Crizalk 200mg Capsule

About

Crizalk 200mg Capsule, containing crizotinib, is an advanced oral anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It is specifically indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors harbor ALK or ROS1 gene rearrangements, as identified by an FDA-approved diagnostic test. This targeted therapy operates by selectively blocking the activity of these specific receptor tyrosine kinases, which are often aberrantly activated in certain subsets of NSCLC, driving uncontrolled cell growth and survival. By inhibiting the kinase domain of ALK and ROS1, crizotinib effectively disrupts downstream signaling pathways crucial for cancer cell proliferation, leading to cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death (apoptosis) in sensitive tumor cells. Its introduction has significantly improved outcomes for patients with these specific genetic alterations, offering a more personalized and effective treatment approach compared to conventional chemotherapy.

Uses

• Treatment of ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
• Treatment of ROS1-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
• Used in patients whose disease has progressed on or after chemotherapy.
• Targeted therapy for specific genetic mutations in lung cancer.

Directions For Use

Take this medicine orally as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily.

Swallow the capsule whole with water, with or without food.

Benefits

• Targets specific cancer-driving mutations.
• Can lead to significant tumor shrinkage.
• Improves progression-free survival in eligible patients.
• Offers a treatment option for advanced NSCLC.
• Oral administration for convenience.
• May improve quality of life for some patients.

Side Effects

• Visual disturbances (e.g., blurred vision, flashes of light)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Edema (swelling)
• Fatigue
• Decreased appetite
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs)
• QT interval prolongation

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may exacerbate liver side effects or interact with the medication.
• Pregnancy - Crizalk is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential fetal harm. Effective contraception is required during treatment and for a period after.
• Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Crizalk and for a period after the last dose due to potential harm to the infant.
• Liver - Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; dose adjustments may be necessary. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is crucial.
• Kidney - Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dose adjustments may be necessary based on creatinine clearance.
• Lung - Monitor for signs of pneumonitis (e.g., dyspnea, cough, fever); discontinue if severe pneumonitis is confirmed.

Disclaimer

MedEHub is committed to delivering reliable, expert-reviewd information to help consumers make informed health decisions. However, the content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always consult your doctor for any medical concerns, and discuss your questions about health conditions or medications with a qualified healthcare professional. Do not ignore or delay seeking professional medical advice based on information found on Med E Hub.

Our goal is to complement, not replace, the essential doctor-patient relationship.