Crizotinib

Crizotinib is used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to nearby tissues or to other parts of the body. It is also used to treat a certain type of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) that has returned or is unresponsive to other treatment(s) in certain adults and children 1 year of age and older. Crizotinib is also used to treat a certain type of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT; type of cancer that occurs in mucosal tissues usually in the abdominal area, involving the lungs, bladder, stomach, uterus, liver, or intestines) that cannot be treated with surgery or that has not improved or has come back after previous treatment(s) in adults and children 1 year of age and older. Crizotinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of a certain naturally occurring substance that may be needed to help cancer cells multiply.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Crizotinib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food twice a day. Take crizotinib at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take crizotinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Do not touch capsules that are broken or crushed.

Your doctor may temporarily or permanently stop your treatment, decrease the dose, or tell you take your medication less often if you experience serious side effects of crizotinib. Crizotinib may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your doctor may give you another medication to help prevent and treat nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may also give you a medicine to treat diarrhea. Tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment.

If you vomit after taking crizotinib, do not take another dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.

Continue to take crizotinib even if you feel well. Do not stop taking crizotinib without talking to your doctor.

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Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.