Medication Information Leaflet

What is this medication for?

Ceritinib is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Your doctor will check for an alteration in your genes before starting you on this.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Take Ceritinib once a day. Take the exact dose that your doctor tells you to.
• Ceritinib should be taken after food unless otherwise instructed by your doctor
• 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 or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if there are less than 12 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.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You or your partner becomes pregnant or is planning for pregnancy. You should use effective birth control during and for at least:
  • Three months after stopping treatment (for men)
  • Six months after stopping treatment (for women)
• You are breastfeeding
  • Do not breastfeed during and for at least two weeks after stopping treatment
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
• You have any other medical conditions (e.g.diabetes, heart problems)

Maintain personal hygiene and take precautions against infection.

What are some common side effects of this medication?

• Nausea or 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 (two litres everyday)
    • Avoid oily or spicy food and milk or dairy products
  • To manage constipation:
    • Drink more water or clear fluids (unless you have a limit on the amount that you can take each day)
    • Add more fibre to your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables
• Stomach discomfort
• Feeling tired and lack of energy
  • Do not drive or operate machinery when you feel tired
• Increased blood sugar level

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
• Sudden onset of cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, with fever
• Dark urine or light coloured stools
• Yellowing of your eyes or skin
• Very bad stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Feeling very thirsty and having to pass urine very often
• Slow or abnormal heartbeat
• Unusual weakness, tiredness or lightheadedness

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 or use this medication?

Avoid taking grapefruit or grapefruit 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 do I throw away this medication safely?

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

You may refer to the following website if you need more information: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/

Disclaimer

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on August 2020