Xalkori Administration: Forms, Dosage Strengths, Guidelines, and Additional Information
Xalkori, a prescription brand-name medication, has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat specific types of cancer, primarily metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that's anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) or ROS proto-oncogene 1-positive (ROS1+) in adults. It is also approved for systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) that's ALK+ and relapsed or refractory in children ages 1 year and older and young adults (less than 65 years old) [1].
Xalkori comes in two forms: an oral capsule and oral pellets, with strengths ranging from 20 mg to 250 mg for the capsules and 20 mg, 50 mg, and 150 mg for the pellets [2]. The active ingredient in Xalkori is crizotinib.
The dosage of Xalkori varies primarily based on the type of cancer and patient characteristics such as age and weight. For adults and pediatric patients weighing 40 kg or more, the standard dose is 120 mg orally twice daily. For pediatric patients under 40 kg, the dose is usually lower [1].
In the case of NSCLC with ALK or ROS1 positive mutations, Xalkori is commonly dosed at 250 mg orally twice a day in adults [2]. For other cancer types, dosing may be investigational or off-label, but the lung cancer dose is well established.
Factors influencing dosage include patient weight and age, especially pediatrics where lower weights require dose adjustments. Tolerance and toxicity level, specific genetic mutation targeted, co-treatment regimens, and comorbidities may also influence adjustments.
It is essential to note that the recommended dose for IMT in adults is 250 mg twice per day, while for ALCL, the recommended dose is 280 mg/m² twice per day, where the dosage is based on your body surface area (height and weight) [2].
Xalkori is meant to be a long-term treatment, continued until cancer gets worse or until side effects become intolerable. The medication can be taken with or without food. If you vomit after taking Xalkori, do not take another dose. Take your next dose at the regular scheduled time [3].
In case of an overdose, call your doctor right away or contact the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Dosage adjustments may be made based on kidney or liver function, side effects, or interactions with other medications [4].
In summary, the most common and well-documented dosage is 250 mg twice daily for adults with ALK-positive NSCLC, with pediatric dosing adjusted by weight (typically 120 mg daily or less) and potential modifications for toxicity or progression. This dosing differs from other oncology drugs and varies mainly by indication and patient factors rather than cancer type alone.
References:
[1] Xalkori (crizotinib) Prescribing Information. Pfizer Inc. 2021. [2] Xalkori (crizotinib) Dosage. Drugs.com. 2021. [3] Xalkori (crizotinib) Administration and Dosage. RxList. 2021. [4] Xalkori (crizotinib) Overdose. MedlinePlus. 2021.
Xalkori, a drug used in the treatment of specific types of cancer such as metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), has different dosages based on the type of cancer, patient characteristics, and other factors. The recommended dose for adults with ALK-positive NSCLC is 250 mg twice daily, while for ALCL, it is 280 mg/m² twice daily, based on body surface area. The medication, used for long-term treatment, can be taken with or without food, but in case of overdose, medical assistance should be sought immediately. This dosing information is crucial in the context of health-and-wellness, medical-conditions like cancer, and the science of oncology.
