Xalkori (Crizotinib) for Lung Cancer

Overview
Xalkori is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with tumors that are positive for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) as detected by an FDA-approved test. Xalkori is also known by its drug name, crizotinib.

Xalkori is a member of a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Xalkori is believed to work by inhibiting the mutated version of the ALK kinase (protein), which is involved in the proliferation of cancer cells. This inhibition slows the growth of tumors.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Xalkori is taken orally twice daily as a capsule.

Xalkori should be taken exactly as prescribed by a physician.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Xalkori lists common side effects including vision problems, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, edema (swelling), constipation, abnormal liver function tests, fatigue, decreased appetite, upper respiratory infection, dizziness, and nerve problems.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Xalkori include liver damage, vision loss, abnormal heart rhythms, fetal harm, and interstitial lung disease (scarring of the lungs).

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Highlights of Prescribing Information — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/...

Crizotinib (Oral Route) — Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/cr...