Crizotinib
Information about Crizotinib
Crizotinib Uses
Crizotinib is used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, small cell lung cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, blood cancer (chronic myeloid leukaemia), gastrointestinal stromal tumour, cancer of colon and rectum, non-small cell lung cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis and breast cancer.
How Crizotinib works
Crizotinib is an anti-cancer medication. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps to stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.
Common side effects of Crizotinib
Dizziness, Fatigue, Edema (swelling), Decreased appetite, Vision disorder, Gastrointestinal toxicity, Increased transaminase level in blood, Upper respiratory tract infection, Neuropathy, Abnormal blood cell count
Expert advice for Crizotinib
- Crizotinib helps in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer that is locally advanced, or has spread to other areas of the body.
- Take it at the same time each day, with or without food.
- Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting may occur with Crizotinib. Stay hydrated and inform your doctor if it persists.
- It may cause dizziness or blurring of vision. Don't drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- Inform your doctor if you experience severe stomach pain, fever, chills, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, partial or complete loss of vision or changes in bowel habits.
- Your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests to monitor your liver function while you are having treatment with this medicine.
- Do not take Crizotinib if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use reliable methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
- Crizotinib is used for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
- Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Drink plenty of fluids and inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
- Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for a month after you stop taking it.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of very high blood pressure such as severe headache, confusion, problems with your eyesight, nausea or vomiting.
- It may cause serious bleeding problem. Inform your doctor if you get headaches, stomach pain or if you notice blood in your urine or stools.
- Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.