Ceritinib Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on May 12, 2024.

Applies to ceritinib: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may give you a pregnancy test before you start using this medicine to make sure you are not pregnant. Female patients should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Male patients who have female partners should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Cancer medicines can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these unwanted effects.

Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.

This medicine may cause swelling of the lungs (pneumonitis) or interstitial lung disease. These are life-threatening conditions and require immediate medical attention. The symptoms may be similar to the symptoms of lung cancer. Check with your doctor right away if you have new or worsening cough, fever, or trouble breathing.

Contact your doctor right away if you have any changes to your heart rhythm. You might feel dizzy or faint, or you might have a slow, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat. Make sure your doctor knows if you had a heart rhythm problem, including QT prolongation.

This medicine may increase your blood sugar levels. Check with your doctor right away if you have confusion, nausea, vomiting, increased hunger, thirst or urination, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) may occur while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have loss of appetite, nausea, or pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and protective clothing when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of ceritinib

Along with its needed effects, ceritinib may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ceritinib:

Other side effects of ceritinib

Some side effects of ceritinib may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ceritinib: oral capsule, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common side effect resulting in dose reductions or interruptions were increased ALT (29%), nausea (20%), increased AST (16%), diarrhea (16%), and vomiting (16%).

The most common side effects leading to discontinuation were pneumonia, interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis, and decreased appetite.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (86%), nausea (80%), vomiting (60%), abdominal pain (54%), constipation (29%), esophageal disorder (16%)
• Rare (less than 0.1%): GI hemorrhage^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Hemoglobin decreased (84%), phosphate decreased (36%)^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): ALT increased (80%), AST increased (75%), bilirubin increased (15%)^[Ref]

Renal

• Very common (10% or more): Creatinine increased (58%), phosphate decreased (36%)^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (34%), glucose increased (49%), lipase increased (28%)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Rash (16%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis
• Rare (0.01% than 0.1%): Respiratory failure, pneumothorax, pulmonary tuberculosis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Neuropathy (17%)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Vision disorder^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Prolonged QT, bradycardia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Cardiac tamponade^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (52%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): General physical health deterioration^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Sepsis^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Ceritinib side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer