 ) Stop treatment with CABOMETYX at least 3 weeks prior to scheduled surgery, including dental surgery. ( 2.1 ) Recommended Dose: RCC (Single Agent): 60 mg orally, once daily. ( 2.2 ) RCC (Combination Therapy): 40 mg orally, once daily with: 240 mg nivolumab every 2 weeks by intravenous infusion; -OR- 480 mg nivolumab every 4 weeks by intravenous infusion; -OR- 600 mg nivolumab and 10,000 units hyaluronidase every 2 weeks administered subcutaneously; -OR- 1,200 mg nivolumab and 20,000 units hyaluronidase every 4 weeks administered subcutaneously. ( 2.2 ) HCC: 60 mg orally, once daily. ( 2.2 ) DTC, pNET, epNET Adult patients and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with bodyweight greater than or equal to 40 kg: 60 mg orally once daily. ( 2.2 ) Pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with bodyweight less than 40 kg: 40 mg orally once daily. (2.2) 2.1 Important Dosage Information and Recommended Evaluation and Testing Before Initiating CABOMETYX Do not substitute CABOMETYX tablets with cabozantinib capsules. Stop treatment with CABOMETYX 3 weeks prior to scheduled surgery, including dental surgery to reduce the risk of hemorrhage. Do not administer CABOMETYX for at least 2 weeks after major surgery and…

Side effects

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Perforations and Fistulas [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Thromboembolic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypertension and Hypertensive Crisis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Cardiac Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Palmar-plantar Erythrodysesthesia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Proteinuria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Osteonecrosis of the Jaw [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Impaired Wound Healing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] Thyroid Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ] Hypocalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15) ] The most common (≥ 20%) adverse reactions are: as a single agent: diarrhea, fatigue, PPE, decreased appetite, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, weight decreased, constipation. ( 6.1 ) in combination with nivolumab: diarrhea, fatigue, hepatotoxicity, PPE, stomatitis, rash, hypertension, hypothyroidism, musculoskeletal pain, decreased appetite, nausea, dysgeusia, abdominal pain, cough, and…

Warnings

Important safety information

Hemorrhage: Do not administer CABOMETYX if recent history of hemorrhage. ( 5.1 ) Perforations and Fistulas: Monitor for symptoms. Discontinue CABOMETYX for Grade 4 fistula or perforation. ( 5.2 ) Thromboembolic Events: Discontinue CABOMETYX for myocardial infarction or serious venous or arterial thromboembolic events. ( 5.3 ) Hypertension and Hypertensive Crisis: Monitor blood pressure regularly. Interrupt for hypertension that is not adequately controlled with anti-hypertensive therapy. Discontinue CABOMETYX for hypertensive crisis or severe hypertension that cannot be controlled with anti-hypertensive therapy. ( 5.4 ) Cardiac Failure: Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of cardiac failure throughout treatment. ( 5.5 ) Diarrhea: May be severe. Interrupt CABOMETYX until diarrhea resolves or decreases to ≤Grade 1, resume at reduced dose. Recommend standard antidiarrheal treatments. ( 5.6 ) Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia (PPE): Interrupt CABOMETYX treatment until PPE resolves or decreases to Grade 1. ( 5.7 ) Hepatotoxicity: When used in combination with nivolumab, higher frequencies of Grade 3 and 4 ALT and AST elevation may occur than with CABOMETYX alone. Monitor liver enzymes before initiation of and periodically throughout treatment. Consider withholding CABOMETYX and/or nivolumab, initiating corticosteroid therapy, and/or permanently discontinuing the combination for severe or life- threatening hepatotoxicity. ( 5.8 ) Adrenal Insufficiency: When used in combination with nivolumab, primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency may occur. For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold CABOMETYX and/or nivolumab depending on severity. ( 5.9 ) Proteinuria: Monitor urine protein. Interrupt CABOMETYX until proteinuria resolves to ≤ Grade 1, resume CABOMETYX at a reduced dose. Discontinue for nephrotic syndrome. ( 5.10 ) Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ): Withhold CABOMETYX for at least 3 weeks prior to invasive dental procedures and for development of ONJ. ( 5.11 ) Impaired Wound Healing: Withhold CABOMETYX for at least 3 weeks before elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and adequate wound healing. The safety of resumption of CABOMETYX after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established. ( 5.12 ) Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS): Discontinue CABOMETYX. ( 5.13 ) Thyroid Dysfunction: Monitor thyroid function before and during treatment with CABOMETYX. ( 5.14 ) Hypocalcemia: Withhold CABOMETYX and resume at reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue CABOMETYX depending on severity. ( 5.15 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.16 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Hemorrhage CABOMETYX can cause severe and fatal hemorrhages. Do not administer CABOMETYX to patients who have a recent history of hemorrhage, including hemoptysis, hematemesis, or melena. The incidence of Grade 3 to 5 hemorrhagic events was 5% in CABOMETYX-treated patients in RCC, HCC, and DTC studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Withhold CABOMETYX for 3 weeks prior to scheduled surgery, including dental surgery to reduce the risk of hemorrhage. Permanently discontinue CABOMETYX for Grade 3 or 4 hemorrhage and prior to surgery as recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Warnings and Precautions (5.11 , 5.12) ] . 5.2 Perforations and Fistulas CABOMETYX can cause gastrointestinal (GI) perforations and fistulas. Fistulas, including fatal cases, occurred in 1% of CABOMETYX-treated patients [see [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . GI perforations, including fatal cases, occurred in 1% of CABOMETYX-treated patients. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of fistulas and perforations, including abscess and sepsis. Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who experience a Grade 4 fistula or a GI perforation [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.3 Thromboembolic Events CABOMETYX can cause arterial or venous thromboembolic events. Venous thromboembolism occurred in 7% (including 4% pulmonary embolism) and arterial thromboembolism occurred in 2% of CABOMETYX-treated patients. Fatal thromboembolic events occurred in CABOMETYX-treated patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Discontinue CABOMETYX in patients who develop an acute myocardial infarction or serious arterial or venous thromboembolic events that require medical intervention [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.4 Hypertension and Hypertensive Crisis CABOMETYX can cause hypertension, including hypertensive crisis [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Hypertension was reported in 37% (16% Grade 3 and <1% Grade 4) of CABOMETYX-treated patients. In CABINET (n=195) [see Clinical Studies (14.4) ] , hypertension was reported in 65% (26% Grade 3) of CABOMETYX-treated patients. Do not initiate CABOMETYX in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Monitor blood pressure regularly during CABOMETYX treatment. Withhold CABOMETYX for hypertension that is not adequately controlled with medical management; when controlled, resume CABOMETYX at a reduced dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . Permanently discontinue CABOMETYX for severe hypertension that cannot be controlled with anti-hypertensive therapy or for hypertensive crisis [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.5 Cardiac Failure CABOMETYX can cause severe and fatal cardiac failure [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Cardiac failure occurred in 0.5% of patients treated with CABOMETYX as a single agent, including fatal cardiac failure in 0.1% of patients. Median time to onset of cardiac failure was 73 days (range: 44 days to 159 days). Consider baseline and periodic evaluations of left ventricular ejection fraction. Monitor for signs and symptoms of cardiovascular events. Withhold and resume at a reduced dose upon recovery or permanently discontinue CABOMETYX depending on the severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.6 Diarrhea CABOMETYX can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea occurred in 62% of patients treated with CABOMETYX. Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 10% of patients treated with CABOMETYX [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Monitor and manage patients using antidiarrheals as indicated. Withhold CABOMETYX until improvement to ≤Grade 1, resume CABOMETYX at a reduced dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.7 Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia CABOMETYX can cause palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE). PPE occurred in 45% of patients treated with CABOMETYX [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Grade 3 PPE occurred in 13% of patients treated with CABOMETYX. Withhold CABOMETYX until improvement to Grade 1 and resume CABOMETYX at a reduced dose for intolerable Grade 2 PPE or Grade 3 PPE [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . 5.8 Hepatotoxicity CABOMETYX in combination with nivolumab can cause hepatic toxicity with higher frequencies of Grades 3 and 4 ALT and AST elevations compared to CABOMETYX alone. Monitor liver enzymes before initiation of and periodically throughout treatment. Consider more frequent monitoring of liver enzymes as compared to when the drugs are administered as single agents. For elevated liver enzymes, interrupt CABOMETYX and nivolumab and consider administering corticosteroids [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . With the combination of CABOMETYX and nivolumab, Grades 3 and 4 increased ALT or AST were seen in 11% of patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . ALT or AST >3 times ULN (Grade ≥2) was reported in 83 patients, of whom 23 (28%) received systemic corticosteroids; ALT or AST resolved to Grades 0-1 in 74 (89%). Among the 44 patients with Grade ≥2 increased ALT or AST who were rechallenged with either CABOMETYX (n=9) or nivolumab (n=11) as a single agent or with both (n=24), recurrence of Grade ≥2 increased ALT or AST was observed in 2 patients receiving CABOMETYX,…

Who should not take Cabometyx

None. None ( 4 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

One case of overdosage was reported following administration of another formulation of cabozantinib; a patient inadvertently took twice the intended dose for 9 days. The patient suffered Grade 3 memory impairment, Grade 3 mental status changes, Grade 3 cognitive disturbance, Grade 2 weight loss, and Grade 1 increase in BUN. The extent of recovery was not documented.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Reduce the CABOMETYX dosage if coadministration cannot be avoided. ( 2.4 , 7.1 ) Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers: Increase the CABOMETYX dosage if coadministration cannot be avoided. ( 2.5 , 7.1 ) 7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on CABOMETYX Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors Coadministration of a cabozantinib capsule formulation with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor increased the exposure of cabozantinib, which may increase the risk of exposure-related adverse reactions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Avoid coadministration of CABOMETYX with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Reduce the dosage of CABOMETYX if coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors cannot be avoided [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice which may also increase exposure of cabozantinib. Strong or Moderate CYP3A Inducers Coadministration of a cabozantinib capsule formulation with a strong CYP3A4 inducer decreased the exposure of cabozantinib, which may reduce efficacy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Avoid coadministration of CABOMETYX with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers. Increase the dosage of CABOMETYX if coadministration with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers cannot be avoided [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . Avoid St. John’s wort which may also decrease exposure of cabozantinib.

Drug class

How this class works, per Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

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Dosage forms

Tablet

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Cabometyx treat?
Cabometyx (Cabozantinib S-Malate) may be used to treat renal cell carcinoma, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
How does Cabometyx work?
Cabometyx is a kinase inhibitor. Kinase inhibitors block protein kinases, the enzymes that relay 'grow and divide' signals inside cells. By shutting down the overactive kinase signals that a tumor depends on, they help slow or stop cancer cells from multiplying.
Is there a coupon or discount for Cabometyx?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Cabometyx. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Cabometyx?
Cabometyx is marketed by Exelixis. You can see Exelixis's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Cabometyx a brand-name or generic drug?
Cabometyx is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Cabozantinib S-Malate.
Is Cabometyx available over the counter?
No. Cabometyx is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Cabometyx come in?
Cabometyx is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Cabometyx?
Cabometyx is classified as kinase inhibitor, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Cabometyx FDA-registered?
Cabometyx is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA208692. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Cabometyx safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Cabometyx. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Cabometyx?
Cabometyx's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Perforations and Fistulas [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Thromboembolic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypertension and Hypertensive C… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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