What is this medication for?

Crizotinib is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Your doctor will check for a gene mutation before starting you on this medication.

How should I take/use this medication?

• Take Crizotinib two times a day.

• You may take it with or without food.

• Do not break open or crush the capsules. Swallow the capsule whole.

  • Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing.

What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 6 hours to your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at the same time.

If you vomited after taking a dose, do not take another dose. Take your next dose at the usual time.

What precautions should I take?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.

• You are or your partner is pregnant or planning for pregnancy. You should use effective birth control during and for at least:

  • 90 days after stopping treatment (for men)

  • 45 days after stopping treatment (for women)

• You are breastfeeding.

  • Do not breastfeed during and for at least 45 days after stopping treatment.

• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

• You have any other medical conditions (e.g. heart, eye, liver or kidney problems).

What are some common side-effects of this medication?

• Nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite

  • Take small, frequent meals throughout the day.

• Diarrhea or constipation

  • To manage diarrhea:

    • Drink plenty of clear fluids to replace those lost (2 litres everyday).

    • Avoid oily, spicy food or milk and dairy products.

  • To manage constipation:

    • Drink more water or clear fluids (unless you have a limit on the amount of fluids you can take each day).

    • Add more fibre to your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables.

• Feeling tired and lack of energy

  • Do not drive or operate machinery when you feel tired.

• Swelling of the hands or feet

  • You can elevate your feet when you are seated or lying down.

• Numbness or tingling feeling in the hands or feet

• Eyesight problems e.g. flashes of light, blurred or double vision, light sensitivity, floaters

  • Be careful when driving or operating machinery.

• Decreased white blood cells

  • This may put you at higher risk of having infections.

    • Avoid crowds and people who are sick. Wear a face mask when you are going out.

    • Wash your hands with soap frequently especially after using the toilet and before handling food.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

• Symptoms of a drug allergy including one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue

  • Difficulty in breathing

  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

• Signs of infection - fever of 38°C and above, chills, cough, sore throat, pain or burning feeling on passing urine

• Sudden onset or worsening of cough, chest pain or shortness of breath, with fever

• Dark urine or light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin

• Unusual bleeding, bruising, black sticky stools or blood in urine

• Rapid or abnormal irregular heartbeat

• Unusual onset of weakness, tiredness or light-headedness

• Any loss of eyesight

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take this medication?

Avoid taking grapefruit and its juice when you are taking this medication as it may interact with your medication and increase the risk of side-effects.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How should I throw away this medication safely?

Pack Crizotinib into a bag and bring it back to the pharmacy where you received the medication from.