CERITINIB
About
CERITINIB is 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.
Uses of CERITINIB
Medicinal Benefits
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.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of CERITINIB
- Diarrhea
- Feeling or being sick
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Fatigue (feeling overtired)
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Skin changes
- Anaemia (few or abnormal red blood cells)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
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 Interactions
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.
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 these medications.
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 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.
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 or a disease history.
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
- After your treatment begins, several dietary adjustments can help you control side effects.
- Anyone suffering from a chronic illness, including cancer, should consume foods high in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and vitamins and minerals.
- Plant-based proteins are among the greatest meals during chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. They have the highest concentrations of vitamins and minerals, such as nuts, seeds, beans and legumes.
- 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
- Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain tests to check your body's response to CERITINIB.
- Pregnancy testing is recommended before starting treatment with CERITINIB.
- Do not donate sperm while on medication or within three months following completion of therapy.
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 called after the types of cells found in 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 are required. An effective way of contraception should be used by both men and women while taking the 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, Withhold the dose or permanently discontinue CERITINIB and consult the 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. Take it at least 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after meals.
Lab tests will help you know the body’s response to CERITINIB. Keep taking CERITINIB for the duration advised by the doctor.
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.
