Ceritinib Medication Information
Get detailed information on Ceritinib, including pronunciation, uses, dosage guidelines, indications, and instructions on how and when to take it and when to avoid it.
The updated prescription information on Ceritinib provides an overview of possible side effects, precautions, warnings, and storage tips.
You'll also find brand names used in india and internationally, along with pricing details. For further clarification, consult your healthcare provider.
Generic Name : Ceritinib Pronunciation : se-RI-ti-nib Therapeutic Classification : ChemotherapyTrade Names/Brand Names of Ceritinib
India :
Zykadia, Spexib
Why is Ceritinib Prescribed? (Indications)
This medication is used as a first-line treatment for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer in adult patients and Ceritinib is used when cancer has spread to other body parts.When should Ceritinib not be taken? (Contraindications)
Ceritinib should not be used in patients with-• Allergic to ceritinib
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Live vaccine immunization
• Severe liver disease
Children under 18 years of age should not be given ceritinib as the safety and effectiveness have not been studied in these age groups.
What is the dosage of Ceritinib?
• The recommended adult dose of ceritinib is 750 mg taken one time daily until the progression of cancer or if the treatment with ceritinib does not result in intolerable toxicity.• The dose of ceritinib can be reduced based on the occurrence of the side effects, and the treatment can be started again with the usual dose once the side effects are reduced.
• The initial reduced dose of ceritinib is 600 mg and the next reduced dose is 450 mg once daily.
• The dose of ceritinib can be reduced further down to 300 mg once daily; finally, the treatment with ceritinib can be permanently stopped if the patient is unable to tolerate the minimum dose of 300 mg.
How should Ceritinib be taken?
• Ceritinib comes in a capsule form which should be taken by mouth without food at least 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals.• If vomiting occurs after taking a capsule of ceritinib, do not take an extra dose but continue with the next dose on the following day as per the prescribed schedule.
• Take ceritinib capsules at the same time every day.
• If a dose of ceritinib is missed, take the missed dose as soon you remember but make sure that there is an enough gap of at least 12 hours for the next dose to take.
What are the warnings and precautions for Ceritinib?
• Women of reproductive potential should take effective contraception during the treatment with ceritinib and must continue contraception for at least 6 months after taking the last dose.• Checking the presence of pregnancy status and confirming as “negative” before starting ceritinib treatment may help to protect the fetus from the unwanted side effects of ceritinib.
• Male patients living with an active female partner should use condoms during the ceritinib treatment and should continue using condoms for at least three months after stopping ceritinib therapy.
• Breastfeeding should not be done during ceritinib therapy and for at least two weeks after stopping the ceritinib treatment as ceritinib passes through breast milk and could harm the baby.
• Patients taking ceritinib capsules may experience vomiting and stomach problems such as loose stools and pain. So, patients should be monitored for such symptoms or signs and must be treated appropriately by giving medications to control loose stools or vomiting along with fluid or electrolyte therapy.
• Check the liver function by testing total bilirubin and liver enzymes (ALT, AST) levels regularly once a month in patients under ceritinib treatment. If liver toxicity occurs, the dose of ceritinib can be reduced or treatment can be stopped permanently.
• Swelling of the pancreas or pancreatitis can occur during ceritinib treatment. To avoid this, lipase and amylase levels should be monitored at regular periods to reduce the dose of ceritinib if needed and its toxic levels caused to the pancreas.
• High blood sugar level, abnormal heart rhythm, and lung disease can occur during ceritinib treatment and the treatment can be permanently stopped if these conditions get worse.
• Monitor the patients for their blood glucose level, ECG, electrolyte levels, and symptoms or signs of worsening lung function before ceritinib treatment is started, followed by a regular check-up during the treatment.
What are the side effects of Ceritinib?
Gastrointestinal: Stomach pain, loose stools, nausea, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, irritation of food pipe by stomach acid, loss of appetiteNervous System: Headache, dizziness, abnormal weakness, fever
Cardiovascular: Abnormal heart rhythm, swelling of the sac surrounding the heart
Respiratory: Cough, pneumonitis, breathing difficulty, chest pain
Skin: Rashes, itching
Lab abnormalities: High blood sugar level, alterations of liver enzymes, lipase, creatinine levels, low levels of hemoglobin, platelets, and neutrophils
Others: Weight loss, muscle pain, back pain
What are the other precautions for Ceritinib?
• Do not get immunized with live vaccines during the treatment with ceritinib and for at least six months after taking the last dose of ceritinib because the vaccine will not offer full protection if given during ceritinib treatment.• Avoid contact with people who have taken live vaccines such as rotavirus, polio or typhoid vaccine or wear protective gloves while handling their soiled clothing.
What are the Drug Interactions of Ceritinib?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided with ceritinib and also do not take the following drugs as it may increase the availability of ceritinib in the body which could lead to toxicity.• Ketoconazole
• Telithromycin
• Ritonavir
The following drugs or herbal supplements should not be taken together with ceritinib as they may decreaseits effects.
• Rifampicin
• Phenytoin
• Carbamazepine
• St. John's Wort
Drugs which have a narrow therapeutic index (a minimum difference in dose concentration leading to treatment failure or side effects) should be avoided with ceritinib. If it cannot be avoided, the dose of the following drugs with narrow therapeutic index can be reduced.
• Ergotamine
• Fentanyl
• Quinidine
• Tacrolimus
• Cyclosporine
• Phenytoin
• Warfarin
What are the storage conditions for Ceritinib?
• Store ceritinib capsules at room temperature between 15°C and 25°C.• Keep the container away from children and pets.
• Protect the ceritinib bottle from excess heat and moisture.
