Spexib 150mg capsule contains the active substance Ceritinib. It is an antineoplastic drug that belongs to the class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This medicine is prescribed to treat adult patients with a type of lung cancer called Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Do not take this capsule if you are allergic to Spexib 150mg or any other ingredients of this medicine. Before initiating the treatment, inform your physician if you have had a problem with the kidney, lung, liver, pancreas, or blood sugar level (diabetics).
Inform your doctor if you have a heart condition or prolonged QT interval (abnormality of the heart's electrical activity) or if you are currently taking any steroids. During the treatment of Spexib 150mg, your doctor may conduct a regular blood test to monitor the liver, blood, and pancreas function every two weeks for 1st three months and monthly once after the treatment. Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as this may increase the medicine level in the blood.
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. Use it for at least 90 days, even after completing the therapy with the Spexib 150mg 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.
Uses of Spexib 150mg Capsule
Therapeutic Effects of Spexib 150mg Capsule
ALK gene is a fusion protein that signals the cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to the development of cancer. Spexib 150mg works by binding to the ALK protein, preventing its activity and stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Interaction of Spexib 150mg 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 ritonavir, Antifungal, antibiotics, anti-epileptics, and other medications may interact with Spexib 150mg and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Spexib 150mg Capsule
How to consume Spexib 150mg Capsule
Take the capsules at about the same time each day. The recommended dose is 450mg, taken once daily with food. 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 Spexib 150mg Capsule
Pregnancy
This medicine is unsafe for use during pregnancy. Hence, check with your physician if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant before taking this medicine. Use effective contraception methods.
Breast Feeding
It is unsafe to breastfeed while taking Spexib 150mg because it can cause toxicity to the baby. Consult your physician for more information.
Lungs
Inform your physician about any underlying lung disorders before taking Spexib 150mg, as this medication should be used with caution in such conditions. Consult your physician before taking this medicine. Notify your doctor if you experience any lung-related symptoms, such as difficulty breathing.
Liver
Inform your physician about any underlying liver disorders before taking Spexib 150mg, as this medication should be used with caution in liver disease patients. Consult your physician before taking this medicine.
Alcohol
It is unknown whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Spexib 150mg. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Driving
It is unsafe to drive while taking Spexib 150mg because this medicine might cause vision problems and tiredness, so avoid driving and operating machinery during this treatment.
Side Effects of Spexib 150mg Capsule
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious
- Increase urination
- Irregular heartbeat
- Cough with or without mucus
- Fever Chest pain
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- Swelling in the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Severe itching in the skin with bumps or red rash
- Right side abdomen pain
- Bleeding and Bruises
Common
- Decreased appetite
- Anemia
- The lower level of phosphate
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach ache
- Constipation
- Skin rash
Word of Advice
Your doctor may perform an electrocardiogram to check your heart functioning level. It is important to take Spexib 150mg daily as long as your doctor prescribes it. Use highly effective contraception during and after the treatment for three months. Your doctor may conduct a blood test every two weeks of the first three months to monitor liver, blood, and pancreas function. If you vomit after taking the capsule, do not take another one. Notify your doctor if you experience any side effect symptoms, as your doctor may change the dosage of this medicine or give additional medicine to reduce the effect of the side effects.
FAQs
Q 1. Can Spexib 150mg cause liver damage?
Spexib 150mg may cause liver function abnormalities, indicating liver damage. It is important to have regular blood tests to monitor your liver function while taking this medicine. If you experience symptoms of liver damage, such as jaundice or abdominal pain, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Q 2. Does Spexib 150mg cure cancer?
Spexib 150mg 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 3. Who should not take Spexib 150mg?
Spexib 150mg should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women or by people with certain medical conditions such as severe liver or lung, heart disease, a history of pancreatitis, diabetes, or a prolonged QT interval.
Q 4. Will there be a reduction of RBC (anemia) while taking Spexib 150mg?
Yes, one of the common side effects of this medicine is anemia. Spexib 150mg can cause anemia by suppressing the production of red blood cells.
Q 5. Why are there low phosphate levels in the blood while taking Spexib 150mg?
The exact mechanism by which Spexib 150mg 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.
Fact Box of Spexib 150mg Capsule
Molecule name: Ceritinib | Therapeutic class: Antineoplastic drug |
Pharmacological class: Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Inhibitors | Indication: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) |