Ceritinib is used to treat lung cancer.
Take Ceritinib exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Do not take this medicine with food. Take this medicine at least 2 hours before or after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the capsule.
You may be given other medicines to prevent or lessen the side effects of Ceretinib.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
If the next dose is in 12 hours or more, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next dose is in less than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If you experience vomiting after taking a dose do not take an additional dose but continue with your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not breastfeed while you are taking Ceretinib and for 2 weeks after stopping treatment.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. history or risk of QT-interval prolongation (heart rhythm condition causing fast, chaotic heartbeats)
- diabetes
- liver disease
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after you stop taking this medicine. Avoid fathering a child during treatment and for 3 months after completion of treatment.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition heart, liver, and kidney function and check your response to the medication regularly. Your doctor may also need to do routine blood tests (e.g. blood sugar level, digestive enzymes, electrolytes) while you are being treated with Ceritinib.
Ceretinib may cause tiredness, dizziness or eye problems. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or to see clearly.
Other side effects may include any of the following: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, stomach pain, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, decreased appetite, weight loss and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or stomach pain
- pain in the right stomach area, dark or tea-colored urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes
- excessive thirst or appetite, increased frequency of urination, difficulty concentrating, breath that smells fruit-like
- new chest pain or discomfort, palpitations, lightheadedness, faintness, blue discoloration of the lips, swelling of limbs
- new or worsening cough, shortness of breath
- pain in the upper stomach area that may spread to the back or may get worse while eating
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for fits or seizures e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
- medicines for depression e.g. nefazodone
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. amiodarone, digoxin, disopyramide, quinidine, procainamide
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- medicines for fungal infections e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
- medicines for tuberculosis or TB e.g. rifabutin, rifampicin, rifampin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, saquinavir
- medicines for moderate to severe pain e.g. alfentanil, fentanyl
- medicines for certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus
- herbal medicines e.g. St. John’s wort
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol and excessive consumption (more than 1 litre a day) of grapefruit juice.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired capsules to the clinic, hospital or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
Sign Out
