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Introduction About SPEXIB CAPSULE
SPEXIB CAPSULE contains Ceritinib which belongs to the group of medicines called Kinase inhibitors. SPEXIB CAPSULE is used in adults to manage advanced stage of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in whom anaplastic lymphoma kinase (a defective gene) gets activated to form cancerous cells in lung.
SPEXIB CAPSULE is not recommended for use in patients allergic to Ceritinib.
Before taking SPEXIB CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you have diabetes, pancreas problems, lung/breathing problems, heart problems (such as prolonged QT interval), kidney/liver problems.
SPEXIB CAPSULE is not recommended for use during pregnancy and in women planning for pregnancy unless it is clearly necessary. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraceptive methods to avoid getting pregnant while in management with SPEXIB CAPSULE. The medicine is also not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless it is clearly necessary.
SPEXIB CAPSULE is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) and is advised to be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and a above) after consulting the doctor.
The most common side effects of taking SPEXIB CAPSULE are tiredness, abdominal pain, reduced appetite, loss of weight, constipation, heartburn, and/or rash. Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms worsens.
Uses Of SPEXIB CAPSULE
- Manage advanced stage of non-small cell lung cancer in adults
How SPEXIB CAPSULE Works
SPEXIB CAPSULE works by blocking the action of certain abnormal proteins (produced by anaplastic lymphoma kinase defective gene) which helps in managing the growth of cancer cells and its spread in body thus managing non-small cell lung cancer in affected individuals.
How to use SPEXIB CAPSULE
Take SPEXIB CAPSULE as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight, and disease condition.
Side Effects Of SPEXIB CAPSULE
Common
- tiredness
- abdominal pain, reduced appetite, loss of weight, constipation, heartburn
- rash
- anaemia
- vision problems
- signs of kidney problems such as decreased urine flow
Rare
Stop taking SPEXIB CAPSULE and contact your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- signs/symptoms of liver problems such as tiredness, itchy skin, yellowing of skin/whites of eyes, nausea/vomiting, decreased appetite, pain on the right abdominal side, dark/brown urine, and/or bleeding/bruising (more easily than normal)
- symptoms of lung problems such as new/worsening cough with/without mucus, fever, chest pain, trouble breathing, and/or shortness of breath
- signs/symptoms of heart problems such as chest pain/discomfort, fast/slow heartbeat, light-headedness, fainting, dizziness, blue discoloration of lips, shortness of breath, and/or swelling of lower limbs/skin
- symptoms of increased blood sugar levels such as excessive thirst, and/or increased frequency of urination
- signs of allergic reactions such as difficulty in breathing/swallowing, swelling of face, lips, tongue/throat, severe itching of skin (associated with red rash/raised bumps)
- severe diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting
- signs of pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas) such as severe upper stomach pain
How To Manage Side Effects
Constipation:
Try to eat high-fiber foods such as vegetables, cereals, fresh fruit, and drink plenty of water. Involve in regular exercise (going for a daily walk or run) and if this does not help, consult and inform your doctor for receiving alternate managements for constipation.
Tiredness:
Make sure you take rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol. Try to take SPEXIB CAPSULE at a time when you can sit down (or lie down) when the symptoms are at their worst. Avoid driving or using tools or machinery until you feel well.
Indigestion:
Try to have smaller and more frequent meals and drink slowly. Reduce consumption of coffee, cola, tea, or alcohol and lose weight if you are obese. Try to avoid smoking and don’t have rich, fatty or spicy foods. Consult your doctor and inform if the symptom does not improve.
Rashes:
Do not scratch the affected area. Wear protective clothing while going outdoors. Regularly moisturize your skin. Consult and inform your doctor if the symptom gets worse.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
SPEXIB CAPSULE is not recommended for use during pregnancy and in women planning for pregnancy unless it is clearly necessary. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraceptive methods to avoid getting pregnant while in management with SPEXIB CAPSULE and should continue taking medicine for next 3 months after stopping management with SPEXIB CAPSULE. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.

Breastfeeding
SPEXIB CAPSULE is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless it is clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.

Driving and Using Machines
Do not drive or operate machines if you experience visual disturbance/tiredness after taking SPEXIB CAPSULE.

Kidney
SPEXIB CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems since it may cause renal failure. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.

Liver
SPEXIB CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients with liver problems. Consult doctor before taking SPEXIB CAPSULE.

Allergy
Do not take SPEXIB CAPSULE if you are allergic to Ceritinib, and/or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Lungs
SPEXIB CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients with lung/breathing problems. Consult doctor before taking SPEXIB CAPSULE.

Heart Disease
SPEXIB CAPSULE should be use with caution in patients with heart problems such as prolonged QT interval. Consult your doctor before taking SPEXIB CAPSULE.
Others
Before taking SPEXIB CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you:
- diabetes
- problems with pancreas (organ located in abdomen which aids in digestion)
Use in Pediatrics:
SPEXIB CAPSULE is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years). Consult your doctor before administering the medicine to the child.
Use in Geriatrics:
SPEXIB CAPSULE should be taken with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and a above). Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Interactions
A. Drug–drug interactions:
Before taking SPEXIB CAPSULE inform your doctor if you are taking following medicines:
- medicines used to manage fungal infections (Ex. ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole)
- medicines used to manage bacterial infections (Ex. telithromycin, moxifloxacin, clarithromycin)
- medicines used to manage HIV (Ex. ritonavir, saquinavir)
- medicine used to manage depression (Ex. St. johns’ wart, nefazodone)
- medicines used to manage fits (Ex. phenytoin, carbamazepine, or phenobarbital)
- medicines used to manage tuberculosis (Ex. rifampicin, rifabutin)
- medicines used to manage heart problems (Ex. amiodarone, disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, dofetilide, ibutilide and digoxin)
- medicines used to manage gastric problems (Ex. Cisapride, esomeprazole, Ranitidine)
- medicines used to manage mental health problems (Ex. haloperidol, droperidol, pimozide)
- medicines used to relieve pain and anxiety (Ex. Midazolam)
- medicines used to manage blood clotting (Ex. warfarin and dabigatran)
- medicines used to relieve pain (Ex. Diclofenac, alfentanil, fentanyl, methadone)
- medicines used to manage transplanted organ rejection (Ex. ciclosporin, sirolimus and tacrolimus)
- medicines used to manage migraine (Ex. dihydroergotamine and ergotamine)
- medicine used to manage vomiting (Ex. Domperidone)
- medicine used to manage malaria (Ex. Chloroquine, halofantrine)
- medicine used to manage cancer (Ex. topotecan)
- medicine used to manage gout (Ex. Colchicine)
- medicine used to lower cholesterol (Ex. Pravastatin, rosuvastatin)
- medicine used to manage inflammatory bowel disease (Ex. sulfasalazine)
- medicine used to manage pregnancy (Ex. Lynestrenol, estradiol)
B. Drug–food interactions:
Avoid consumption of grapefruit/juice while taking SPEXIB CAPSULE since it may increase the risk of side effects associated with the medicine.
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally took more of SPEXIB CAPSULE, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital to manage overdose symptoms.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Ceritinib |
Pharmacological Category | : | Kinase inhibitors |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Advanced stage of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) |
Dosage Forms | : | Capsule |
More Information
- Keep SPEXIB CAPSULE out of reach of children
- Store SPEXIB CAPSULE at room temperature
FAQs About SPEXIB CAPSULE
Q. What is SPEXIB CAPSULE used for?
A. SPEXIB CAPSULE is used in adults to manage advanced stage of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in whom anaplastic lymphoma kinase (a defective gene) gets activated to form cancerous cells in lung.
Q. What are the common side effects of taking SPEXIB CAPSULE?
A. The most common side effects of taking SPEXIB CAPSULE are tiredness, abdominal pain, reduced appetite, loss of weight, constipation, heartburn, and/or rash. Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms worsens.
Q. How SPEXIB CAPSULE works?
A. SPEXIB CAPSULE works by blocking the action of certain abnormal proteins (produced by anaplastic lymphoma kinase defective gene) which helps in managing the growth of cancer cells and its spread in body thus managing non-small cell lung cancer in affected individuals.
Q. How to take SPEXIB CAPSULE?
A. Take SPEXIB CAPSULE as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight, and disease condition.
Q. What happens if SPEXIB CAPSULE is taken more than its required dosage?
A. If you or anyone else accidentally took more of SPEXIB CAPSULE, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital to manage overdose symptoms.
References
1. Wilkes, Margaret Barton-Burke. Molecular targeted therapy. 2018 Oncology Nursing Drug Handbook. Edition. 2018. Page – 525.
2. Hassan Izzedine, Rania Kheder El-Fekih, Mark A Perazella. The renal effects of ALK inhibitors. NIH National Library of Medicine. National center for biotechnology information. PubMed.gov. July 2016. [Accessed on 15th September 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27468827/
3. Lek farmacevtska druzba.dd. Electronic Medicines Compodium (EMC). [Revised in April 2021] [Accessed on 15th September 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10128.pdf
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Chest X-ray