Generic name: ensartinib [ en-SAR-ti-nib ]
Drug class: Multikinase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 30, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ensartinib?

Ensartinib is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer in adults who have not received a type of cancer medicine called ALK-inhibitors.

Ensartinib is used when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).

Your doctor will make sure you have the correct tumor type to be treated with ensartinib.

Ensartinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ensartinib 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.

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Ensacove may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;

• slow heart rate, dizziness, a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• lung problems--trouble breathing, shortness of breath, cough with or without mucus, chest pain, fever;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• skin problems--skin rash, itching, skin swelling;

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;

• vision changes--blurred or double vision, seeing flashes of light or "floaters" in your vision, eyes being more sensitive to light; or

• high levels of uric acid in blood--joint problems, stomach pain, little or no urination, nausea, vomiting, pink or brown urine.

Common side effects of Ensacove may include:

• cough;

• skin rash, itching, skin swelling;

• bone or muscle pain;

• tiredness, fever;

• constipation, nausea or vomiting;

• abnormal liver function tests;

• low white blood cell counts;

• low red blood cells (anemia); or

• other abnormal blood tests.

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.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use ensartinib if you are allergic to it, or to food dye yellow number 5 (tartrazine).

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• lung or breathing problems other than lung cancer;

• heart problems, irregular heart rhythm such as slow heartbeats;

• type 2 diabetes mellitus or higher than normal blood glucose (sugar) levels;

• vision problems;

• an allergy to aspirin; or

• liver disease.

Ensartinib can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

• If you are a woman, you may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Use birth control while using this medicine and for at least 1 week after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

• If you are a man, use birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 1 week after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 week after your last dose.

How should I take ensartinib?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not change your dose or stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice.

Ensartinib is usually taken once per day with or without food, at the same time each day.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

If you vomit shortly after taking ensartinib, do not take another dose. Take your next dose as scheduled.

You may need frequent medical tests including tests to check your liver function, heart rate, and blood sugar. Your cancer treatments may change, be delayed, or discontinued based on the results.

Keep the capsules in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule if your next dose is due in less than 12 hours. Do not take 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 avoid while taking ensartinib?

Ensartinib could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds for at least 1 week after your last dose. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors while using this medicine.

What other drugs will affect ensartinib?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• heart or blood pressure medication.

Other drugs may affect ensartinib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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