Xalkori (Crizotinib)

Xalkori (crizotinib) is used to treat patients with locally advanced (a cancer that cannot be surgically removed for cure) or metastatic (a cancer that has spread to other parts of the body) non-small cell lung cancer that is caused by a defect in either a gene called ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) or a gene called ROS1. Patients should have their cancer tested and confirmed for one of the defective genes, ALK or ROS1, before receiving treatment with Xalkori. This medication may slow or stop the growth of lung cancer. It may help shrink tumors. Do not crush, dissolve or open the capsules. The capsules can be taken with or without food. Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit, or products containing grapefruit extracts, star fruit, pomegranate, Seville oranges or other similar fruits. They may change the amount of Xalkori in your body.

Manufacturer Information

Common side effects of Xalkori may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation; swelling of the hands and feet, tiredness, trouble sleeping, weakness; neuropathy (symptoms include numbness, prickling or tingling, burning, freezing, throbbing and/or shooting pain); change of taste, decreased appetite; cough, shortness of breath, respiratory infections; chest pain, low heart rate; abdominal pain; low red and white blood cell count; headache, fever, mouth ulcers; back pain, pain in joints, pain in extremities; rash; visual changes such as perceived flashes of light, blurry vision, and double vision. Call your doctor immediately if you notice less common but more serious side effects such as:

• Infection of the lung (pneumonia);
• Lung inflammation: difficulty breathing, cough or fever

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Contact your doctor if any of these side effects worsen or persist.

Do not take Xalkori if you have congenital long QT syndrome or if you are allergic to crizotinib or any of the other ingredients of Xalkori. Before you use Xalkori talk to your doctor if you have any heart disorder; have liver or kidney problems; have symptoms of nerve damage; have eye problems; are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant. Do not breastfeed while using Xalkori. Xalkori may cause harm to your unborn baby. Both male and female patients must use an effective birth control method while taking Xalkori and for at least 90 days after the last dose. The use of Xalkori in people younger than 18 years old has not been established. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel tired or dizzy, or experience any change in vision while taking Xalkori. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you take including prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can react with Xalkori and may cause serious side effects or may change the amount of Xalkori in your body. Especially tell your doctor if you take medicines that may affect your heartbeat; medicines for depression; antibiotics; medicines for nausea and vomiting; St. John’s wort.

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