Introduction Zykadia is a medication used to treat certain types of advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients who have specific genetic mutations. The medication is available in capsule form and is taken orally. Zykadia belongs to a class of drugs called kinase inhibitors and works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that helps cancer cells grow. Uses Zykadia is used to treat NSCLC with specific genetic mutations. It is specifically prescribed for the treatment of NSCLC with an abnormal anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene or ROS1 gene. Patients with these genetic mutations may have tumors that grow faster and spread more quickly than tumors in patients who do not have these genetic mutations. Zykadia works by blocking the abnormal protein produced by the mutated genes, which helps slow or stop tumor growth. Dosage The recommended dosage for Zykadia is 150 mg taken orally once daily with food. The medication should be taken at the same time each day. If a dose is missed, patients should take the missed dose as soon as they remember and resume their normal dosing schedule. If a patient takes too much Zykadia, they should contact a healthcare provider or Poison Control Center immediately. Demographic Zykadia is indicated for the treatment of advanced or metastatic NSCLC in patients with specific genetic mutations. It is primarily used in adults over the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with NSCLC with an abnormal ALK or ROS1 gene. The medication may be appropriate for both men and women, but it should only be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women if the benefits outweigh the risks. Side Effects Zykadia may cause side effects in some patients. The most common side effects include: - Nausea - Vomiting - Diarrhea - Constipation - Abdominal pain - Headache - Fatigue - Increased liver function tests - Decreased appetite - Taste changes - Vision problems Some people may also experience more serious side effects, including: - Interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis - Liver problems - High blood sugar levels - Pancreatitis - Embryo-Fetal Toxicity If patients experience any of these symptoms, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Interactions Zykadia can interact with some medications, so patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements. Some medications that may interact with Zykadia include: - Strong CYP3A inducers, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin, can decrease the effectiveness of Zykadia. - Strong CYP3A inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and clarithromycin, can increase the concentration of Zykadia in the blood and may lead to adverse reactions. - Moderate CYP3A inhibitors, such as fluconazole and diltiazem, may also increase the concentration of Zykadia in the blood. Generic Options There are currently no generic versions of Zykadia available on the market. The medication is only available as a brand name. As with all brand-name drugs, Zykadia may be more expensive than its generic counterparts, and patients may want to discuss pricing and alternative treatment options with their healthcare provider. Conclusion Zykadia is a medication used to treat advanced or metastatic NSCLC in patients with specific genetic mutations. The recommended dose is 150 mg taken orally once daily with food. The medication is primarily used in adults over 18 years old and may cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and vision problems. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking to avoid interactions. Although there are no generic versions of Zykadia available, patients may want to discuss pricing and alternative treatment options with their healthcare provider.