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
• • •
interstitial lung disease prolonged QT syndrome gastrointestinal toxicity
How long to take Ceritinib 150 mg: Continue taking ceritinib 150 mg for as long as your healthcare provider instructed you. This long-term treatment may last up to several months. Your healthcare professional will monitor your condition in order to see that the treatment is having the desired effect. If you have further queries about how long to take this medication, talk to your healthcare provider. Warning & Precautions: • • • •
Due to the risk of elevated liver enzymes, liver function tests should be performed every 2 weeks for the first 9 weeks of treatment. Pregnancy & Breastfeeding should be avoided while on the treatment with Zykadia. Prior to initiation of treatment with this drug, Inform your doctor if you have liver problems. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions including if you have diabetes or high blood sugar, and have or have had pancreatitis.
What should I avoid while taking Ceritinib?
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while on treatment with ceritinib 150 mg. It may be responsible for increasing the amount of this drug in your blood to a hazardous level. If you take more Ceritinib: If you accidentally take too many capsules, or if someone else takes your medicine, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible in order to get apt medical help. Medical treatment may be crucial. If you miss any dose of Ceritinib: What to do if you miss any dose mainly depends on how long it is until your upcoming dose. Note:• • •
If your upcoming dose is in 12 hours or more, take the missed dose as soon as you can. Then take the upcoming dose at about the usual time. If your upcoming dose is in less than 12 hours, skip the missed capsules. Then take your upcoming dose at about the usual time. Never take a couple of doses to make up for a missed dose.
If you stop taking Ceritinib: Do not stop taking this medicine prior to interacting with your healthcare provider. If you have any query contact your healthcare team right away. How to store Ceritinib: Store it at the room temperature. This medicine must not be used after the expiry date which is mentioned on the carton. Avoid using this medication if you notice any kind of damage to the packaging or if there are any signs of tampering. What is the Price of Ceritinib: In India, the ceritinib price is reasonable. In order to get the best Price, always choose a WHO-GDP & ISO certified pharmaceutical wholesaler firm or company. Prices may vary from innovator to generic version drug.
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