Ceritinib (By mouth)
se-RI-ti-nib
Treats non-small cell lung cancer.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Ceritinib is used to treat metastatic (cancer that has already spread) non-small cell lung cancer that is caused by a defect in a gene called anaplastic lymphoma kinase. It is used in patients who have already received crizotinib, but their condition got worse or the medicine was not tolerated. Ceritinib is an antineoplastic (cancer) agent. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take it at least 2 hours before or after a meal.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or open it.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose:
Less than 12 hours until next regular dose: Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. More than 12 hours until next regular dose: Take the missed dose as soon as possible, and then go back to your regular schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Do not take extra medicine if you vomit.Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how ceritinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Carbamazepine, clonidine, digoxin, fentanyl, nefazodone, phenytoin, pimozide, quinidine, rifampin, ritonavir, St John’s wort, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, or warfarin Cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus Blood pressure medicine or heart medicine Antibiotic, including telithromycin Medicine to treat fungus infection, including ketoconazoleDo not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to ceritinib or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, diabetes, heart failure, or heart rhythm problems (such as long QT syndrome).
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Liver problems Pneumonitis or interstitial lung disease, which may be life-threatening Heart rhythm problems, including QT prolongation High blood sugar PancreatitisYour doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness
Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Increased hunger or thirst, increase in how much or how often you urinate, confusion
Severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness
Trouble breathing, chest pain, fever, chills, cough
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Heartburn, trouble swallowing
Tiredness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Zykadia
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
