Capmatinib
Say it: kap-MA-tih-nib · Brand names: Tabrecta
Capmatinib is a targeted pill that blocks a growth signal in lung cancers with a certain change in the MET gene.
What it is
Some lung cancers have a change in a gene called MET, known as exon 14 skipping. This change tells cancer cells to keep growing. Capmatinib blocks the MET signal.
Often used for
- non-small cell lung cancer with a MET exon 14 skipping change
How you get it
It is a pill you take by mouth twice a day, with or without food. People usually take it for as long as it works. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Swelling in the legs, feet, hands, or face. Raise your legs when sitting and tell your team if it gets worse.
- Nausea and vomiting. Eat small, bland meals and ask about nausea medicine.
- Feeling tired. Rest when you need to and take short walks when you can.
- Shortness of breath. Tell your team if it is new or getting worse.
- Less appetite. Try small meals and snacks through the day.
- Sunburn more easily. Use sunscreen and cover up outside.
- Changes in liver or kidney blood tests. Your team will check these.
Call your care team right away if you have
- New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain, which can be a sign of lung swelling
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain on the right side of your belly
- Bad belly pain that may spread to your back
- Swelling that gets worse quickly, or sudden weight gain
- Blistering or very painful sunburn
Before you start, tell your team
- If you have lung, liver, or pancreas problems
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take, since some can change how this medicine works
Good to know
- Rarely, this medicine causes serious lung swelling.
- You will have regular blood tests to check your liver and pancreas.
- Protect your skin from the sun while you take it.
- This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Ask your team about birth control during treatment and for a while after.
At home
- Take it at about the same times each day.
- Swallow the pills whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or split them unless your team says it is OK.
- If you miss a dose or throw up after a dose, ask your team what to do. Do not take an extra dose on your own.
- Store the pills at room temperature in their original container, away from children and pets.
- Wash your hands after touching the pills. Ask your team if others in your home should take special care.
Questions to ask
- How long will I take this medicine?
- What tests will I need, and how often?
- Are any of my other medicines, foods, or supplements a problem with this medicine?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Which side effects should I call you about right away, and which can wait?
Side effect guides
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Capmatinib?
- Capmatinib is a targeted pill that blocks a growth signal in lung cancers with a certain change in the MET gene. Brand names: Tabrecta.
- What is Capmatinib used for?
- non-small cell lung cancer with a MET exon 14 skipping change.
- How is Capmatinib given?
- It is a pill you take by mouth twice a day, with or without food. People usually take it for as long as it works. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Capmatinib?
- Swelling in the legs, feet, hands, or face. Nausea and vomiting. Feeling tired. Shortness of breath. Less appetite. Sunburn more easily. Changes in liver or kidney blood tests.
- When should I call my care team while taking Capmatinib?
- New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain, which can be a sign of lung swelling; Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain on the right side of your belly; Bad belly pain that may spread to your back; Swelling that gets worse quickly, or sudden weight gain; Blistering or very painful sunburn.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.