What is Zykadia? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Zykadia

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

• Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

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

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

• Missed dose: Less than 12 hours until next regular dose: Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. More than 12 hours until next regular dose: Take the missed dose as soon as possible, and then go back to your regular schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Do not take extra medicine if you vomit.

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

What to do if you miss a dose of Zykadia

Zykadia contraindications - Who shouldn't take Zykadia?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to ceritinib or if you are pregnant.

Zykadia warnings

• This 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. Women should use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment with this medicine and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Men should also use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 3 months after the last dose.

• Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine and for 2 weeks after the last dose.

• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, lung or breathing problems, diabetes, heart failure, or heart rhythm problems (including congenital long QT syndrome).

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Liver problemsInterstitial lung disease or pneumonitis, which may be life-threatening. Heart rhythm problems, including QT prolongation or slow heartbeatHigh blood sugarPancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)

• Medicines 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.

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

• Cancer 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.

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

Zykadia interactions & what to avoid when taking Zykadia

• Some foods and medicines can affect how ceritinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Alfentanil, carbamazepine, clonidine, cyclosporine, digoxin, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, fentanyl, midazolam, nefazodone, phenytoin, pimozide, quinidine, rifampin, ritonavir, sirolimus, St John's wort, tacrolimusAntibiotic medicine (including telithromycin)Blood pressure medicine or heart medicine. Blood thinner (including warfarin)Medicine to treat fungus infection (including ketoconazole)

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

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Liver problemsPneumonitis or interstitial lung disease, which may be life-threatening. Heart rhythm problems, including QT prolongationHigh blood sugarPancreatitis

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

• Cancer 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.

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