What is Xalkori: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 31, 2020

Xalkori overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Xalkori

Generic Names:

  • Xalkori

Uses:

  • Treats non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

  • Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Xalkori used for?

Xalkori is an oral capsule taken by adults to treat non-small cell lung cancer. It decreases or destroys the growth of cancerous cells found in the lungs of patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer.

What form(s) does Xalkori come in

  • Capsule

What are common Xalkori doses?

  • Capsule 250MG

Common Xalkori prescriptions

  • Xalkori
    200mg capsule

  • Xalkori
    250mg capsule

How to take Xalkori

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or open it.

  • Oral routeYou may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: If your next dose is more than 6 hours away, take the missed dose as soon as you can. If your next dose is less than 6 hours away, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose. If you vomit after you take a dose, do not take an extra dose. Take the next dose at the regular time.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Oral routeYou may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting.

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or open it.

  • Missed dose: If your next dose is more than 6 hours away, take the missed dose as soon as you can. If your next dose is less than 6 hours away, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose. If you vomit after you take a dose, do not take an extra dose. Take the next dose at the regular time.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

What to do if you miss a dose of Xalkori

Xalkori contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you are pregnant.

Xalkori warnings

  • Oral routeThis medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

  • Oral routeCancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • Oral routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 45 days after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 90 days after the last dose.

  • Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for 45 days after the last dose.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, congestive heart failure, heart rhythm problems (including QT prolongation), or a mineral imbalance.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsLung or breathing problems (including interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis), which may be life-threateningHeart rhythm problemsSlow heartbeat

  • This medicine may cause dizziness, tiredness, or vision problems. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Xalkori interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how crizotinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Alfentanil, arsenic trioxide, cisapride, clonidine, cyclosporine, digoxin, dofetilide, fentanyl, pimozide, quinidine, sirolimus, St John's wort, tacrolimusBlood pressure medicineErgot medicineMedicine to treat HIV/AIDSMedicine to treat an infectionMedicine to treat seizuresMedicine to treat depression or mental illness

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may cause dizziness, tiredness, or vision problems. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Xalkori side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Trouble breathing, chest pain, fever, chills, cough

  • Fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Vision changes

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Tiredness

  • Change or loss of taste

  • Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat

  • Pain in the arms or legs, muscle spasms

  • Vision changes

  • Diarrhea, constipation

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