Xalkori

Xalkori is a medicine used to treat people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other parts of the body and is caused by a defect in either a gene called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) or a gene called ROS1.

How does this medication work?

Xalkori works by blocking the action of the abnormal ALK gene and ROS1 gene, which may slow the growth of cancer cells.

What are the beneficial effects of this medication and when should I begin to have results?

What: Xalkori has been shown to shrink or slow the growth of tumors for a certain length of time in people with NSCLC with the abnormal ALK gene or the ROS1 gene.

When: Everyone responds differently to treatment, so try to be patient and follow your healthcare provider's directions. It is important that you take Xalkori exactly as your healthcare provider has prescribed.

How do I know it is working?

Your healthcare provider may order tests regularly to check how well this medication is working.

The following is not a full list of side effects. Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Only your healthcare provider can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this medication.

More common side effects may include: vision problems (such as changes in vision, double vision, flashes of light, blurred vision, light hurting your eyes, or new or increased floaters), diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, swelling of your hands and feet, increase in liver enzymes that may indicate liver injury, upper respiratory infection, tiredness, decreased appetite, taste alteration, feeling of numbness or tingling in the extremities.

Less common side effects may include:

Serious and life-threatening liver problems with symptoms such as yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, tiredness, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, pain on the right side of your stomach area, bleeding or bruising easily, or itching.

Pneumonitis (serious and life-threatening swelling of the lungs) with symptoms such as trouble breathing or shortness of breath, cough with or without mucus, or fever.

Heart problems such as very slow, very fast, or abnormal heartbeats with symptoms such as dizziness or fainting.

Partial or complete vision loss in one or both eyes.

Harm to your unborn baby if used during pregnancy. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you or your partner believe or suspect you or your partner is pregnant while you are receiving Xalkori.

Do not take Xalkori if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.

Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Xalkori. Also, talk to your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, especially if you have liver or kidney problems, vision or eye problems, heart problems or an irregular heartbeat, or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeed, or are breastfeeding.

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your healthcare provider uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your healthcare provider may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your healthcare provider's approval.

Adults: The recommended dose is 250 milligrams twice a day.

If you have kidney impairment, your healthcare provider may adjust your dose appropriately.

Take Xalkori exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change your dose or stop taking Xalkori without first talking to your healthcare provider.

Swallow Xalkori capsules whole and take them with or without food.

If you vomit after taking a dose of Xalkori, just take your next dose at your regular time. Do not take an extra dose.

If you are a female who is able to become pregnant, you must use an effective form of birth control while you are taking Xalkori and for at least 45 days after you stop taking it. If you are a male taking Xalkori and you have a female partner who can get pregnant, you should use condoms during treatment and for at least 90 days after stopping Xalkori.

Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit while you are taking Xalkori.

Do not drive a car, operate heavy machinery, or engage in other activities that require alertness if you have changes in your vision, feel dizzy, or feel tired.

If Xalkori is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Xalkori may interact with numerous medications. Therefore, it is very important that you tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking.

Xalkori may harm your unborn baby if you take it during pregnancy. Do not become pregnant while you are taking Xalkori. Do not breastfeed while you are taking Xalkori and for 45 days after you stop taking it. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

If you miss a dose of Xalkori, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (within 6 hours), skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Store at room temperature.

In the event of a medical emergency call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. In the event of overdose, call your doctor or poison control for further instructions.
National Poison Control#: Call 1-800-222-1222

This PDR+ drug information has been developed by the Physicians’ Desk Reference Network (PDRN), a source of medication information trusted by doctors for over 65 years.

This monograph summarizes the most important information about your medication and does not cover all the information you may need. If you have any questions or concerns or want to learn more about your medication, ask your healthcare provider; he/she will be able to provide answers to your questions. This medication should only be used by the patient for whom it was prescribed and should not be shared with other people.

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