Zykadia

Generic name:ceritinib [ se-RI-ti-nib ]
Drug class:Multikinase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on May 26, 2022.

What is Zykadia?

Zykadia is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Zykadia is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Zykadia is used only if your cancer has a specific genetic marker. Your doctor will test you for this gene.

Warnings

Zykadia can harm an unborn baby. Both men and women using Zykadia should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Keep using birth control for at least 6 months after your last dose of ceritinib if you are a woman, or 3 months after your last dose if you are a man.

Tell your doctor if you have severe or ongoing stomach symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain).

Zykadia can cause serious side effects on your heart, lungs, or liver. Call your doctor right away if you have: right-sided-stomach pain, loss of appetite, bruising or bleeding, dark urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes, fever, cough, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, or sudden dizziness.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Zykadia if you are allergic to ceritinib.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems;

• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);

• a pancreas disorder;

• diabetes or high blood sugar; or

• liver disease.

Zykadia can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is taking this medicine.

• If you are a woman, do not use ceritinib if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using ceritinib.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

How should I take Zykadia?

Zykadia is usually taken once per day with food. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

If you vomit shortly after taking Zykadia, do not take another dose. Wait until your ...