Xalkori® Capsules for ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Xalkori® is a prescription kinase inhibitor used for certain lung cancers. This page explains how it works, key safety points, and practical steps for getting treatment, including options if you pay without insurance. YouDrugstore provides US delivery from Canada for eligible prescriptions.

What Xalkori Is and How It Works

This medicine contains crizotinib, a targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It blocks signaling from abnormal ALK or ROS1 proteins that drive some non-small cell lung cancers. By inhibiting these pathways, the treatment may slow cancer cell growth and reduce spread in responsive tumors.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

It is taken by mouth and is generally used long term if you benefit and tolerate therapy. Some prescriptions are written for crizotinib 250 mg capsules based on the prescriber’s plan. Always follow the official label and your prescriber’s instructions.

Because it targets specific genetic changes, your care team will confirm ALK-positive or ROS1-positive status before starting. Monitoring includes blood tests, eye checks, heart rhythm evaluations, and imaging at intervals set by your clinician.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for adults with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer that tests positive for ALK or ROS1 gene rearrangements. It is not appropriate for tumors lacking these alterations. People with known hypersensitivity to any component should not take it.

Tell your prescriber about heart rhythm issues, slow pulse, liver disease, kidney problems, or vision disorders. Discuss all medicines you take. Use of this therapy during pregnancy may harm an unborn baby; reliable contraception is typically recommended. Breastfeeding is generally not advised while on treatment.

Learn more about disease specifics in Non Small Cell Lung and ROS1 Positive condition pages, and explore our broader Cancer category.

Dosage and Usage

Your prescriber will choose a schedule aligned with the official label. The treatment is typically taken twice daily, about 12 hours apart. Swallow capsules whole with water. You can take it with or without food. Do not crush or open the capsules. If swallowing is difficult, speak with your care team.

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while using this therapy. Keep a consistent routine to support adherence. If your prescriber changes other medicines, confirm whether any timing adjustments are needed. Do not change your dose or stop taking it without professional advice. Refer to the approved prescribing information for full directions.

Strengths and Forms

This medicine is supplied as oral capsules. Common presentations include:

• Xalkori capsules 250 mg
• 200 mg capsules

Availability can vary. Check your prescription details and what your prescriber intends to dispense.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time of your next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one. If you vomit after a dose, do not take an extra dose; continue with the next scheduled dose. Ask your prescriber for personalized guidance if misses occur often.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the capsules at room temperature in a dry place, away from excess heat and moisture. Keep them in the original container with the label visible, and out of reach of children and pets. Do not use capsules that are damaged or expired.

When traveling, carry your prescription-labeled container in your hand luggage. Bring a copy of your prescription and an up-to-date medication list. If crossing time zones, keep your dosing interval consistent; your prescriber or pharmacist can suggest a simple plan. Use a reminder app or phone alarm to help stay on schedule while away. For home storage and travel, avoid pill organizers if small children are present unless you can secure them safely. A micro trust cue for your privacy: our site uses encrypted checkout.

Benefits

This targeted therapy addresses tumors driven by ALK or ROS1 alterations. It is taken by mouth, which can be convenient compared with clinic-based infusions. Regular monitoring helps your team assess how you are responding and manage side effects. Many people appreciate having an oral option they can take at home under a clinician’s care.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects can include:

• Vision changes such as blurry vision or light trails
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
• Swelling of hands, legs, or feet
• Dizziness or fatigue
• Decreased appetite or abdominal discomfort
• Numbness or tingling sensations

Serious risks may include liver injury, interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis, severe vision disorders, QT prolongation, and bradycardia. Kidney cysts have been observed. Seek urgent care for symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, severe visual changes, or signs of liver problems such as dark urine or yellowing skin. Your prescriber may monitor ECGs, liver enzymes, and eye health during therapy. Report side effects promptly.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong CYP3A inhibitors or inducers can affect medicine levels. Examples include certain antifungals, antibiotics, seizure medicines, and herbal products like St. John’s wort. Avoid grapefruit products. Use caution with other drugs that slow heart rate or prolong the QT interval, such as some antiarrhythmics, beta blockers, or specific antidepressants. Warfarin and other narrow-therapeutic-index medicines may require closer monitoring.

Tell your prescriber about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you use. If you have significant liver problems, your care team may adjust your plan. For pregnancy planning and breastfeeding, discuss timing and safer alternatives with your healthcare professional.

What to Expect Over Time

Your team will track your progress with scheduled visits and imaging. Some people notice visual effects early, which often improve or become manageable. Gastrointestinal symptoms can be addressed with dietary strategies and supportive care. Sticking to your dosing routine is important. If side effects occur, your prescriber may adjust your plan according to the label. Keep a log of symptoms and questions for each visit. Over time, lab and imaging results guide decisions about continuing, holding, or switching therapy.

Compare With Alternatives

Other approved options may be considered based on genetic markers and prior therapy. For ALK-positive NSCLC after earlier treatment, your prescriber may discuss Lorbrena®, a later-generation ALK inhibitor with different characteristics. For tumors driven by other fusions, such as NTRK, your team might consider Vitrakvi® where appropriate. The right choice depends on tumor profile, response, tolerance, and overall care goals.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pharmacy services can offer competitive options compared with typical cash-pay costs. Many patients ask about Xalkori price without insurance; current pricing is shown when you sign in and add your prescription details. We do not display dollar amounts here because pricing can change.

You may also see Xalkori Canadian pricing when comparing options through your YouDrugstore account. If you have a clinician-written prescription, our team can help fulfill it with US delivery from Canada once it is verified. Your prescriber’s directions always determine what is dispensed.

Availability and Substitutions

Availability can vary with manufacturer supply and pharmacy stock. If this treatment is not available, your prescriber may recommend a clinically appropriate alternative. In that case, they may revise your prescription based on your diagnosis and prior therapies. If you need to order crizotinib online through us, submit your valid prescription and contact details so our pharmacy team can assist.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates typically have confirmed ALK-positive or ROS1-positive NSCLC and can commit to regular monitoring. People with uncontrolled heart rhythm problems, significant liver disease, or active interstitial lung disease may need a different plan. Your clinician will review your full medical history before starting.

To manage costs, ask your prescriber whether a longer supply is appropriate so you reduce monthly service fees. Set refill reminders early to avoid gaps. Consider using your insurer’s out-of-network reimbursement policy if eligible. If you are comparing options, search our catalog, then discuss crizotinib price without insurance and any support services with your care team. Keep copies of invoices for potential reimbursement submissions.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Do my biopsy or liquid biopsy results confirm ALK-positive or ROS1-positive disease?
• What monitoring schedule will I follow for liver tests, heart rhythm, and eye exams?
• Which symptoms should prompt a call right away, and which can wait for the next visit?
• Could any of my current medicines increase the risk of heart rhythm issues or liver problems?
• How should I handle time zones and dose timing when I travel?
• If I experience bothersome vision changes, what adjustments might be considered?
• What signs would suggest it is time to switch to another targeted therapy?

Authoritative Sources

US Prescribing Information

DailyMed Label

Health Canada DPD

Ready to proceed with your prescription? You can start your order now for prompt, express shipping and US delivery from Canada, with temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is not a substitute for medical advice; follow your prescriber’s directions and the official label.