Zykadia or Spexib 150mg (Ceritinib) | 50 Hard Gelatin Capsules

What Zykadia / Spexib (Ceritinib) Are

Zykadia and Spexib are brand names for ceritinib, approved ALK inhibitors for adults with ALK‑positive advanced NSCLC confirmed by an appropriate test. Ceritinib is supplied as 150 mg hard gelatin capsules and is usually taken once daily as monotherapy under the supervision of an experienced oncology specialist.

How Ceritinib Works

Ceritinib selectively inhibits the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) receptor and downstream pathways such as STAT3, blocking the growth and survival of ALK‑dependent cancer cells. By targeting ALK fusion proteins (for example EML4‑ALK), it reduces tumour proliferation and can lead to tumour shrinkage and delayed disease progression in ALK‑positive NSCLC.

Indications and Benefits

• Indicated for adults with ALK‑positive metastatic or locally advanced NSCLC, including those previously treated with crizotinib or as a first‑line option depending on guidelines and label.

• Provides a targeted therapy option that can improve response rates and progression‑free survival compared with non‑targeted chemotherapy in ALK‑rearranged disease.

Dosage and Administration

The usual recommended dose in adults is 450 mg ceritinib orally once daily with food, typically taken as three 150 mg capsules at the same time each day. Treatment is continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, with dose reductions or temporary interruptions if side effects become difficult to tolerate.

Key Safety Information

Common side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, and elevated liver enzymes, which are often manageable with supportive care and dose adjustment. Serious risks include liver toxicity, interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis, QT‑interval prolongation, hyperglycaemia, and pancreatitis, so regular monitoring of liver function tests, ECG, blood glucose, and other labs is required.

SEO‑Optimised FAQ for Zykadia / Spexib (Ceritinib)

What is Zykadia / Spexib (Ceritinib) used for?

Zykadia and Spexib (ceritinib) are used to treat adults with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‑positive metastatic or advanced non‑small cell lung cancer confirmed by an approved ALK test.

How does ceritinib work in lung cancer?

Ceritinib blocks the ALK tyrosine‑kinase receptor and its signalling pathways, stopping abnormal ALK‑driven signals that tell cancer cells to grow and divide, which helps slow or stop tumour growth.

What is the usual dose of Zykadia / Spexib?

For most adults, the usual starting dose is 450 mg once daily with food, which equals three 150 mg ceritinib capsules taken together at the same time every day.

Who can receive ceritinib?

Ceritinib is for adults with ALK‑positive NSCLC, and treatment should be started and monitored by a doctor experienced in using anticancer medicines, with ALK‑positive status confirmed before therapy.

What are common side effects of ceritinib?

Common side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, tiredness, and increased liver enzyme levels, which may require dose modification or supportive treatment.

What serious warnings are associated with Zykadia / Spexib?

Serious warnings include the risk of liver injury, lung inflammation (pneumonitis), heart rhythm changes such as QT prolongation, severe hyperglycaemia, and pancreatitis, so patients need regular blood tests and ECG monitoring.

Can ceritinib interact with other medicines?

Yes, strong CYP3A and P‑gp inhibitors or inducers can significantly increase or decrease ceritinib levels, so all other prescription, over‑the‑counter, and herbal medicines should be reviewed before starting treatment.

Is Zykadia / Spexib suitable in pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Ceritinib can harm an unborn baby, and effective contraception is recommended during treatment and for a period after; it is generally not recommended during breastfeeding.