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Ceritinib

Pronounced

"se-RI-ti-nib"

Common brand names:

Zykadia

Uses

Ceritinib is used to treat lung cancer. It is used for lung cancers that have a certain type of abnormal "ALK" gene. Ceritinib belongs to a class of drugs known as kinase inhibitors. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking ceritinib and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.

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).

Drugs that reduce stomach acid (including antacids, proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, H2 blockers such as ranitidine) may make you absorb less ceritinib. This could make ceritinib work less well. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these 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.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

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 serious side effects will increase.

If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take another dose at that time. Take your next dose at the regular time.

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.