IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Table of Contents
- Uses and How to Use
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Medication Interactions
- Dosage and Storage
- Medication Images
Pronounced: (kriz-OH-ti-nib)
Crizotinib Oral Uses
Crizotinib is used to treat lung cancer that is advanced or has spread to other parts of the body. It is used for lung cancers that have a certain type of abnormal "ALK" gene. Crizotinib works by slowing or stopping the growth of lung cancer cells. It belongs to a class of drugs known as kinase inhibitors.
How To Use Crizotinib Oral
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking crizotinib and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. Swallow whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew this medication. The dosage is based on your medical condition, side effects, and response to treatment.
Medications which reduce or completely block stomach acid (such as proton pump inhibitors/PPIs, H2 blockers, antacids) may decrease the absorption of crizotinib. This could decrease the effectiveness of crizotinib. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these medications.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised November
2011
Copyright(c) 2011 First DataBank,
Inc.
