When you are diagnosed with cancer and start treatment, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and confused. But thanks to advanced medicine today, there are drugs that can target and destroy only cancer cells. Ceritinib is one such, very advanced, specific drug. So if you or someone you know has been prescribed this drug, it is very important to know exactly what it is. Let's talk about this simply.
What kind of medicine is Ceritinib?
Simply put, Ceritinib is a "targeted therapy." This means that this drug directly targets specific proteins that help cancer cells grow. When those proteins stop working, the cancer cells lose their ability to divide and grow.
This drug is mainly used to treat "non-small cell lung cancer." Rather than affecting cells throughout the body like regular chemotherapy, it specifically targets cancer cells, which may reduce some of the side effects. But it's not the same for everyone. Zykadia is a well-known brand name for this drug.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, it is essential to have a complete picture of your health. This is very important for your safety. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to discuss it with your doctor.
- If you have diabetes or high blood sugar levels.
- If you have a history of heart disease or an irregular heartbeat.
- If you have previously had pancreatitis.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have low levels of magnesium or potassium in your blood.
- If you have a lung or respiratory disease such as asthma.
- If you are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- If you have an allergic reaction to this Ceritinib medicine, lactose, gelatin, or any other medicine, food, or preservative.
How should I use the medicine?
Following the exact instructions for using this medicine is very important for the success of the treatment.
- Take with food: This medicine should be taken with a meal and a glass of water. Do not take it on an empty stomach.
- No grapefruit: Do not take this medication with grapefruit or its juice. It may change the way the medication is absorbed.
- Do not break or crush the tablet: Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
- Take it on time: Take it exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time, in the right amount. Do not stop taking the medicine or change the dosage without medical advice.
Important: If you have any suspicion that you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Imagine you forgot to take your medicine. Don't worry. If it's more than 12 hours until your next dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it's less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Other drugs that may interact with ceritinib (Drug Interactions)
Ceritinib is a drug that has a high potential for interaction with other medications. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements.
| DO NOT take Ceritinib with these medications. | |
|---|---|
| Alfuzosin | Lovastatin, Simvastatin |
| Antifungals such as Fluconazole and Voriconazole | Cisapride, Dronedarone |
| Ergot alkaloids such as ergotamine | Pimozide, Thioridazine |
| Lurasidone, Lomitapide | Triazolam, Tolvaptan |
| May also interact with these medications | |
|---|---|
| Some antiviral drugs for HIV/AIDS | Some antibiotics, such as clarithromycin |
| Antiepileptic drugs such as Carbamazepine and Phenytoin | Warfarin (a blood thinner) |
| St. John's Wort (herbal extract) | Other drugs that alter the heart rate (QT prolonging drugs) |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
Protect yourself from infections
This medicine may weaken your body's ability to fight disease, that is, your immunity. Therefore,
- If you experience symptoms such as fever, cold, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and tell your doctor.
- Try to avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Wash your hands often.
- Do not take painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen without your doctor's advice. They may suppress your fever and make it difficult to detect an infection.
Special awareness about pregnancy and breastfeeding
This is very important: Avoid getting pregnant completely while taking this medicine. It is not advisable to get pregnant for 6 months after stopping the medicine. If a man is taking this medicine, he should avoid fathering a child while taking the medicine and for 3 months after stopping it. If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should avoid breastfeeding while taking the medicine and for 2 weeks after the last dose.
Be careful of the sun.
This medicine may make your skin sensitive to the sun. Therefore, if you are going to be in the sun, wear well-covered clothing and use sunscreen.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Ceritinib can have side effects. Some of these require immediate attention.
| If you experience these symptoms, inform your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Skin allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, cough. |
| Heart problems | Chest pain, dizziness, feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, fainting. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, extreme fatigue. |
| Symptoms of high blood sugar | Dry mouth, excessive thirst or hunger, frequent urination. |
| Other serious symptoms | Severe stomach pain, fever, chills, unusual bleeding or bruising. |
| If these side effects persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, extreme fatigue. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any new or unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor about them.
Take-Home Message
- Always take ceritinib with a meal . Do not take it with grapefruit juice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- It is very important to avoid becoming pregnant completely while taking this medicine and for as long as your doctor recommends.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or yellowing of the eyes.
- Do not stop treatment for any reason without your doctor's advice. It is important to continue treatment, even if you feel uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor about any concerns.
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