XALKORI (Crizotinib)

What is this medication?

XALKORI (Crizotinib)
Antineoplastic Agent, Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Inhibitor; Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor

XALKORI (Crizotinib) is indicated for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

How does this medication work? 

Crizotinib is is a tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor which inhibits anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), Hepatocyte Growth Factor Receptor (HGFR, c-MET), ROS1 (c-ros), and Recepteur d’Origine Nantais (RON) which reduces proliferation of genetically altered cells.

How should I take this medication? 

Oral: Take 250mg twice daily.

How to Take: Swallow the capsule whole; do not crush, chew or open the capsule.  Take with or without food. Do not drink grapefruit juice, eat grapefruit or take supplements containing grapefruit extract during treatment with XALKORI (Crizotinib).

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Before starting XALKORI (Crizotinib) make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take.  Crizotinib can cause bradycardia and as a result, regular heart rate and blood pressure monitoring is important to avoid life-threatening bradycardia.  Crizotinib has been reported to cause gastrointestinal toxicity, hepatotoxicity, ocular toxicity (i.e. blurred vision, diplopia, photophobia, photopsia, visual acuity decreased, visual brightness, visual field defect, visual impairment, and/or vitreous floaters), pulmonary toxicity, QT prolongation, hepatic and renal impairment.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of medication, try to take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take only that scheduled dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

How should I store this medication?

Keep out of the reach of children at all times. Store at room temperature, 59 to 86° F (15 to 30° C). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed.  Properly dispose of any unused medication after the expiration date.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication? 

Edema, pulmonary embolism, bradycardia, fatigue, neuropathy, headache, dizziness, skin rash, hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, hematologic disturbances (i.e. neutropenia, lymphocytopenia), limb pain, visual disturbances, upper respiratory track infections, fever, muscle spasm and renal cysts.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for XALKORI (Crizotinib), only common ones.