Overview of storage methods and precautions for lung cancer drug capmatinib

Capmatinib is an oral, selective, potent, ATP-competitive c-Met kinase inhibitor. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2020 for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with MET exon 14 skipping mutations (MET ex14). This article mainly talks about the storage method, action and efficacy of capmatinib, precautions, medication reference, etc.

Storage Method

The storage method of capmatinib needs to follow specific conditions to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the drug. Store in original packaging at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Short-term storage is permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Pay attention to moisture-proof and ensure dry storage environment. In order to ensure the effectiveness of the drug, it is recommended to store capmatinib strictly according to the above conditions. If you have any questions or are unsure about how to store medications correctly, please consult your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Effects

Capmatinib blocks the conduction of the MET signaling pathway, inhibits the growth and spread of tumor cells, and works by inhibiting the activity of MET receptors. In the GEOMETRY mono-1 study, the effective rates of capmatinib in the treatment of untreated and previously treated patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer with METex14 skip mutations were 66.7% and 44%, respectively. The median overall survival time of treatment-naive patients was 20.8 months, and the median overall survival time of previously treated patients was 13.6 months.

Notes

1. Liver function monitoring: Patients should monitor liver function during treatment, because this drug may cause hepatotoxicity.

2. Avoid ultraviolet exposure: Treatment with capmatinib may cause photosensitivity reactions, so patients should avoid direct ultraviolet exposure during treatment.

3. Pregnancy and lactation: Capmatinib may cause harm to the fetus, and pregnant women should not use this drug for treatment. Before receiving treatment, you should inform your doctor if you are pregnant and use appropriate contraception during treatment. Breastfeeding patients should stop taking the drug or breastfeeding immediately.

4. Heart health: For patients with a history of heart disease, a cardiac evaluation should be performed before use, because capmatinib may affect heart function.

5. Pulmonary function monitoring: The patient's pulmonary function should be monitored during treatment, because capmatinib may cause pneumonia or pulmonary fibrosis.

6. Drug interactions: Capmatinib may interact with other drugs, especially those that affect the CYP3A4 enzyme.

Medication Reference

The recommended dosage is 400 mg, taken orally, twice a day, with or without food. Swallow this medicine whole. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. If a patient misses a dose or vomits a dose, instruct the patient not to take a missed dose but to take the next dose at the scheduled time.

Capmatinib is a targeted treatment drug for specific types of non-small cell lung cancer, with clear efficacy and certain side effects. When using it, the patient's specific situation and the doctor's advice need to be taken into consideration to formulate the best treatment plan.