Is ceritinib/ceritinib capsule 700mg or 450mg?

Ceritinib is a targeted drug used to treat ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It was developed by Novartis and approved by the FDA. In early clinical studies, the recommended dose was 700 mg per day, but due to a higher incidence of side effects, the current standard recommended dose has been adjusted to 450 mg.

The common packaging specification of ceritinib is 150 mg/tablet, usually sold in the form of 150 mg × 150 pills (3 bottles × 50 pills). Since its recommended dosage has been adjusted to 450mg/day, patients can meet standard treatment needs by taking 3 tablets per day. Patients who adopted the 700mg regimen in the early days needed to take five 150mg capsules a day, but this dose is no longer the first choice due to many side effects.

Dose adjustment of ceritinib

1. 450 mg dose (recommended dose): According to the latest research and guidelines, the recommended dose of ceritinib is 450 mg per day, taken with food. This dose achieves a good balance between efficacy and side effects, maintaining the efficacy while reducing digestive system side effects. The dosage is 3 150mg capsules per day, for a total of 450mg;

2. 700mg dose (early standard dose): The initial clinical trial adopted a 700mg dose, that is, 150mg × 5 tablets taken per day. However, studies have found that high doses increase gastrointestinal adverse reactions (such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.), so the current standard recommended dose has been adjusted to 450mg.

Different versions of ceritinib specifications

1. Original drug: Produced by Novartis. The common specification is 150 mg × 150 tablets. The daily dosage is adjusted according to the guidance of a doctor.

2. Generic drugs: Some generic versions may adjust the packaging specifications, such as the Indian, Bangladeshi or Laos versions, but the core ingredients remain the same, which are still150mg capsules.

When purchasing drugs, patients need to pay attention to whether the specifications comply with the actual treatment plan, ensure that the dosage of the drug is sufficient, and take it correctly according to the doctor's instructions to improve the therapeutic effect and reduce unnecessary side effects.

Reference materials:https://www.novartis.com/our-products/pipeline/ceritinib