What is Crizotinib used for?

non-small cell lung cancer with an ALK or ROS1 gene change; a lymphoma called anaplastic large cell lymphoma with an ALK change, in children and young adults; a rare tumor called inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor with an ALK change.

What are the common side effects of Crizotinib?

Vision changes, like flashes, blurry vision, or trails of light, often when moving from dark to light. Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea or constipation. Swelling in the legs, feet, or hands. Changes in taste. Feeling tired or dizzy. Changes in liver blood tests.

When should I call my care team while taking Crizotinib?

New loss of vision or a big change in your eyesight; Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain on the right side of your belly; New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain; Slow heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting; A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher.

Crizotinib

Say it: krih-ZOH-tih-nib · Brand names: Xalkori

Crizotinib is a targeted pill that blocks growth signals in cancers with certain ALK or ROS1 gene changes.

What it is

Some cancers have changes in genes called ALK or ROS1. These changes tell cancer cells to keep growing. Crizotinib blocks these signals, which can slow or shrink the cancer.

Often used for

non-small cell lung cancer with an ALK or ROS1 gene change
a lymphoma called anaplastic large cell lymphoma with an ALK change, in children and young adults
a rare tumor called inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor with an ALK change

How you get it

It is a capsule you take by mouth twice a day, with or without food. Children may get it as small pellets. People usually take it for as long as it works. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

Vision changes, like flashes, blurry vision, or trails of light, often when moving from dark to light. Be careful driving, especially at night.
Nausea and vomiting. Take it with food if it helps and ask your team about nausea medicine.
Diarrhea or constipation. Drink plenty of fluids.
Swelling in the legs, feet, or hands. Raise your legs when sitting.
Changes in taste. Try different flavors and keep your mouth clean.
Feeling tired or dizzy. Get up slowly from sitting or lying.
Changes in liver blood tests. Your team will check these.

Call your care team right away if you have

New loss of vision or a big change in your eyesight
Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain on the right side of your belly
New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
Slow heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting
A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher

Before you start, tell your team

If you have liver, kidney, lung, or heart problems, including a slow or irregular heartbeat
If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take, since some can change how this medicine works

Good to know

Serious liver problems can happen. You will have liver blood tests often, especially in the first 2 months.
It can slow the heart and change its rhythm. You may have an ECG (a heart tracing).
Sudden or serious vision loss can happen. Your team may send you to an eye doctor.
Rarely, it causes serious lung swelling.
This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Ask your team about birth control during treatment and for a while after.

At home

Take it at about the same times each day.
Swallow the capsules whole. If you get pellets, follow the steps your team gives you.
If you miss a dose or throw up after a dose, ask your team what to do. Do not take an extra dose on your own.
Store the pills at room temperature in their original container, away from children and pets.
Wash your hands after touching the pills. Ask your team if others in your home should take special care.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, since it can raise the amount of medicine in your blood.

Questions to ask

How long will I take this medicine?
What tests will I need, and how often?
Are any of my other medicines, foods, or supplements a problem with this medicine?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Which side effects should I call you about right away, and which can wait?

Side effect guides

Sources

Quick answers

What is Crizotinib?: Crizotinib is a targeted pill that blocks growth signals in cancers with certain ALK or ROS1 gene changes. Brand names: Xalkori.
What is Crizotinib used for?: non-small cell lung cancer with an ALK or ROS1 gene change; a lymphoma called anaplastic large cell lymphoma with an ALK change, in children and young adults; a rare tumor called inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor with an ALK change.
How is Crizotinib given?: It is a capsule you take by mouth twice a day, with or without food. Children may get it as small pellets. People usually take it for as long as it works. Your schedule may be different.
What are the common side effects of Crizotinib?: Vision changes, like flashes, blurry vision, or trails of light, often when moving from dark to light. Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea or constipation. Swelling in the legs, feet, or hands. Changes in taste. Feeling tired or dizzy. Changes in liver blood tests.
When should I call my care team while taking Crizotinib?: New loss of vision or a big change in your eyesight; Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain on the right side of your belly; New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain; Slow heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting; A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.