Ceritinib is a targeted cancer therapy drug belonging to the class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It was approved for its medical use on 29th April 2014.

Ceritinib Capsule is a biological agent that acts as targeted drug therapy in cancer treatment. It is classified as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase is a significant gene that result in non-small cell lung cancer by undergoing mutation. Ceritinib inhibits ALK genes and stops the growth and development of cancer cells by shrinking them.

Ceritinib is available in the form of hard gelatin capsules in a dose of 150mg. The recommended dose is three 150mg capsules once daily. It is advisable to take this medicine simultaneously each day with or without food. Swallow the capsule and do not crush, open, or dissolve them.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Ceritinib capsule are tiredness, abnormal liver function values, stomach pain, decreased appetite, weight loss, constipation, rash, high serum creatinine, anemia, vision problems, decreased urine flow and low serum phosphorus levels. Contact your physician immediately if you experience allergic reactions, breathing difficulty, chest pain, fever, or infection.

 Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual tiredness, yellowing of eyes and skin, dark urine, severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, right abdominal pain, itching, or bruising during this treatment. These symptoms are suggestive of liver damage. Notify your healthcare provider even if you experience slight vision changes. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience abnormal heartbeat, breathing difficulty, or chest tightness during this treatment.

Ceritinib is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it has the potential to harm an unborn baby. Hence it is recommended for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods if they are planning for pregnancy. Ideally, it is better to continue birth control methods for at least 3 months after completing the treatment. inform your healthcare provider if you become pregnant during this treatment. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while you are on the treatment, as Ceritinib can harm the baby by passing into the breast milk.

Ceritinib can make you feel tired and cause vision trouble. Take special care while driving or operating machines during this treatment.

1. Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jan 2020] [Accessed on 22nd Oct 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7109.pdf
2. Anton Wellstein, Giuseppe Giaccone, Michael B. Atkins, and Edward A. Sausville, Pathway-Targeted Therapies: Monoclonal Antibodies, Protein Kinase Inhibitors, and Various Small Molecules, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 13th Edition, 2018, 1203-1236.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.