Vandetanib
Caprelsa (vandetanib) is a prescription brand-name medication classified as a targeted therapy known as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It is primarily used to treat medullary thyroid cancer that is unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic and symptomatic or progressive.
Caprelsa is a targeted therapy used to treat certain types of medullary thyroid cancer by inhibiting specific proteins that cancer cells need to grow.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1114071
- Generic
- Caprelsa
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Caprelsa is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic or progressive medullary thyroid cancer in patients with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic disease.
Caprelsa works by inhibiting multiple receptor tyrosine kinases, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and rearranged during transfection (RET) signaling, which are involved in tumor growth and blood vessel formation.
Caprelsa has a boxed warning for QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes. It may cause serious side effects including heart failure, hypertension, hemorrhage, interstitial lung disease, and skin reactions. Regular monitoring of ECG and electrolytes is required during treatment. Pregnant women should not use this medication as it can cause fetal harm.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy