CERITINIB belongs to a class of protein kinase inhibitors primarily used to manage or treat a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer that is ALK-positive, and you have already had treatment with a drug. Non-small cell lung cancer is a condition in which malignant (cancer) cells develop in the lung tissues. Non-small cell lung cancer is classified into numerous categories. The most important risk factor for non-small cell lung cancer is smoking.
CERITINIB contains Ceritinib, which works by blocking a protein that causes cancer cells to grow and multiply. This helps to slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.
Take CERITINIB as prescribed. Follow your doctor's instructions to get the maximum benefit. Sometimes, you may experience certain common side effects, such as diarrhoea, feeling or being sick, abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue (feeling overtired), decreased appetite, and weight loss. You are advised to talk to your doctor if you persistently experience any of these side effects.
Before taking the CERITINIB, inform your doctor about all your allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to medicines or food. CERITINIB can cause fetal harm when in pregnancy. Contact your doctor immediately if you or your partner becomes pregnant while you are on treatment. Breastfeeding is not recommended during the treatment. Do not consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine. The safety and effectiveness of CERITINIB in children have not been established.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
CERITINIB contains Ceritinib, which belongs to a class of protein kinase inhibitors primarily used to manage or treat Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is ALK-positive, and you have already had treatment with a drug. Ceritinib blocks proteins in cancer cells that encourage the cancer to grow. In some cases, if you have advanced NSCLC and have not received any other treatments, you may be prescribed Ceritinib. If you haven't had any prior therapies, you may have Ceritinib.
Before taking the CERITINIB, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions (especially liver disease, heart problems, QT interval prolongation, hyperglycemia, bradycardia, stomach problems and/or pancreatitis), sensitivities or allergic conditions, and all medications you are using. Exposure of an unborn child to this medication could cause birth defects, so you should not become pregnant or father a child while on this medication. Effective birth control is required throughout treatment and at least six months after treatment for women and at least three months after treatment for males. You should not breastfeed while taking this medication for two weeks after your last dose. Unless the doctor suggests, do not use any other medicine, including herbal or vitamin supplements.
Drug-Drug Interactions: CERITINIB may interact with medicines used to treat high blood pressure (e.g. diltiazem, metoprolol), medicines used to treat manic-depressive disorder (e.g. Lithium), antibiotics (e.g. azithromycin, erythromycin), antidepressants (e.g. escitalopram), HIV infection (e.g. amprenavir, atazanavir, efavirenz), immunomodulating medication (e.g. fingolimod), anaesthetics (e.g. halothane), CYP3A4/P-gp inhibitor (ketoconazole), strong CYP3A4/P-gp inducer (rifampin), a sensitive CYP3A substrate (midazolam), a CYP2C9 substrate (warfarin), and antiarrhythmic agent (e.g. quinidine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: CERITINIB interacts with disease conditions, including Long QT Syndrome, Electrolyte Abnormalities, pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation), hyperglycemia (diabetes Mellitus), lung toxicity, and renal or hepatic impairment.
Avoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with CERITINIB.
CERITINIB should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. You or your partner must use a reliable form of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking these medications.
You should not breastfeed during the treatment with CERITINIB and for two weeks after your last dose of this medication.
CERITINIB may cause tiredness and weakness (fatigue), impacting the ability to drive or use machines.
CERITINIB might harm the liver. During the treatment, your doctor may perform blood tests at least once a month to monitor your liver. Notify your physician straight away if you experience any of the following symptoms: Fatigue, skin itchiness, yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, right-side stomach pain, dark or brown (tea-coloured) urine, and an increased propensity to bleed or bruise.
It is not known how CERITINIB affects when used in kidney-impaired patients. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney problems or a disease history.
Safety and effectiveness in patients below the age of 18 years have not been established. Hence, use is not recommended.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Non-small cell lung cancer is a condition in which malignant (cancer) cells develop in the lung tissues. Non-small cell lung cancer is classified into numerous categories. The most important risk factor for non-small cell lung cancer is smoking. There are various forms of non-small cell lung cancer. Different types of cancer cells are found in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer cells of different types grow and spread in different ways. The several types of non-small cell lung cancer are called after the types of cells found in cancer and how the cells appear under a microscope.