The U.S. FDA-approved Crizotinib to treat people with ALK-positive NSCLC in the year of 2011. 

Crizotinib capsule is indicated to treat the advanced stage of lung cancer as an initial treatment and is also recommended when other anticancer treatments did not work. It is prescribed to treat ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Crizotinib is available in 200mg and 250mg capsules. The recommended dose is 250mg twice daily, preferably one capsule each in the morning and evening. It is advisable to take this medicine at the same time 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 Crizotinib capsule are cough with or without mucus, double vision, stomach upset, constipation, edema, low appetite, tiredness, dizziness, numbness, skin rash, low heart rate, stomach pain, changes in taste, etc. Contact your physician right away if you experience breathing difficulty, chest pain, fever, or infection.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual tiredness, yellowing of eyes and skin, dark urine, nausea, decreased appetite, right abdominal pain, itching, or bruising during this treatment. These symptoms are suggestive of liver damage. Crizotinib can damage vision. Notify your healthcare provider even if you experience slight vision changes. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience lightheadedness, breathing difficulty, fever, or infection during this treatment.

Crizotinib 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 a minimum of 90 days after completing the treatment. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while you are on the treatment as crizotinib can harm the baby by passing into the breast milk.

Crizotinib can make your skin sensitive to the sun and increase your risk of sunburn. Avoid spending more time in sunlight and ensure that you always apply sunscreen with a good SPF before stepping out. Take special care while driving or operating machines during this treatment.

1. David Eric Gerber, ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group, ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT02201992 [Accessed on 30th Mar 2021],
2. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/search/v?id=NCI-2014-01507&r=1
3. Pfizer, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jun 2022],  [Accessed on 19th April 2023], ANNEX I (medicines.org.uk)
4. 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.