Xalkori

Before taking Xalkori, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Xalkori may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Xalkori, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,kidney problems, liver problems. Crizotinib may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using crizotinib,certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using crizotinib safely. Crizotinib can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Tell your health care professional that you are using crizotinib before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). Xalkori may make you dizzy or cause vision changes. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Xalkori may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Xalkori, especially QT prolongation (see above). Xalkori can affect fertility in both males and females. Ask your doctor for more details. Since Xalkori can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle Xalkori or breathe the dust from the capsules. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while taking crizotinib. Crizotinib may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before you start Xalkori. Women taking Xalkori should use reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for at least 45 days after stopping treatment. Men taking Xalkori should use reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for at least 90 days after stopping treatment. If you or your partner become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of Xalkori. It is unknown if Xalkori passes into breast milk. Because of possible harm to a nursing infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using Xalkori and for 45 days after stopping Xalkori. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.