Xalkori can cause serious heart or liver problems. Call your doctor at once if you have: fast or pounding heartbeats, sudden dizziness, shortness of breath, tiredness, itching, upper stomach pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Do not use Xalkori if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control while you are using this medicine and for at least 3 months after your treatment ends, whether you are a man or a woman.
Before you take Xalkori, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, a heart rhythm disorder, an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood), or a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Xalkori if you are allergic to crizotinib.
To make sure Xalkori is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
liver or kidney disease;
a heart rhythm disorder;
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member); or
if you take any heart or blood pressure medicines.
Crizotinib can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using this medicine.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
If you are a woman, do not use Xalkori if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 45 days after your last dose.
If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 90 days after your last dose.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using Xalkori.
This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because crizotinib can harm an unborn baby.
You should not breastfeed while you are taking Xalkori and for at least 45 days after your last dose.
How should I take Xalkori?
Take Xalkori exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Before you start treatment, your doctor may perform tests to make sure Xalkori is the best treatment for your type of lung cancer.
Xalkori is usually taken twice per day, with or without food.
Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.
You should not stop taking Xalkori without your doctor's advice.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
