Crizotinib side effects

Crizotinib (Crizotinib) is an effective targeted therapy used to treat patients with certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, like all drugs, crizotinib can cause a range of side effects. The severity and frequency of these side effects vary among individuals, and not all patients experience the same side effects. Before receiving treatment with crizotinib, doctors usually carefully evaluate patients and weigh the potential benefits and risks. Here are some common and more serious side effects that may occur with crizotinib:

Common side effects:

1.Nausea and Vomiting: Crizotinib may cause mild to moderate nausea and vomiting. These symptoms usually appear within a few days of starting treatment but tend to gradually lessen over a few weeks. Doctors often advise patients to watch their diet and fluid intake while taking the medication to reduce these discomforts.

2.Diarrhea: Some patients may experience diarrhea while taking crizotinib. Like nausea and vomiting, this side effect tends to appear within a few days of starting treatment but will gradually improve. Maintaining adequate fluid intake and avoiding eating too many irritating foods may help reduce diarrhea symptoms.

3.Fatigue: Crizotinib may cause patients to experience fatigue and weakness. This fatigue may affect daily activities and quality of life. If a patient feels excessively fatigued, the doctor may recommend moderate rest and increased periods of physical activity.

4.Headache: Some patients may experience headache while taking this medication. Typically, this headache is mild and can be relieved with over-the-counter medications.

5.Gastrointestinal discomfort: In addition to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, crizotinib may also cause other gastrointestinal discomfort, such as heartburn and bloating.

6.Visual problems: Crizotinib may sometimes cause visual problems, such as blurred vision, dry eyes, or eye pain.

7.Drowsiness and insomnia: Some patients may experience drowsiness while taking this medication, while others may experience insomnia.

More serious side effects:

While most patients are able to tolerate treatment with crizotinib, some patients may experience more serious side effects that need to be reported and addressed to their physician immediately. These may include:

1.Liver function impairment: Crizotinib may cause liver function damage, leading to elevated liver enzymes. Patients may need to have their liver function checked regularly while taking the medication to make sure the medication is not causing serious damage to the liver.

2.Lung problems: Rarely, crizotinib may cause lung problems such as pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, or interstitial lung disease. Patients should inform their doctor immediately if they develop respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or chest pain.

3.Heart problems: Crizotinib may sometimes cause heart problems such as arrhythmia and pericarditis. Patients should have their heart monitored while taking the medication and promptly report any heart symptoms to their doctor.

4.Visual impairment: Although most vision problems are mild, in rare cases, crizotinib may cause severe vision impairment. Patients who develop persistent or severe vision problems while taking this medication should seek medical attention immediately.

5.Central nervous system problems: Some patients may experience dizziness, syncope, cognitive problems, or other central nervous system symptoms while taking this medication. These symptoms should be reported to your doctor immediately.

6.Bone problems: Crizotinib may cause bone problems, such as fractures, bone pain, etc. Patients should pay special attention to bone health and consult their doctor when necessary.

Overall, crizotinib is an important drug for the treatment of lung cancer, but patients should closely monitor any side effects while taking the drug and report it to their doctor in a timely manner. The doctor will evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of the treatment based on the patient's specific situation and make adjustments as needed.

Crizotinib is currently on the market in China and is included in medical insurance. Patients can purchase it domestically, and the price is around 6,000~12,000 yuan. Since the price of medical insurance policies varies greatly across regions, please consult your local pharmacy or medical insurance bureau for specific prices. There are original drugs and generic drugs for crizotinib abroad. The original drug is mainly Pfizer’s original drug, and the price is 11,000About 1 yuan. Generic drugs are mainly from Bangladesh and Laos. Due to different pharmaceutical manufacturers and drug specifications, generic drugs cost around 2,700~3,000 yuan. Moreover, the ingredients of foreign original drugs and generic drugs are basically the same as those of domestic drugs.