Crizotinib
About
Crizotinib belongs to the group of medicines called anti-cancer medicines. It is used to treat lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in adults. 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.
Crizotinib contains the active substance Crizotinib, a medicine used to treat adults with lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It works by inhibiting a type of enzyme called tyrosine kinase and slowing down or stopping cancer cell growth. Crizotinib is only given to patients whose disease is due to an alteration in the gene for ALK tyrosine kinase.
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. You must keep to your doctor's instructions to get the maximum benefit. Sometimes, you may experience specific common side effects, such as visual disturbances or stomach upset, including vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, tiredness, and dizziness. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not take Crizotinib if you are allergic to Crizotinib or any of its ingredients. Crizotinib may cause tiredness and dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol with Crizotinib as it could lead to increased dizziness. Crizotinib is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Inform your healthcare professional if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman so that your doctor decides whether Crizotinib can be taken or not. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects. While on Crizotinib treatment, you should avoid eating grapefruit or consuming grapefruit juice since they may alter the amount of Crizotinib in your body.
Uses of Crizotinib
Medicinal Benefits
Crizotinib contains the active substance Crizotinib, a medicine used to treat adults with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Crizotinib is only given to patients whose disease is due to an alteration in the gene for ALK tyrosine kinase. It works by inhibiting a type of enzyme called tyrosine kinase and slowing down or stopping cancer cell growth.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Crizotinib
- Visual disturbance
- Stomach upset
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Metallic taste
- Abdomen pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Crizotinib if you are allergic to Crizotinib or any of its ingredients. Crizotinib may cause tiredness and dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Crizotinib as it could lead to increased dizziness. Crizotinib is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Consult your doctor if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman; your doctor will decide whether the Crizotinib can be taken or not. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects. It is essential to take Crizotinib every day, as long as your doctor prescribes it. Contact your doctor immediately if you cannot take medicine as your doctor prescribed or feel you do not need it anymore. Do not stop taking this medicine on your own. People with liver, kidney or heart disorders, lung inflammation, stomach or intestine problems, and vision disorders should consult the doctor before taking the Crizotinib.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Crizotinib may interact with various medications, including medicines used to treat fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole), medicines used to treat bacterial infections (e.g. clarithromycin, telithromycin, and erythromycin), medicines used to treat AIDS/HIV (e.g. atazanavir, ritonavir, and cobicistat), medicines used to treat seizures or fits (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine or phenobarbital), medications used to treat tuberculosis (e.g. rifabutin, rifampicin), and a herbal product used to treat depression (e.g. St. John's wort).
Drug-Food Interactions: You must not drink alcohol or grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit while on treatment.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Crizotinib should be used with caution in patients with liver, kidney or heart disorders, lung inflammation, stomach or intestine problems, and vision disorders.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsuming alcohol while using Crizotinib is not recommended since it may produce side effects or make you more sensitive to the effects of alcohol.
Pregnancy
cautionCrizotinib is not typically recommended during the pregnancy. Please consult the healthcare professional if you have any concerns regarding this.
Breast Feeding
cautionCrizotinib is not typically recommended if you are a nursing woman. Please consult the healthcare professional if you have any concerns regarding this.
Driving
cautionDo not drive, or you should take special care when driving and using machines as patients taking Crizotinib may experience visual disturbances, dizziness, and tiredness.
Liver
cautionCaution should be taken while using Crizotinib in patients with liver impairment. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionCaution should be taken while using Crizotinib in patients with kidney impairment. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
unsafeIt is not recommended for children as the safety and efficacy have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Watch out for triggers that worsen the cough, such as smoke, foods, air-conditioning, high altitude, etc.
- Exercise moderately. Eat healthily.
- Follow a pulmonary rehabilitation program. It includes exercise, disease education, and group therapy.
- Quit smoking and alcohol.
- Get ample rest.
- Include green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, mangoes, citrus fruits, berries, and cocoa.
- Lean proteins such as fish, meat, and poultry are the best.
- Hydration is important. Drink plenty of water, herbal tea, and vegetable and fruit juices.
- Avoid processed and refined foods.
Special Advise
- If you have a fever or an infection, call your doctor. Your doctor may perform blood tests, and if the findings are abnormal, your doctor may opt to cut the dose of Crizotinib.
- Inform your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any vision loss or changes in your vision, such as difficulties seeing out of one or both eyes.
- During your therapy with Crizotinib, your doctor may recommend electrocardiograms to ensure that your heart is not causing any difficulties.
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
Crizotinib is the active ingredient in Crizotinib. It works by inhibiting an enzyme called tyrosine kinase and causing cancer cells to die. Crizotinib is only provided to individuals whose condition is caused by an ALK tyrosine kinase gene mutation.
In elderly patients, the risk of side effects is more if you take the Crizotinib. For the elderly, it might require dose adjustment, or your doctor might prescribe any other medication safe for the elderly.
No, avoid smoking before starting the treatment and while taking Crizotinib as smoking might alter the effectiveness of Crizotinib.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missing dose and return to your regular dosing plan if it is time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missing dose.
Crizotinib may cause visual disturbances such as flashes of light, blurred vision, or double vision as a temporary side effect. If it continues or worsens your condition, seek medical advice immediately.
