Crizotinib is used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to nearby tissues or to other parts of the body. Crizotinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of a certain naturally occurring substance that may be needed to help cancer cells multiply.
Crizotinib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food twice a day. Take crizotinib at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take crizotinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Do not touch capsules that are broken or crushed.
Your doctor may temporarily or permanently stop your treatment, decrease the dose, or tell you take your medication less often if you experience serious side effects of crizotinib. Tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment.
Continue to take crizotinib even if you feel well. Do not stop taking crizotinib without talking to your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is less than 6 hours before you are scheduled to take your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
diarrhea
constipation
stomach pain
sores in the mouth
change in ability to taste food
heartburn
headache
numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
shortness of breath
cough
fever
swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
chest pain
slow heartbeat
rash
weakness
excessive tiredness
pain in the right upper part of the stomach
nausea
vomiting
yellowing of the skin or eyes
dark urine
itching
fever
unusual bleeding or bruising
double vision
blurred vision
sensitivity to light
seeing sudden flashes of light
seeing new or increased floaters (spots in your vision)
Crizotinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order a lab test before you begin your treatment to see whether your cancer can be treated with crizotinib and will also order certain lab tests during your treatment to check your body's response to crizotinib.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 06/15/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.