ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CERITINIB Ceritinib is a cancer drug that is used to treat adult patients with the advanced stages of a form of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is only recommended to be given to patients whose disease is due to a defect in a gene known as anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK).
How Does Ceritinib Work? In patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase defects, an abnormal protein is produced that stimulates the growth of the cancerous cells. Ceritinib (noxalk) helps in blocking the action of this abnormal protein and resist the growth as well as spread of non small cell lung cancer. How much to take Ceritinib: The recommended dose of ceritinib is 450 mg (150 mg × 3 capsules). Doses should be taken once in a day with food, although your healthcare provider could modify this recommendation if required. Your healthcare provider will instruct you exactly how much ceritinib you need to take. Avoid changing the dose without talking to your doctor. Take your capsules once in a day at about the same time each day with food. Swallow the ceritinib capsules whole with water. Do not chew or crush them. If you vomit just after swallowing the ceritinib 150 mg capsules, do not take any new capsules until your upcoming scheduled dose. Possible side effects: Like all medication, ceritinib also causes some adverse reactions, although not every individual gets them. The most commonly reported ceritinib side effects include: • • • • • • • •
diarrhea nausea vomiting abdominal pain fatigue constipation decreased appetite elevated liver enzymes
Serious adverse effects of Zykadia include: • • • •
hepatotoxicity hyperglycemia bradycardia pancreatitis