Who should be contraindicated with ceritinib/ceritinib (Zanda)?

Ceritinib (Ceritinib) is an oral ALK inhibitor, mainly used to treat ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although it is effective in improving patient survival and controlling tumor progression, not all patients are suitable for use. Due to underlying diseases or special physiological conditions, some people have greater risks in taking medication, so they are contraindicated or used with caution.

First of all, it is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to the active ingredients or excipients of ceritinib to prevent severe allergic reactions. In addition, it is strictly prohibited for pregnant women to use the drug, as the drug may cause malformations to the fetus or the risk of miscarriage; similarly, breastfeeding women should avoid using the drug to avoid the drug entering the baby's body through milk and causing potential harm.

For patients with severe hepatic impairment, since ceritinib is mainly metabolized by the liver, the drug may accumulate and increase toxicity, so it needs to be avoided or used with caution. Patients with severe heart disease, such as those with a history of QT prolongation, arrhythmia, or congestive heart failure, are also at high risk, as medications may worsen adverse cardiac events.

In addition, patients with serious diseases of the digestive tract (such as active gastrointestinal ulcers or severe gastrointestinal dysfunction) may have an increased risk of adverse reactions due to the stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract by the drug and should not use it. Patients who are taking strong CYP3A inhibitors or inducers also need to avoid concurrent use of drugs to avoid significant increases or decreases in the plasma concentration of ceritinib, affecting efficacy and safety.

Reference materials:https://www.drugs.com/