Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before using this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine comes with patient information leaflet and patient instructions. Read and follow the instructions carefully and make sure you understand them before taking this medicine. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush or chew it. You may take this medicine with or without food.

If you are taking the capsules prepared as a suspension:

  • Open the prescribed number of capsules and pour them into room temperature drinking water or milk. Let the suspension sit for 15 minutes before taking it.
  • Measure the correct dose of medicine with the provided oral dosing syringe or measuring cup.
  • Drink water after taking the suspension to make sure you swallow all the medicine. Store no longer than 2 hours at room temperature.
  • If you are using a nasogastric tube or gastric feeding tube, the suspension can be given through the tube. Flush the tube with water or milk after each dose.

To use the oral pellets:

  • Tap the packets to make sure that the pellets are on one side of the packet. Make sure you do not cut the pellets with scissors.
  • Sprinkle the required number of packets on one or more spoonfuls of soft food (including applesauce, yogurt, or pudding). Take the mixture within 20 minutes. Drink water after taking the mixture to make sure you swallow all the medicine.
  • Do not crush or chew the pellets to avoid bitter taste. Use the whole packet. Do not use part of the packet.
  • Do not use the pellets to make an oral liquid. Do not give it using a nasogastric tube or gastric feeding tube, the pellets may clog the feeding tube.

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may change the amount of medicine that is absorbed in the body.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (capsules or pellets):
    • For ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer:
      • Adults—600 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For NTRK gene fusion-positive solid tumors:
      • Adults—600 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Children older than 6 months of age—Dose is based on body surface area (BSA) and must be determined by your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • BSA of 1.51 meter squared (m2) or more—600 milligrams (mg) once a day.
        • BSA of 1.11 to 1.50 m2—400 mg once a day.
        • BSA of 0.81 to 1.10 m2—300 mg once a day.
        • BSA of 0.51 to 0.80 m2—200 mg once a day.
        • BSA of 0.50 m2 or less—300 milligrams per square meter (mg/m[2]) once a day.
      • Children older than 1 month to 6 months of age—Dose is based on body surface area (BSA) and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 250 milligrams per square meter (mg/m[2]) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Children younger than 1 month of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If your next dose is within 12 hours, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule.

If you vomit after taking a dose, take another dose as soon as possible.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: July 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.