What is Zykadia?
Zykadia is a treatment for cancer that blocks the spread and growth of cancerous cells within the body.Zykadia can be used for treating non-small lung cancer, which can spread to various areas within the human body.
Zykadia is only prescribed in cases where your cancer has particular genetic markers. Your doctor will check for this gene.
Warnings
Zykadia can harm an unborn baby. Both women and men taking Zykadia should utilize effective birth control to avoid the birth of a baby. Keep using birth control for a minimum of 6 months following the previous dose, if you are a woman, or 3 months following your last dose if you are male.
Inform your doctor if you are suffering from chronic stomach pain or signs (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort).
Zykadia can trigger severe side effects in the lungs, heart, or liver. Call your doctor immediately if you notice an upset stomach that is right-sided or loss of appetite, bleeding or bruising and dark urine, a discoloration of the eyes or skin, cough and chest pain, unsteady heartbeats, breath shortness, or abrupt disorientation.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to take Zykadia if you have an allergy to ceritinib.
Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Heart-related problems;
- Long QT syndrome (in the case of you or family members);
- An electrolyte imbalance (such as low concentrations of magnesium or potassium within your blood);
- A pancreas disorder;
- High blood sugar, diabetes,
- Liver disease.
Zykadia could harm an unborn baby if either the father or mother is taking the medicine.
- If you're female, do not use ceritinib while you are pregnant. Utilize effective birth control to avoid the possibility of pregnancy while using this medication and for a minimum of 6 months after the last dose.
- If you're male, use effective birth control if you are a partner with someone who is capable of becoming pregnant. Use birth control for a minimum of three months following your last dose.
- Contact your physician immediately. If you become pregnant in the presence of your father, you are taking ceritinib.
Do not breastfeed when taking this medicine, and for at least two weeks following your last dose.
How to take Zykadia?
Zykadia is usually taken one time each day, along with food. Refer to the instructions on the prescription label, and go through all manuals for medication or prescription instructions. Make sure you use the medicine precisely as directed.If you experience vomiting shortly after taking Zykadia, don't take a second dose. You must wait until the next dose time is set to take the medication again.
It is possible to receive medications to reduce nausea or vomiting when you're receiving this medication.There is a possibility that you will require regular tests to make sure the medication isn't creating harmful side effects. The treatment for cancer may be delayed based on the results.
Zykadia is generally prescribed until your body's immune system no longer responds to the medication.Place it in a cool, dry place far from heat and moisture.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer:
500 mg taken orally daily with a full stomach.
The duration of treatment: Until the progression of the disease or unacceptably toxic
Comments:
If you miss a dose, then make up the missed dose until it's more than 12 hours before the next dose comes in.
Discontinue if patients are unable to take 300 mg daily.
A significant improvement in survival or the manifestations of disease hasn't been proven.
Treatment for patients with anaplastic lymphoma-kinase (ALK)-positive metastatic non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) who have advanced or are resistant to treatment with crizotinib
Do I be concerned if I miss a dose?
Take the medication as quickly as you are able, but take a break from your missed dosage if the scheduled dose is due to be taken in less than twelve hours. Do not take two doses in one go.
What will happen if I take excessively?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Grapefruit could interact with ceritinib and lead to undesirable consequences. Beware of using grapefruit-related products.
Side effects of Zykadia
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction, Zykadia: hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Zykadia is a common drug that can cause side effects on the stomach (nausea, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort), which can be very severe. Contact your doctor if you experience severe or persistent stomach issues.
Contact your doctor at the earliest opportunity if you are suffering from:
- Extreme discomfort in your upper stomach that is spreading to your back
- Slow heartbeats, a weak pulse, breath that is shallow or weak;
- A sudden chest pain or discomfort, fever, dry cough, or a mucusy cough; feeling breathless;
- Heartbeats that are fast or rapid, the chest flutters, as well as breathlessness and a sudden feeling of dizziness (like you're going to faint);
- High blood sugar, thirsty as well as increased urination and food cravings Fruity breath odor, trouble with thinking, headaches, fatigue, blurred vision,
- Blood sugar levels are high—more thirst, a higher rate of urination, dry mouth, fruity breath smell;
- Liver issues: right-sided stomach pain, lack of appetite, fatigue, itching, bleeding or bruising in dark urine, an increase in the color of the eyes or skin
Common Zykadia side effects can include:
- Stomach discomfort, loss of appetite;
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Getting fatigued, feeling tired;
- Weight loss.
There isn't an exhaustive listing of all negative results. Additional effects could also occur. Ask your doctor medical advice about adverse reactions. It is possible to report any adverse allergic reactions or symptoms to FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
It is sometimes not safe to use certain medicines simultaneously. Certain medications can alter the blood levels of the other medications that you take, which can cause more side effects or make the medication less effective.
Numerous drugs may interact with ceritinib. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicine, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The interactions of all drugs are not mentioned here. Discuss with your physician all the medications you are currently taking as well as any new medications you are about to start or stop taking.
