Crizotinib
Crizotinib Oral capsule
What is this medicine?
CRIZOTINIB (kriz OH ti nib) is a medicine that targets proteins in cancer cells and stops the cancer cells from growing. It is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
heart disease
history of irregular heartbeat
history of low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in the blood
kidney disease
liver disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to crizotinib, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. If you vomit after taking your medicine, take your next dose at the regular time and do not take an extra dose. Take the doses about 12 hours apart. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than 6 hours before your next dose, do not make up for the missed dose and just take your next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
arsenic trioxide
astemizole
certain antibiotics like clarithromycin,erythromycin, grepafloxacin, pentamidine, sparfloxacin, troleandomycin
certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
certain medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, bepridil, dofetilide, dronedarone, encainide, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine
chloroquine
cisapride
dextromethorphan; quinidine
droperidol
halofantrine
haloperidol
levomethadyl
methadone
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine,thioridazine
pimozide
probucol
propafenone
saquinavir
terfenadine
ziprasidone
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
certain medicines for stomach problems like cimetidine, famotidine, omeprazole, lansoprazole
grapefruit juice
midazolam
nefazodone
other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
rifabutin
rifampin
St. John's wort, Hypericum perforatum
telithromycin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Tell your doctor about any unusual symptoms.
Tell your doctor or health care professional right away if you have any change in your eyesight. Do not drive or use machinery if you have a change in your eyesight.
Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
Women should not become pregnant while taking this medicine and for at least 45 days after the last dose. Men should use condoms during treatment and for at least 90 days after the last dose. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine and for 45 days after the last dose.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
low blood counts - this medicine may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding
signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine, nosebleeds
breathing problems
changes in vision
chest pain or chest tightness
cough with or without mucous
dark urine
fast or irregular heartbeat
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
light-colored stools
loss of appetite
pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
right upper belly pain
sores or white patches in your mouth or throat
unusually weak or tired
vomiting
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):
changes in taste
constipation
decreased appetite
diarrhea
dizziness
headache
joint pain
nausea
swelling of the ankles, feet, hands
tired
trouble sleeping
upset stomach
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert