The basics
Entrectinib (rozlytrek) is an FDA-approved treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in adults that has spread to other body parts. It is also used to treat certain types of solid tumors in adults and children 12 years of age and older that cannot be treated by surgery or have spread to other body parts.
Entrectinib (rozlytrek) is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps to stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.
Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about entrectinib.
How should I take Entrectinib (Rozlytrek)?
Entrectinib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once daily. Take entrectinib (rozlytrek) at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take entrectinib (rozlytrek) exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or more often than your doctor prescribes.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not open, chew, or crush them. If you vomit immediately after you take entrectinib (rozlytrek), take another dose as soon as possible.
Do not stop taking Entrectinib without talking to your doctor. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.
What are the side effects of entrectinib (Rozlytrek)?
Common side effects
- Fatigue (Tiredness)
- Constipation
- Diarrhea (Dysentery)
- Abnormal taste (Dysgeusia)
- Nausea
- Cough, fever, or other signs of infection
- Joint Pain (Arthralgia)
- Muscle Aches (Myalgia)
- Back pain
- Weight changes
- Rash
- Insomnia
- Joint stiffness, redness, or swelling
- loss of appetite
Serious side effects
- Difficulty with learning, memory, attention, or problem-solving
- Mood changes such as anxiety, depression, confusion, or agitation
- Bone pain or difficulty moving
- Vision problems or changes in vision
- Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- yellowing of skin or eyes
- bleeding or bruising easily
- Shortness of breath; difficulty breathing when lying down; or swelling of the arms, legs, hands, or feet
Entrectinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking entrectinib or Rozlytrek
- tell your doctor about your allergies
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any disease, symptom, or treatment
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you plan on fathering a child. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that you can use during your treatment.
While you are on entrectinib or Rozlytrek
- If you or your partner become pregnant while taking entrectinib, call your doctor immediately. Entrectinib may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are taking entrectinib and for 7 days after the final dose.
- you should know that entrectinib may make cause dizziness or confusion. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
I forgot a dose. What should I do?
If you miss a dose by less than 12 hours, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and then take the next dose at the scheduled time. However, if you miss a dose by more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
In case of an emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
How should I safely store and dispose of entrectinib (Rozlytrek)?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
You should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p)) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Brand names
- Rozlytrek®
Last Revised-06/13/2023, FDA updated-10/15/2019, SG
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