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Last updated:
28 May 2021 | 11:59 PM (IST)
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Introduction
Crizalk 250mg Capsule is prescribed to adults with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which has spread to other parts of the body. It helps shrink the tumor or slow its growth. It is given to only those patients who have defects in either gene anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) or c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1).
Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time each day. The dose and duration of treatment depend on the condition. Follow the doctors’ instructions and do not stop the medication unless advised otherwise. If you vomit or miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
The most common side effects of this medicine include vision problems, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abnormal liver function tests, tiredness, loss of appetite, upper respiratory infection, dizziness, swelling of your hands, feet, face, eyes, and peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hands). Consult the doctor if any of these side effects bother or get worse. The doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor the liver functions during the first two months of treatment.
Before taking this medicine, tell the doctor about all of your medical conditions. Let them know if you have a history of liver, kidney, lung, heart, or eye problems. Additionally, inform the doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, as this medicine can cause harmful effects to the developing baby.
Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time each day. The dose and duration of treatment depend on the condition. Follow the doctors’ instructions and do not stop the medication unless advised otherwise. If you vomit or miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
The most common side effects of this medicine include vision problems, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abnormal liver function tests, tiredness, loss of appetite, upper respiratory infection, dizziness, swelling of your hands, feet, face, eyes, and peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hands). Consult the doctor if any of these side effects bother or get worse. The doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor the liver functions during the first two months of treatment.
Before taking this medicine, tell the doctor about all of your medical conditions. Let them know if you have a history of liver, kidney, lung, heart, or eye problems. Additionally, inform the doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, as this medicine can cause harmful effects to the developing baby.
Uses of Crizalk 250mg Capsule
- Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer
Benefits of Crizalk 250mg Capsule
Crizalk 250mg capsule is the first-line treatment for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer
(NSCLC). It may also be used for patients with advanced NSCLC where prior treatment was
ineffective. This medicine is a targeted cancer therapy, that is, it differentiates cancer cells from
normal cells, thereby leaving normal, healthy cells unharmed. The main objective of treatment with
Crizalk 250mg capsules includes improved survival, quality of life, and symptom control.
Side effects of Crizalk 250mg Capsule
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine.
Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them.
Common side effects of Crizalk 250mg Capsule
- Vision problems
- Nausea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swelling of your hands, feet, face, and eyes
- Constipation
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Upper respiratory infection
- Dizziness
- Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand)
How to use Crizalk 250mg Capsule
Take this medicine in the dose and duration advised by the doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do
not chew, crush, or open it. Crizalk 250mg capsules may be taken with or without food. However, avoid
taking it with grapefruit juice.
How does Crizalk 250mg Capsule works
Crizalk 250mg capsule works by targeting and blocking receptors found on cancer cells such as
anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1). Sometimes, these genes
undergo structural defects and multiply abnormally, causing the cancer cells to grow and divide
uncontrollably. By inhibiting ALK or ROS1, Crizalk 250mg capsules can slow or stop the growth of
cancer cells, thereby shrinking the tumor.
Safety advice
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is unknown whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Crizalk 250mg Capsules. In general, drinking
alcohol should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely.
UNSAFE
Crizalk 250mg capsules may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in
humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Consult your
doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
UNSAFE
Crizalk 250mg capsules are probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. They might pass into breast
milk and could therefore harm your baby. Avoid breastfeeding while taking this medicine and for
45-days after the last dose.
UNSAFE
Crizalk 250mg capsules may cause changes in vision, dizziness, and tiredness. Take special care when
driving and using machines while on treatment with this medicine. Do not drive or operate
machinery if you experience any of these symptoms.
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Crizalk 250mg capsules are relatively safe to use in mild to moderate liver disease. No dose adjustment
of this medicine is recommended. However, consult your doctor before taking this medicine in
case of severe kidney disease.
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Crizalk 250mg capsules are relatively safe to use in mild liver disease. However, dose adjustment of
this medicine is recommended in patients with moderate to severe liver disease. Consult with
your doctor.
WHAT IF YOU FORGET TO TAKE CRIZALK 250mg CAPSULE?
If you miss a dose of Crizalk 250mg capsule, skip it and continue with your usual schedule. Do not double dose.
Quick tips
- Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water per day to maintain adequate hydration during treatment.
- If you experience nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small frequent meals. Sucking on lozenges and chewing gums may also help.
- Avoid sun exposure. Wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
- Be gentle when brushing and washing hair to manage hair loss.
- You may be at risk of infection. Try to avoid crowds or people with colds, and report fever or any other signs of infection immediately to your doctor.
- Use non-hormonal contraceptives like condoms while taking this medicine as birth control pills may not be effective. After the last dose of Crizalk 250mg capsules, women should continue using non-hormonal contraceptives for at least 45 days, while men should continue for at least 90 days.
- This medicine may affect your fertility. Talk to your doctor about fertility preservation before starting treatment.
- A phone alarm or a post-it note is a good medication reminder.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Piperidine and Aminopyridine Derivative
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
Antineoplastic
Action Class
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
FAQs
Q. What is ALK-positive NSCLC? How do Crizalk 250mg capsules treat it?
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene is present in all the cells. When it loses its original
structure, it changes its normal behavior and multiplies abnormally, causing lung cancer. This
type of lung cancer is called ALK-positive NSCLC. Crizalk 250mg capsules treat ALK-positive NSCLC
that has spread to other parts of the body. By blocking the activity of the abnormal ALK gene, it
shrinks the tumor and also stops its further growth.
Q. Are there any serious side effects of Crizalk 250mg capsules?
Yes, some people may develop serious side effects after taking this medicine. These may
include fast or irregular heart rate, lung inflammation (pneumonitis), liver disease, and partial or
complete vision loss in one or both eyes. Pneumonitis was often accompanied by breathing
problems and a cough or a low-grade fever that may even require hospitalization. In case you
have any of these serious side effects, consult your doctor right away. The doctor may
discontinue this medicine or stop your treatment for some time till your condition stabilizes. For
any other doubts, ask your doctor.
Q. What should I inform my doctor before starting treatment with Crizalk 250mg capsules?
Before starting treatment with Crizalk 250mg capsules, let your doctor know if you:
- have liver, kidney, heart, or lung problems
- have vision impairment or eye problems
- are planning a baby, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Q. Do Crizalk 250mg capsules cause vision problems?
Yes, this medicine may cause vision problems. A regular eye examination is recommended in
patients taking Crizalk 250mg capsules. If you notice any change in your vision, talk to your doctor.
Q. What are biomarkers in cancer treatment? Is it important to get tested?
Biomarkers are specific biological molecules such as genes, proteins, or hormones that act as
identifiers of certain cancers. Found in blood or other body fluids, tissues, etc., these may be
produced by the cancer cells or as a response to cancer treatment. Two such biomarkers are
ALK and ROS1 genes. Biomarker testing, also called molecular testing, is the only diagnostic
way of knowing if you are ALK or ROS1 positive. Furthermore, this testing serves as a tool to
determine which treatment is best for treating your cancer. Therefore, biomarker testing plays a
crucial role in treating and tracking treatment response.
Q. What should I do if I develop liver problems while taking Crizalk 250mg capsules?
If you develop liver problems while taking this medicine, you must look for some signs and
symptoms. These may include excessive tiredness, yellowish discoloration of your skin or white
portion of the eyes, dark or brown urine, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite. Additionally,
you may develop itching, easy bruising, and also pain on the right side of your stomach. In case
you observe any of these, you should consult your doctor without any delay.
Q. Can Crizalk 250mg capsules affect my lungs? What should I do?
Yes, this medicine might cause inflammation of the lungs (called pneumonitis). Although it is
less common, it is advisable to notify your doctor right away if you develop any new or
worsening symptoms, including shortness of breath, trouble breathing, cough, or fever.
Q. How to relieve constipation during the treatment?
To relieve constipation, include fiber in your diet (fruits and vegetables), drink 8-10 glasses of
fluids a day, and keep active. A stool softener (with a doctor's prescription) once or twice a day
may prevent constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for 2-3 days, consult your
doctor.
Q. I am noticing a change in my taste. How shall I improve my taste?
You may experience a metallic taste or find that food has no taste at all. You may dislike foods
or beverages that you liked before receiving cancer treatment. Rinse your mouth with a solution
of salt and bicarbonate of soda before mealtimes to neutralize the bad taste in your mouth. You
can also add extra flavor or seasonings to your food.
Q. How will you know that Crizalk 250mg capsules are working?
Keep taking this medicine exactly as directed until your doctor tells you to stop. Regular scans
will reveal whether your tumor is responding to the treatment. Your doctor will determine when
those scans should be scheduled.
Q. Are Crizalk 250mg capsules safe for children?
It is not known if Crizalk 250mg Capsules are safe and effective in children aged less than 12 months.
However, children one year of age or older may be prescribed this medicine for the treatment of
anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) that is accompanied by a defect in the ALK gene. Your
doctor will be able to advise you more on this. As a precautionary measure, keep it out of the
reach of children.
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Disclaimer:
1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover all possible side effects, drug interactions or warnings or alerts. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.References
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Crizotinib [Prescribing information]. New York, NY: Pfizer, Inc.; 2021. [Accessed 13 Aug.2021] (online) Available from:
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Crizotinib [Package leaflet: Information for the user]. Freiburg, Germany: Pfizer Manufacturing Deutschland GmbH; 2021. [Accessed 13 Aug. 2021] (online) Available from:
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Chemocare. Crizotinib. [Accessed 13 Aug. 2021] (online) Available from:
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Xalkori (Crizotinib) [Patient Brochure]. [Accessed 13 Aug. 2021] (online) Available from:
Manufacturer/Marketer address
The Capital, 1802, 18th Floor , Plot No. C-70, ‘G’ Block , Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East , Mumbai – 400051.
Country of origin: United kingdom
(Inclusive of all taxes)
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6 strip of 10 capsule each