Kinase InhibitorPrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. Not classifiedFDA Yes
Xalkori
CRIZOTINIB
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE XALKORI is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of • adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors are anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) or ROS1-positive as detected by an FDA-approved test. ( 1.1 , 2.1 ) • pediatric patients 1 year of age and older and young adults with relapsed or refractory, systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) that is ALK-positive. ( 1.2 , 2.3 ) o Limitations of Use: The safety and efficacy of XALKOR...
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Brand names:Xalkori
Quick Reference
Medicine ClassKinase Inhibitor
FDA ApprovedYes
PregnancyCategory Not classified
Quick Facts
- Active ingredient
- CRIZOTINIB
- Medicine class
- Kinase Inhibitor
- Brand names
- Xalkori
- Availability
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Pregnancy category
- Not classified
- Half-life
- half-life of crizotinib was 42 hours following single doses of crizotinib in patients
- FDA approved
- Yes
What Is Xalkori?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE XALKORI is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of • adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors are anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) or ROS1-positive as detected by an FDA-approved test. ( 1.1 , 2.1 ) • pediatric patients 1 year of age and older and young adults with relapsed or refractory, systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) that is ALK-positive. ( 1.2 , 2.3 ) o Limitations of Use: The safety and efficacy of XALKOR...
Xalkori (CRIZOTINIB) belongs to the Kinase Inhibitor class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Key Safety Information
- •Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
- •Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- •Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
- •Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Xalkori. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
- •Take Xalkori with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
- •Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.
This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Uses & Indications
Xalkori is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE XALKORI is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of • adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors are anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) or ROS1-positive as detected by an FDA-approved test.
( 1.1 , 2.1 ) • pediatric patients 1 year of age and older and young adults with relapsed or refractory, systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) that is ALK-positive.
( 1.2 , 2.3 ) o Limitations of Use: The safety and efficacy of XALKORI have not been established in older adults with relapsed or refractory, systemic ALK-positive ALCL.
• adult and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with unresectable, recurrent, or refractory inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) that is ALK-positive.
( 1.3 , 2.3 ) 1.1 ALK- or ROS1-Positive Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer XALKORI is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors are anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) or ROS1-positive as detected by an FDA-approved test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] .
1.2 Relapsed or Refractory, Systemic ALK-Positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma XALKORI is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients 1 year of age and older and young adults with relapsed or refractory, systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) that is ALK-positive .
Limitations of Use : The safety and efficacy of XALKORI have not been established in older adults with relapsed or refractory, systemic ALK-positive ALCL.
1.3 Unresectable, Recurrent, or Refractory ALK-Positive Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor XALKORI is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with unresectable, recurrent, or refractory inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) that is ALK-positive.
Dosage Guide
The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.
AD
Adult Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Metastatic NSCLC: The recommended dosage is 250 mg orally twice daily. ( 2.3 ) • Systemic ALCL: The recommended dosage is 280 mg/m 2 orally twice daily based on body surface area. ( 2.3 ) • Unresectable IMT: o Adult: The recommended dosage is 250 mg orally twice daily. ( 2.3 ) o Pediatric: The recommended dosage is 280 mg/m 2 orally twice daily based on body surface area. ( 2.3 ) • See full prescribing information for dosage adjustments by indication for patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment. ( 2.7 , 2.8 ) 2.1 Patient Selection Select patients for the treatment of metastatic NSCLC with XALKORI based on the presence of ALK or ROS1 positivity in tumor specimens [see Clinical Studies (14.1 , 14.2 , 14.3) ] . Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of ALK and ROS1 rearrangements in NSCLC is available at http://www.fda.gov/companiondiagnostics . 2.2 Recommended Testing During Treatment with XALKORI • Monitor
Available Forms
Available Strengths
Side Effects
Common
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Interstitial Lung Disease/Pneumonitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • QT Interval Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Bradycardia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Severe Visual Loss [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Gastrointestinal Toxicity in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients with ALCL or Pediatric Patients with IMT [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥25%) in adult patients with NSCLC are vision disorders, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, edema, constipation, elevated transaminases, fatigue, decreased appetite, upper respiratory infection, dizziness, and neuropathy.
- ( 6.1 ) The most common adverse reactions (≥35%) in patients with ALCL are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, vision disorder, headache, musculoskeletal pain, stomatitis, fatigue, decreased appetite, pyrexia, abdominal pain, cough, and pruritus.
- Grade 3–4 laboratory abnormalities (≥15%) are neutropenia, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia.
- ( 6.1 ) The most common adverse reactions (≥35%) in adult patients with IMT are vision disorders, nausea, and edema.
- ( 6.1 ) The most common adverse reactions (≥35%) in pediatric patients with IMT are vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, vision disorder, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, pyrexia, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, edema, constipation, and headache.
- ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer Inc.
- at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
Serious
- 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Hepatotoxicity: Fatal hepatotoxicity has occurred.
- Monitor with periodic liver testing.
- Temporarily suspend, dose reduce, or permanently discontinue XALKORI.
- ( 2.2 , 2.6 , 5.1 ) • Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis: Permanently discontinue in patients with ILD/pneumonitis.
- ( 2.6 , 5.2 ) • QT Interval Prolongation: Monitor electrocardiograms and electrolytes in patients who have a history of or predisposition for QTc prolongation, or who are taking medications that prolong QT.
Rare
Medicine Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
MajorModerateMinor
Warnings & Contraindications
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Hepatotoxicity: Fatal hepatotoxicity has occurred. Monitor with periodic liver testing. Temporarily suspend, dose reduce, or permanently discontinue XALKORI. ( 2.2 , 2.6 , 5.1 ) • Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis: Permanently discontinue in patients with ILD/pneumonitis. ( 2.6 , 5.2 ) • QT Interval Prolongation: Monitor electrocardiograms and electrolytes in
How Xalkori Works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Crizotinib is an inhibitor of receptor tyrosine kinases including ALK, Hepatocyte Growth Factor Receptor (HGFR, c-Met), ROS1 (c-ros), and Recepteur d'Origine Nantais (RON). Translocations can affect the ALK gene resulting in the expression of oncogenic fusion proteins. The formation of ALK fusion proteins results in activation and dysregulation of the gene's expression and signaling which can contribute to increased cell proliferation and survival in tumors expressing these proteins. Crizotinib demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of ALK, ROS1, and c-Met phosphorylation in cell-based assays using tumor cell lines and demonstrated antitumor activity in mice bearing tumor xenografts that expressed echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)- or
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Absorption A single crizotinib capsule dose was absorbed with median time to achieve peak concentration (T max ) of 4 to 6 hours, and the mean absolute bioavailability of 43% (range: 32% to 66%)
Half-Life
half-life of crizotinib was 42 hours following single doses of crizotinib in patients
Metabolism
Metabolism Crizotinib is predominantly metabolized by CYP3A
Excretion
Excretion Following administration of a single oral 250 mg dose of radiolabeled crizotinib dose to healthy subjects, 63% (53% as unchanged) of the administered dose was recovered in feces and 22% (2
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Not classified
Breastfeeding
Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Xalkoriwhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.
Storage & Handling
Store at room temperature. Keep away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
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- Detail
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Adult, pediatric, renal, and hepatic dosing for Xalkori
- Detail
Xalkori side effects
Complete adverse effect profile including common, serious, and rare reactions
Sources & References
- • FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Xalkori
- • U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
- • American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
- • PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies
Last reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board · MedCentralHub Editorial Policy
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.