Ceritinib
About Ceritinib
Ceritinib is used to treat a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer that is ALK-positive. Non-small cell lung cancer is a condition in which malignant (cancer) cells develop in the lung tissues.
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.
Sometimes, Ceritinib may cause side effects, such as diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, decreased appetite, and weight loss. You are advised to talk to your doctor if you persistently experience any of these side effects.
Do not take Ceritinib if you are allergic to any of its components. Contact your doctor immediately if you or your partner becomes pregnant while you are on treatment with Ceritinib. Ceritinib is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Uses of Ceritinib
Medicinal Benefits
- Ceritinib is used to treat ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). It is specifically designed to treat NSCLC caused by an abnormal ALK gene, which is a known driver of cancer cell growth.
- It is used when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, helping to slow down or stop tumour growth.
- Ceritinib works by blocking ALK proteins in cancer cells, which are responsible for promoting cell division and tumour progression.
- It helps delay the progression of lung cancer.
Directions for Use
- Ceritinib should be taken with meals to reduce stomach upset and improve absorption.
- It is usually taken once a day; however, follow your doctor's advice regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow the capsule as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew or break Ceritinib.
Storage
Side Effects of Ceritinib
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Ceritinib if you are allergic to any of its components.
- Inform your doctor if you have liver problems, diabetes, heart problems (long QT syndrome), pancreas inflammation, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- 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.
- Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Ceritinib may interact with medicines used to treat high blood pressure (diltiazem, metoprolol), medicines used to treat manic-depressive disorder (Lithium), antibiotics (azithromycin, erythromycin), antidepressants (escitalopram, midazolam), HIV infection (amprenavir, atazanavir, efavirenz), immunomodulating medication (fingolimod), anaesthetics (halothane), antifungal (ketoconazole), antibacterial (rifampin), blood thinner (warfarin), and antiarrhythmic agent (quinidine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming grapefruit or its juice, as it might increase the amount of ceritinib in the blood to a harmful level.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have long QT syndrome, electrolyte abnormalities, pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation), hyperglycemia (diabetes mellitus), lung toxicity, and renal or hepatic impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Ceritinib.
Pregnancy
unsafeCeritinib 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 this medication.
Breast Feeding
unsafeYou should not breastfeed during the treatment with Ceritinib and for two weeks after your last dose of this medication.
Driving
cautionCeritinib may cause tiredness and weakness (fatigue), impacting the ability to drive or use machines.
Liver
cautionCeritinib may cause liver problems. Please consult your doctor if you have liver problems before starting Ceritinib.
Kidney
consult your doctorIt is not known how Ceritinib affects when used in kidney-impaired patients. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Children
unsafeSafety and effectiveness in patients below the age of 18 years have not been established. Hence, use is not recommended.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Consume foods high in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and vitamins and minerals.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving both physical and mental health.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- Pregnancy testing is recommended before starting treatment with Ceritinib.
- Do not donate sperm while taking Ceritinib or within three months following completion of therapy.
- If you vomit after taking Ceritinib, do not take an additional dose. Continue with the next scheduled dose.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
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 named after the types of cells found in the cancer and how the cells appear under a microscope.
FAQs
Ceritinib is used to treat a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer.
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.
While taking Ceritinib, visit your doctor at all the appointments to ensure treatment works. Regular monitoring of blood and lipid tests and weight checks is required. An effective method of contraception should be used by both men and women while taking Ceritinib.
Elevations of lipase and/or amylase and pancreatitis can occur during treatment. Your doctor monitors lipase and amylase prior to treatment and periodically thereafter, as clinically indicated. If clinically insignificant values are observed, your doctor either withholds them or reduces the Ceritinib.
In some cases, Ceritinib can cause bradycardia. Monitoring heart rate and blood pressure regularly is recommended. If this condition persists, consult your doctor immediately.
Ceritinib can cause hyperglycemia. Your doctor monitors fasting glucose prior to treatment and periodically after that. Your doctor may prescribe anti-hyperglycemic medications, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue Ceritinib if required.
Ceritinib is an anti-cancer agent (kinase inhibitor) indicated for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
ALK-positive lung cancer is a specific type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has a mutation in the ALK (Anaplastic lymphoma kinase) gene, resulting in uncontrolled cell replication-cancer.
Ceritinib should be swallowed as a whole with water.
Lab tests will help you know the body’s response to Ceritinib. Keep taking Ceritinib for the duration advised by the doctor for effective results.
Ceritinib may cause serious side effects like stomach and gastrointestinal problems, liver injury, pneumonitis (lung inflammation), and abnormal heartbeats. Consult the doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Ceritinib may cause liver problems such as liver injury. The doctor will advise regular blood tests to check for liver health during the treatment. Consult the doctor if you experience symptoms such as tiredness, itchy skin, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of eyes, decreased appetite, dark or brown urine, bleeding or bruising easily than usual, and pain on the right side of the stomach.
Ceritinib may cause severe or life-threatening lung inflammation (pneumonitis). Seek medical attention if you experience chest pain, fever, cough with or without mucous, shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
Eat non-spicy food and drink enough fluids if you have diarrhoea. You can take anti-diarrhoeal medicines if advised by the doctor.
Ceritinib may cause vision problems. Do not drive, operate machinery or do any work that requires alertness until you know how the medicine affects you. Consult the doctor if you notice any vision problems.
Ceritinib might cause itchy skin or rash. Use moisturiser and wear loose cotton clothes if you experience this. Consult the doctor if you notice yellow skin as this could be a sign of liver problems.
