Xalkori
Crizotinib
What is Xalkori used for?
Crizotinib is used to treat certain types of cancer (such as lung cancer, anaplastic large cell lymphoma-ALCL). It is also used to treat a certain type of tumor (inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor-IMT). Crizotinib works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer or tumor cells. It belongs to a class of drugs known as kinase inhibitors.
CHEMICAL NAME
DRUG TYPE
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Xalkori Frequently Asked Questions
Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, headache, heartburn, change in taste, loss of appetite, mouth sores, joint pain, trouble sleeping, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as cough, sore throat, fever, chills).
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: vision changes (such as blurred/decreased vision, flashes of light, sensitivity to light, floaters), swelling of the legs/feet/hands.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: symptoms of lung problems (such as trouble breathing, cough), eye pain/swelling/redness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, easy bleeding/bruising, symptoms of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Crizotinib can commonly cause a rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any rash.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start taking crizotinib and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. This medication comes in 2 dosage forms: a capsule to swallow or a capsule that must be opened that contains pellets.
If you are using the capsules to swallow, swallow the capsule(s) whole. Do not chew, crush, or split the capsules.
If you are using the capsules that contain pellets, do not swallow the capsule(s) whole. You must first open the capsule(s), then directly pour or spoon all of the pellets into your mouth. Do not chew or crush the pellets before swallowing. Drink water after taking to make sure the entire dose is taken. Repeat these steps if the dose is for more than one capsule. Throw away the empty capsule shell(s) in the trash.
If you vomit after taking your dose of the medication, do not take an extra dose. Take the next dose of your medication at the regular time.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, lab tests, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). For children, the dosage is also based on body size.
To decrease the risk of side effects, your doctor may prescribe other medications to take along with this medication. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for all your medications.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.