Ceritinib

Information about Ceritinib

Ceritinib uses

Ceritinib is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

How ceritinib works

Ceritinib is an anti-cancer medication. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps to stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.

Common side effects of ceritinib

Fatigue, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea

Available Medicine for Ceritinib

Noxalk
₹16000 to ₹45000
Natco Pharma Ltd
2 variant(s)
Spexib
₹1
Novartis India Ltd
1 variant(s)

Expert advice for Ceritinib

Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.
Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Drink plenty of fluids and inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for a month after you stop taking it.
Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of very high blood pressure such as severe headache, confusion, problems with your eyesight, nausea or vomiting.
It may cause serious bleeding problem. Inform your doctor if you get headaches, stomach pain or if you notice blood in your urine or stools.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions for Ceritinib

Ceritinib

Q. What is Ceritinib?

Ceritinib is a cancer medicine that contains the active substance ceritinib. It is used to treat patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Q. What is ALK-positive NSCLC?

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene is present in all the cells. When it loses its original structure, it changes its normal behavior and multiplies abnormally, causing lung cancer. This type of lung cancer is called ALK-positive NSCLC.

Q. How does Ceritinib treat ALK-positive NSCLC?

Ceritinib treat ALK-positive NSCLC that has spread to other parts of the body. By blocking the activity of the abnormal ALK gene, it shrinks the tumor and also stops its further growth.

Q. How should I take Ceritinib?

Take this medicine on an empty stomach, do not eat for 2 hours before, and do not eat for 2 hours after taking Ceritinib. Talk to your doctor in case of any doubts.

Q. How will you know that Ceritinib is working?

Keep taking this medicine exactly as directed until your doctor tells you to stop. Regular scans will reveal whether your tumor is responding to the treatment. Your doctor will determine when those scans should be scheduled.

Q. Are there any serious side effects of Ceritinib?

Yes, some people may develop serious side effects after taking this medicine. These may include fast or irregular heart rate, chest pain, lung inflammation (pneumonitis), liver disease, or severe diarrhea. Your doctor may need to adjust your treatment or stop Ceritinib temporarily or permanently.

Q. What should I do if I develop liver problems while taking Ceritinib?

If you develop liver problems while taking this medicine, you must look for some signs and symptoms. These may include excessive tiredness, yellowish discoloration of your skin or white portion of the eyes, dark or brown urine, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite. Additionally, you may develop itching, easy bruising, and also pain on the right side of your stomach. In case you observe any of these, you should consult your doctor without any delay.

Q. Can Ceritinib affect my lungs? What should I do?

Yes, this medicine might cause inflammation of the lungs (called pneumonitis). It is advisable to notify your doctor right away if you develop any new or worsening symptoms, including shortness of breath, trouble breathing, cough, or fever.

Q. How to get relief from diarrhea while on treatment with Ceritinib?

Food items with soluble fiber can help relieve diarrhea as they help absorb excess fluid from the body. These food items include bananas (ripe), orange, boiled potatoes, white rice, curd, and oatmeal. Diarrhea can cause dehydration in the body, so drink 8-10 glasses of water to avoid dehydration. You can also have soups and juice frequently to hydrate yourself.

Q. Does Ceritinib cause vision problems?

Yes, this medicine may cause vision problems. A regular eye examination is recommended in patients taking Ceritinib. If you notice any change in your vision or blurred vision, talk to your doctor.

Q. I am a diabetic patient, will Ceritinib affect my sugar level?

Ceritinib might cause a rise in your sugar level. Monitor your blood sugar level regularly and consult your doctor immediately if you notice excessive thirst and hunger, increased frequency of urination, headaches, trouble thinking or concentrating.

Q. I have noticed some changes in my skin after taking Ceritinib. What should I do?

Use a moisturizer to get relief from rashes, dry and itchy skin. Wear loose-fit cotton clothes and try to stay at an ambient room temperature. These conditions tend to resolve once treatment is stopped. However, if you develop yellow discoloration of your skin, inform your doctor immediately as this could be a sign of a liver problem.