Ceritinib

Generic name: ceritinib [ se-RI-ti-nib ]
Brand name: Zykadia
Dosage form: oral tablet (150 mg)
Drug class: Multikinase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 16, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ceritinib?

Ceritinib is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Ceritinib is used only if your cancer has a specific genetic marker. Your doctor will test you for this gene.

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

Ceritinib 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.

Ceritinib usually causes side effects on your stomach (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain) that can be severe. Call your doctor if you have severe or ongoing stomach symptoms.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back;

• slow heartbeats, weak pulse, weak or shallow breathing;

• sudden chest pain or discomfort, fever, dry cough or cough with mucus, feeling short of breath;

• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, fruity breath odor, headaches, thinking problems, blurred vision, feeling tired; or

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

• liver problems--right-sided-stomach pain, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, itching, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Common side effects of ceritinib may include:

• stomach pain, loss of appetite;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• feeling tired; or

• weight loss.

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.

Warnings

Ceritinib can harm an unborn baby. Both men and women using ceritinib should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Keep using birth control for at least 6 months after your last dose of ceritinib if you are a woman, or 3 months after your last dose if you are a man.

Tell your doctor if you have severe or ongoing stomach symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain).

Ceritinib can cause serious side effects on your heart, lungs, or liver. Call your doctor right away if you have: right-sided-stomach pain, loss of appetite, bruising or bleeding, dark urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes, fever, cough, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, or sudden dizziness.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use ceritinib if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems;

• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);

• a pancreas disorder;

• diabetes or high blood sugar; or

• liver disease.

Ceritinib can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is taking this medicine.

• If you are a woman, do not use ceritinib if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using ceritinib.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

How should I take ceritinib?

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

Ceritinib is usually taken once per day with food. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

If you vomit shortly after taking ceritinib, do not take another dose. Wait until your next scheduled dose time to take the medicine again.

You may be given medication to prevent nausea or vomiting while you are receiving ceritinib.

You may need frequent medical tests to be sure ceritinib is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Ceritinib is usually given until your body no longer responds to the medication.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Ceritinib dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer:

450 mg orally once daily at the same time each day until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

Use: Treatment of patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 12 hours. Do not use 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 ceritinib?

Grapefruit may interact with ceritinib and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

What other drugs will affect ceritinib?

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

Many drugs can affect ceritinib. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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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