Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Xalkori (Crizotinib).
Abnormal heart rhythms: Xalkori (Crizotinib) can cause abnormal heart rhythms. Certain medications (e.g., Sotalol, quinidine, thioridazine, Chlorpromazine, , Pimozide, moxifloxacin, Mefloquine, pentamidine, arsenic trioxide, probucol, Tacrolimus) can increase the risk of a type of abnormal heart rhythm called QT prolongation, and should not be used in combination with Xalkori (Crizotinib). You are more at risk for this type of abnormal heart rhythm and its complications if you:
- are female
- are older than 65 years of age
- have a family history of sudden cardiac death
- have a history of heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms
- have a slow heart rate
- have congenital prolongation of the QT interval
- have Diabetes
- have had a Stroke
- have low potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels
- have nutritional deficiencies
If you have heart disease and abnormal heart rhythms, or are taking certain medications (e.g., Verapamil, atazanavir), discuss with your doctor how Xalkori (Crizotinib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Xalkori (Crizotinib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Blood Clots: Xalkori (Crizotinib) may cause formation of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) that can move to the lungs (pulmonary Embolism). Blood clots can also cause a Heart Attack or a stroke. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you have pain, redness, or swelling in your legs. If you develop chest pain and shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention. Also seek immediate medical attention if you have sudden headache, dizziness, problems speaking, vision problems, or numbness or weakness, even if they are temporary. If you have had a blood clot in the past, discuss with your doctor how Xalkori (Crizotinib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Xalkori (Crizotinib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Eye problems: You may experience vision disturbances such as flashes of light, blurry vision, and double vision. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Do not drive or operate other machinery until you know that Xalkori (Crizotinib) does not affect your ability to perform these activities safely. There have been rare repots of vison loss in patients taking Xalkori (Crizotinib). If you notice any vision loss in one or both eyes, contact your doctor immediately.
Fatigue and dizziness: Xalkori (Crizotinib) can cause fatigue and dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know that Xalkori (Crizotinib) does not affect your ability to perform these activities safely.
Heart problems: Xalkori (Crizotinib) can slow heart rate and decrease blood pressure. It can also decrease heart function, which may lead to heart failure or worsen symptoms of heart disease. If you have heart disease such as Angina, Congestive Heart Failure, or arrhythmia, discuss with your doctor how Xalkori (Crizotinib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Xalkori (Crizotinib), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of heart failure such as unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, or swelling of the feet and ankles, contact your doctor.
Kidney problems: If you have severe kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Xalkori (Crizotinib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Xalkori (Crizotinib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Xalkori (Crizotinib) may reduce liver function and can cause liver problems that can be severe. Your doctor will monitor your liver function with blood tests while you are taking Xalkori (Crizotinib). If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Xalkori (Crizotinib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Xalkori (Crizotinib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Lung inflammation: Lung inflammation (interstitial lung disease), causing difficulty breathing has occurred rarely in some people taking Xalkori (Crizotinib). This complication can be serious and sometimes fatal. If you experience new or worsening shortness of breath or cough (with or without fever) at any time while you are taking Xalkori (Crizotinib), contact your doctor immediately.
Nerve problems: People taking Xalkori (Crizotinib) may experience symptoms of neuropathy (nerve damage) such as numbness, prickling or tingling, burning, freezing, and throbbing or shooting pain. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Pregnancy: Xalkori (Crizotinib) should not be used during pregnancy. Both men and women should use effective birth control (e.g., condoms, birth control pill) during treatment and for at least 90 days after treatment is finished. If you or your partner become pregnant while taking Xalkori (Crizotinib), contact your doctor immediately.
Male and female fertility may be affected by treatment with crizotinb. Discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Xalkori (Crizotinib) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Xalkori (Crizotinib), it may affect your baby. Due to the potential for serious harm to a baby if they are exposed to Xalkori (Crizotinib), breast-feeding mothers are advised not use Xalkori (Crizotinib). Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Xalkori (Crizotinib) have not been established for children less than 18 years of age.