Generic name: ceritinib [ se-ri-ti-nib ]
Drug class: Multikinase inhibitors
Dosage form: oral tablet (150 mg)
Availability: Prescription only
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Zykadia
What is Ceritinib?
Ceritinib is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Ceritinib is used only if your cancer has a specific genetic marker. Your doctor will test you for this gene.
Ceritinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Ceritinib can harm an unborn baby. Both men and women using ceritinib should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Keep using birth control for at least 6 months after your last dose of ceritinib if you are a woman, or 3 months after your last dose if you are a man.
Tell your doctor if you have severe or ongoing stomach symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain).
Ceritinib can cause serious side effects on your heart, lungs, or liver. Call your doctor right away if you have: right-sided-stomach pain, loss of appetite, bruising or bleeding, dark urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes, fever, cough, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, or sudden dizziness.
How should I take Ceritinib
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Ceritinib is usually taken once per day with food. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
If you vomit shortly after taking ceritinib, do not take another dose. Wait until your next scheduled dose time to take the medicine again.
You may be given medication to prevent nausea or vomiting while you are receiving ceritinib.
You may need frequent medical tests to be sure ceritinib is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.
Ceritinib is usually given until your body no longer responds to the medication.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer:
450 mg orally once daily at the same time each day until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Use: Treatment of patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib
Before Taking
You should not use ceritinib if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
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heart problems;
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long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
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an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
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a pancreas disorder;
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diabetes or high blood sugar; or
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liver disease.
Ceritinib can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is taking this medicine.
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If you are a woman, do not use ceritinib if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
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If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
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Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using ceritinib.
You should not breast-feed while using this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 12 hours. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
What should I avoid while using Ceritinib?
Grapefruit may interact with ceritinib and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.
Ceritinib side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Ceritinib usually causes side effects on your stomach (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain) that can be severe. Call your doctor if you have severe or ongoing stomach symptoms.
Also call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back;
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slow heartbeats, weak pulse, weak or shallow breathing;
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sudden chest pain or discomfort, fever, dry cough or cough with mucus, feeling short of breath;
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fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
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high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, fruity breath odor, headaches, thinking problems, blurred vision, feeling tired; or
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high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; o
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liver problems--right-sided-stomach pain, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, itching, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Common side effects of ceritinib may include:
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stomach pain, loss of appetite;
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nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
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feeling tired; or
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weight loss.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See more: Ceritinib Side EffectsWhat other drugs will affect Ceritinib?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Many drugs can affect ceritinib. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to ceritinib. Your doctor will also order a lab test before you begin your treatment to find out if your cancer can be treated with ceritinib.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.