Zykadia Side Effects

Generic name: ceritinib

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Feb 10, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Zykadia Side Effects associated with ceritinib. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Zykadia.

Applies to ceritinib: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Zykadia

Along with its needed effects, ceritinib (the active ingredient contained in Zykadia) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ceritinib:

More common side effects

• blurred vision
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• clay-colored stools
• dark urine
• decreased appetite
• dry mouth
• fever
• flushed, dry skin
• fruit-like breath odor
• headache
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• itching, skin rash
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• stomach pain or tenderness
• sweating
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• trouble breathing
• unexplained weight loss
• unsteadiness or awkwardness
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
• yellow eyes or skin

Less common side effects

• chest pain
• chills
• cough
• fainting
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• irregular heartbeat, recurrent
• thickening of bronchial secretions

Other side effects of Zykadia

Some side effects of ceritinib may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• blurred vision or other changes in vision
• diarrhea
• difficulty having a bowel movement
• heartburn
• pain or discomfort in the chest, upper stomach, or throat
• seeing flashes or sparks of light

Incidence not known

• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
• redness or other discoloration of the skin
• severe sunburn

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ceritinib: oral capsule, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common side effect resulting in dose reductions or interruptions were increased ALT (29%), nausea (20%), increased AST (16%), diarrhea (16%), and vomiting (16%).

The most common side effects leading to discontinuation were pneumonia, interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis, and decreased appetite.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (86%), nausea (80%), vomiting (60%), abdominal pain (54%), constipation (29%), esophageal disorder (16%)
• Rare (less than 0.1%): GI hemorrhage^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Hemoglobin decreased (84%), phosphate decreased (36%)^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): ALT increased (80%), AST increased (75%), bilirubin increased (15%)^[Ref]

Renal

• Very common (10% or more): Creatinine increased (58%), phosphate decreased (36%)^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (34%), glucose increased (49%), lipase increased (28%)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Rash (16%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis
• Rare (0.01% than 0.1%): Respiratory failure, pneumothorax, pulmonary tuberculosis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Neuropathy (17%)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Vision disorder^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Prolonged QT, bradycardia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Cardiac tamponade^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (52%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): General physical health deterioration^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Sepsis^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Is Zykadia a chemotherapy drug and how does it work?
• What is Zykadia used for?

Further information

Zykadia side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer