If you’re looking at treatment options for a certain kind of lung cancer, your doctor might suggest Tabrecta (capmatinib). Learning about the possible side effects can help you know what to expect while taking this drug.

Tabrecta is a prescription medication that’s used to treat certain kinds of non-small cell lung cancer in adults. It comes as a tablet that you take by mouth.

Tabrecta is usually taken long term if it’s determined to be safe and effective for you. For more information about the drug, see this in-depth article.

Like other drugs, Tabrecta can cause mild or serious side effects. Keep reading to learn more.

Some people may experience mild or serious side effects during Tabrecta treatment.

Examples of Tabrecta’s commonly reported side effects include:

These are a few of Tabrecta’s side effects. The following sections have more details on the drug’s mild and serious side effects.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Mild side effects may occur in some people taking Tabrecta.

Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Tabrecta include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed, too. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And don’t stop taking Tabrecta unless your doctor recommends it.

Tabrecta may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the Tabrecta prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Tabrecta, visit MedWatch.

Serious side effects can occur with Tabrecta treatment, but they’re less common.

Serious side effects that have been reported with Tabrecta include:

If you develop serious side effects while taking Tabrecta, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Tabrecta. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

See below for more information about some of the side effects Tabrecta may cause.

Edema

The most common side effect of Tabrecta is edema (swelling) of the hands and feet. Swelling can also occur in the ankles, legs, and arms. With edema, you may also experience pain or tightness in the swollen area.

What might help

If you develop edema while taking Tabrecta, talk with your doctor right away. They may change your dose or have you stop taking the drug until your symptoms ease.

To help reduce swelling, try raising the swollen body part above the level of your heart several times a day. In some cases, elevating the affected area while you sleep may also be helpful.

Your doctor may recommend wearing compression stockings, sleeves, or gloves. These are usually worn after the swelling has gone down to help prevent further swelling.

If you have questions about managing edema from Tabrecta, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Digestive problems

Some people may experience digestive problems during their Tabrecta treatment. Examples of these problems include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. In studies, nausea and vomiting were some of the most commonly reported side effects of Tabrecta treatment.

What might help

Drinking plenty of water and eating small meals throughout the day may help ease some of the discomfort caused by digestive problems. For more tips on managing these side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you experience any digestive problems that don’t go away or that are severe, call your doctor right away.

Certain lung conditions

In rare cases, some people may develop serious lung conditions during Tabrecta treatment. Examples include interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pneumonitis. These conditions can cause tissue damage to your lungs. If not treated, they can be life threatening.

Symptoms of these conditions can vary, but may include:

What might help

If you experience any of the symptoms above while taking Tabrecta, tell your doctor right away. If you do have ILD or pneumonitis, they’ll most likely stop your Tabrecta treatment.

If you have questions about your risk of lung conditions during Tabrecta treatment, talk with your doctor.

Abnormal results of liver function tests

Some people taking Tabrecta may have abnormal results of liver function tests. This isn’t a common side effect, but it can be serious. These abnormal results could be a sign of liver problems. Liver function tests check for liver damage, and they may indicate a problem before you have any noticeable symptoms.

What might help

You’ll likely have your liver tested before you start Tabrecta treatment. Then, you’ll have tests done every 2 weeks during the first 3 months of treatment. After that, you’ll likely have tests done once a month or as your doctor recommends.

If your liver test results are abnormal, your doctor may lower your Tabrecta dose. Or they may have you pause or permanently stop Tabrecta treatment.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Tabrecta can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest an over-the-counter antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), or a topical product, such as hydrocortisone cream, to manage your symptoms. (A topical product is one you apply to your skin.)

If your doctor confirms you had a mild allergic reaction to Tabrecta, they’ll decide if you should continue taking it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Tabrecta, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During Tabrecta treatment, consider keeping notes on any side effects you’re having. Then, you can share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful to do when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon after starting that dose you had the side effect
  • what your symptoms were from the side effect
  • how it affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were also taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help your doctor learn more about how Tabrecta affects you. And your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Tabrecta’s side effects.

What is photosensitivity, and how can I avoid it while taking Tabrecta?

Photosensitivity can be a side effect of medications such as Tabrecta. With photosensitivity, your skin can be extremely sensitive to sunlight. Symptoms may include:

To help prevent skin sensitivity to the sunlight while taking Tabrecta:

  • apply sunscreen
  • wear protective clothing
  • limit sun exposure

If I experience side effects while taking Tabrecta, will they continue as long as I take the medication?

It’s not likely. Side effects of Tabrecta are usually temporary. This means if you develop a side effect from the drug, in most cases it won’t last throughout your treatment. But if you experience side effects that are bothersome or that don’t go away, talk with your doctor. They may change your Tabrecta dosage, or they may pause or permanently stop your Tabrecta treatment.

Are side effects from Tabrecta more likely for people of a certain age?

No, your age shouldn’t affect your risk of side effects from the drug. In studies, side effects from Tabrecta didn’t vary based on people’s ages. (It’s important to note that Tabrecta is only prescribed for adults.)

If you have questions about your risk of side effects from Tabrecta, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Tabrecta may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Tabrecta. The list below includes factors to consider.

Liver problems. If you have problems with your liver, such as hepatitis or liver cirrhosis, talk with your doctor before starting Tabrecta treatment. Tabrecta can cause abnormal results of liver function tests, which could be a sign of liver problems. If you already have existing liver problems, taking Tabrecta could make them worse. Your doctor can determine whether Tabrecta is safe for you to take.

Lung conditions. If you have lung problems (other than lung cancer), tell your doctor before taking Tabrecta. This drug may cause serious lung conditions in some people. Your doctor can determine if Tabrecta is safe for you to take.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Tabrecta or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely recommend that you do not take Tabrecta. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.

Alcohol and Tabrecta

It should be safe to drink alcohol during Tabrecta treatment.

If you have any questions about consuming alcohol while taking Tabrecta, talk with your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Tabrecta

Tabrecta is not safe to take during pregnancy. The drug can cause harm to a fetus. If you’re able to become pregnant, your doctor will likely give you a pregnancy test before you start taking Tabrecta. They’ll want to determine that you aren’t pregnant before you start taking the medication. If you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Tabrecta, talk with your doctor right away.

Breastfeeding during Tabrecta treatment is not recommended. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about your options.

If you have lung cancer, Tabrecta may be a treatment option for you. As with all drugs, some people may experience certain side effects while taking Tabrecta.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about the side effects that could occur during Tabrecta treatment.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • If I have other health conditions, will my side effects from Tabrecta be more severe?
  • Are the side effects of Tabrecta the same as the side effects of chemotherapy drugs? (Chemotherapy drugs are traditional drugs used to treat cancer.)
  • If I take Tabrecta and my partner is able to become pregnant, are there any precautions we should take?

Q:

I know that Tabrecta can cause abnormal results of liver function tests. Will I have any symptoms along with these abnormal results?

Anonymous

A:

It depends. Abnormal results could indicate that you have a liver problem before you have any noticeable symptoms.

But in some cases, you may experience side effects of a liver problem. Examples of these side effects include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of your eyes), decreased appetite, dark urine, light-colored stools, and confusion.

If you have concerns about liver problems with Tabrecta, talk with your doctor.

Brittany Duke, PharmD, RPhAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.