Ceritinib

Generic name: ceritinib [ se-RI-ti-nib ]
Brand name: Zykadia
Dosage forms: oral capsule (150 mg); oral tablet (150 mg)
Drug class:Multikinase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 2, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ceritinib?

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

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

Ceritinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Ceritinib can harm an unborn baby. Both men and women using ceritinib 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).

Ceritinib 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 ceritinib if you are allergic to it.

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.

Ceritinib 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...