Crizalk 200mg contains the active substance Crizotinib. It is an antineoplastic drug that belongs to the class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This medicine is prescribed to treat patients with a type of lung cancer called Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is locally advanced or metastatic (spread outside the lungs or to other parts of the body). Do not take this capsule if you are allergic to Crizotinib or any other ingredients of this medicine. Before initiating the treatment, inform your physician if you have had kidney, stomach, heart, or liver problems.
Notify your doctor if you have reduced white blood cells, abnormal heart tracing after ECG, vision problems, or if you take other medications. Report your doctor immediately if you are planning to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Talk to your doctor about effective contraceptives. Use effective birth control during the treatment because oral contraception is ineffective with this medicine and use it at least for 90 days even after completing the therapy with Crizalk 200mg capsule. It is advised to get suggestions about fertility concerns from your doctor. This medication is not recommended for adolescents and children under 18 years of age. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing to cover the skin to protect them against sunburn.
Uses of Crizalk 200mg Capsule
Therapeutic Effects of Crizalk 200mg Capsule
Crizalk 200mg is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that works by blocking the activity of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) protein. It specifically targets the abnormal protein and blocks its activity, slowing down or stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Interaction of Crizalk 200mg Capsule with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, recent vaccinations, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications such as Erythromycin, Diltiazem, Verapamil, and other medications may interact with Crizalk 200mg and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Crizalk 200mg Capsule
How to consume Crizalk 200mg Capsule
Take the Crizalk 200mg capsules at about the same time each day. The recommended dose is one capsule of 250 mg taken orally twice daily. Swallow the capsules whole and do not crush, chew, dissolve, or open the capsules. Your physician will choose the dosage and administration frequency based on the medical condition because it differs for each person.
Safety Advices for Crizalk 200mg Capsule
Pregnancy
Crizalk 200mg medicine is unsafe to use during pregnancy. Hence, check with your physician before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
Breast Feeding
It is unsafe to breastfeed while taking Crizalk 200mg because it can cause toxicity to the baby. Consult your physician for more information.
Lungs
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms like lung inflammation, difficulties in breathing, cough with or without mucous, or even fever while taking Crizalk 200mg.
Liver
Inform your physician about any underlying liver disorders before taking Crizalk 200mg, as this medication should be used with caution in liver disease patients. Consult your physician before taking this medicine.
Alcohol
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Crizalk 200mg. Please consult your doctor.
Driving
It is unsafe to drive while taking Crizalk 200mg because this medicine might cause dizziness and tiredness, so avoid driving and operating machinery during this treatment.
Side Effects of Crizalk 200mg Capsule
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious
- Pain on the right of the stomach
- Partial or full loss of vision
- Lowered WBC
- Low heart rate.
- Swelling of the lungs.
- Breathlessness
- Cough with or without mucus
Common
- Sensitivity to sunlight.
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Increased liver enzymes
- Decreased appetite Tiredness (fatigue)
- Dizziness
- Neuropathy (weakness, tingling, or numbness in the nerve)
- Dysgeusia ( taste disorder)
- Hypophosphataemia (low levels of phosphate in the blood)
Word of Advice
Inform you doctor if you notice a reduced number of white blood cells (Neutropenia) and RBC. Because reduction in red blood cells can make the skin pale and cause weakness or breathlessness (Anaemia), and low white cell count (Leucopenia). Your doctor may perform an electrocardiogram to check your heart functioning level. It is important to take Crizalk 200mg every day, as long as your doctor prescribes it. Avoid spending much time in sunlight because it can make your skin sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity), and you may burn more easily. Inform your doctor if you notice a slower heart rate or stomach problems like perforation and ankle swelling.
FAQs
Q 1. Does Crizalk 200mgcure cancer?
Crizalk 200mg is not a cure for cancer, but it can help to slow down or stop the growth and spread of cancer cells, improving the overall survival and quality of life of patients with certain types of cancer.
Q 2. What should I do if I miss a dose of Crizalk 200mg?
If you miss a dose of Crizalk 200mg, you should take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
Q 3. What should I tell my doctor before taking Crizalk 200mg?
Before taking Crizalk 200mg, you should tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, a history of heart disease, or are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Q 4. Why there are low levels of phosphate in the blood while taking Crizalk 200mg?
The exact mechanism by which Crizalk 200mg causes hypophosphatemia (low level of phosphate) is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the inhibition of certain enzymes involved in phosphate transport and metabolism in the body.
Q 5. Can Crizalk 200mg be used in combination with other cancer medications?
Crizalk 200mg may be used in combination with the chemotherapy drugs Pemetrexed and Cisplatin in the first-line treatment of ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It depends on the specific cancer diagnosis and treatment plan.
Fact Box of Crizalk 200mg Capsule
Molecule name: Crizotinib | Therapeutic class: Antineoplastic drug |
Pharmacological class: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors | Indication: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) |