Ceritinib Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 4, 2022.
In Summary
Commonly reported side effects of ceritinib include: abdominal pain, diarrhea, hyperglycemia, increased serum alanine aminotransferase, nausea, and vomiting. Other side effects include: interstitial pulmonary disease, pneumonitis, and prolonged qt interval on ecg. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.
For the Consumer
Applies to ceritinib: oral tablet
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention
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:
More common
- Blurred vision
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- clay-colored stools
- dark urine
- decreased appetite
- dry mouth
- fever
- flushed, dry skin
- fruit-like breath odor
- headache
- increased hunger
- increased thirst
- increased urination
- itching, skin rash
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- stomach pain or tenderness
- sweating
- swelling of the feet or lower legs
- trouble breathing
- unexplained weight loss
- unsteadiness or awkwardness
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
- weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
- yellow eyes or skin
Less common
- Chest pain
- chills
- cough
- fainting
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- irregular heartbeat, recurrent
- thickening of bronchial secretions
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention
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:
More common
- Blurred vision or other changes in vision
- diarrhea
- difficulty having a bowel movement
- heartburn
- pain or discomfort in the chest, upper stomach, or throat
- seeing flashes or sparks of light
Incidence not known
- Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
- redness or other discoloration of the skin
- severe sunburn
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to ceritinib: oral capsule, oral tablet
General
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]
More about ceritinib
- Drug interactions
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy or Breastfeeding
- Reviews (1)
- En español
- Drug class: multikinase inhibitors
Patient resources
- Other brands
- Zykadia
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
References
1. "Product Information. Zykadia (ceritinib)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, NJ.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.