Ceritinib is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as kinase inhibitors. It is commonly used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has a specific genetic mutation known as anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement. This mutation causes the cancer cells to grow and spread rapidly, and ceritinib works by blocking the activity of the ALK protein, thereby slowing down the growth of the cancer cells.

Patients who are prescribed ceritinib should be aware of the potential side effects associated with this medication. Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, and decreased appetite. It is important to report any severe or persistent side effects to your healthcare provider immediately.

It is also important to follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider and to take ceritinib exactly as prescribed. Missing doses or taking too much of the medication can affect its effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects.

Before starting ceritinib, it is important to inform your healthcare provider about any other medications or supplements you are taking, as they may interact with ceritinib and affect its effectiveness. Your healthcare provider will also monitor your progress regularly and may adjust your dosage as needed.

Overall, ceritinib is a valuable medication in the treatment of ALK-positive NSCLC, and when taken as prescribed and monitored closely by a healthcare provider, it can help improve outcomes for patients with this type of cancer.