Ceritinib
Zykadia (ceritinib) is a prescription brand-name medication classified as an ALK inhibitor used to treat adults with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is typically prescribed when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and may be used as a first-line treatment or after other cancer therapies have been tried.
Zykadia is a targeted therapy for ALK-positive metastatic lung cancer that works by inhibiting cancer cell growth.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1535463
- Generic
- Zykadia
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in adults, either as initial therapy or after progression on prior treatments.
Ceritinib, the active ingredient in Zykadia, is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets and blocks the abnormal ALK protein, which is involved in cancer cell growth and survival in ALK-positive tumors.
Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Liver function monitoring is required during treatment. Zykadia may interact with certain medications and should be taken on an empty stomach. Patients should be confirmed ALK-positive through testing before starting treatment.
Official drug label
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy