Xalkori® Capsules for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Xalkori® is a prescription capsule for certain lung cancers driven by ALK or ROS1. You can review how it works, typical dosing, safety, and access with US shipping from Canada. This page helps you compare options, see coverage alternatives, and estimate costs without insurance.

What Xalkori Is and How It Works

This medicine contains crizotinib, a targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It slows cancer growth by blocking ALK and ROS1 signaling in tumor cells. By inhibiting these drivers, the treatment may reduce tumor activity and help control disease in select patients.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

It is taken by mouth and is usually used for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer that tests positive for ALK or ROS1. Your care team confirms biomarker status before starting therapy. Always review the full prescribing information for complete details.

Learn more about the condition on our Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer page and explore our broader Cancer category.

Who It’s For

This treatment is for adults with ALK‑positive or ROS1‑positive metastatic non‑small cell lung cancer. Some regions also include use in certain ALK‑positive pediatric conditions; consult the official label for specifics. People with known severe hypersensitivity to any component should avoid it.

Before starting, your clinician will evaluate medical history, ECGs when needed, liver function, and current medicines. Tell your prescriber if you have heart rhythm issues, slow heartbeat, lung problems, or liver or kidney impairment. Discuss pregnancy and contraception plans, as this therapy can harm a developing fetus.

Dosage and Usage

The standard schedule is twice daily at about the same times each day. Swallow capsules whole with water; do not open, crush, or chew. You can take it with or without food. If nausea is an issue, taking with a light snack may help.

Routine monitoring is common. Your care team may order periodic labs and check for vision changes or heart rhythm concerns. Do not change your dose or stop therapy without guidance. If you are unsure about timing after a missed dose, follow the package insert or contact your healthcare professional.

Strengths and Forms

Oral therapy is supplied as hard gelatin capsules in common strengths. Many patients start on the higher strength, but the exact dose comes from your prescriber based on your situation. For product selection, Xalkori 250 mg capsules are widely referenced in labeling, along with a lower strength for dose adjustments.

• Capsules: 250 mg
• Capsules: 200 mg

Availability can vary by manufacturer and market. If the exact strength is out of stock, your pharmacist and clinician will coordinate an appropriate alternative pack to match your prescribed daily schedule.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose and it has been only a short time, you may take it when remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

If you vomit after a dose, do not take an extra capsule. Resume with the next scheduled dose. When questions arise, consult your pharmacist or prescriber and the official label for clear instructions.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store capsules at room temperature in the original bottle, closed tightly, and away from moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not store in a bathroom. When traveling, carry the labeled container and a copy of your prescription in your hand luggage.

Plan ahead for time zone changes. Set reminders to keep doses roughly 12 hours apart. If you need a travel letter or extra supply, ask your prescriber before your trip. For product origin details, see our Canada attribute page.

Benefits

This targeted therapy may help control disease in biomarker‑selected NSCLC. It is an oral option, which can be convenient compared with clinic infusions. Many patients appreciate at‑home dosing and fewer clinic visits for administration.

The medicine class is designed to focus on specific tumor drivers. Targeted therapy may allow for tailored care, including adjustments guided by tolerance and labs. Actual benefit varies by biomarker status, overall health, and treatment history.

Side Effects and Safety

• Vision changes, including blurred vision
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Swelling of hands, feet, or face
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Decreased appetite or weight loss
• Abdominal discomfort
• Changes in taste
• Numbness or tingling
• Elevated liver enzymes on blood tests

Serious risks can include liver injury, interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis, QT prolongation, bradycardia, severe neutropenia, and vision disorders. Get urgent care for trouble breathing, new chest pain, fainting, severe yellowing of skin/eyes, or sudden visual disturbances. Your clinician will review monitoring and when to pause therapy. Review the full prescribing information for complete warnings.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Crizotinib is affected by CYP3A. Strong CYP3A inhibitors or inducers can change drug exposure. Your prescriber may avoid combinations with potent inducers or adjust plans around strong inhibitors. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice unless your healthcare professional says otherwise.

Medicines that prolong the QT interval or slow the heart rate can increase cardiac risk when combined. Tell your clinician about all prescription drugs, OTC products, and supplements, including St. John’s wort. Use reliable contraception during therapy and for a period after the last dose as directed in the label.

Patients with moderate or severe hepatic or renal impairment may need special consideration. Follow the official label for details and speak with your prescriber about your specific situation.

What to Expect Over Time

Some patients notice early side effects such as nausea or visual trails, which may lessen as your body adjusts. Lab monitoring is common during the first months. Your care team will check liver tests and may review periodic ECGs.

Imaging is usually scheduled at intervals to assess response. Symptom changes can vary by person, site of disease, and prior treatments. Keep a simple diary of side effects and bring it to appointments. This helps your team decide if supportive care or treatment adjustments are needed.

For lung health insights and community awareness, see our article on World Lung Day.

Compare With Alternatives

Other approved options exist for biomarker‑defined NSCLC. For ALK‑positive disease after prior therapy, your clinician may consider next‑generation agents such as Lorbrena. For EGFR‑mutated NSCLC, modern standards often include Tagrisso. Earlier EGFR‑targeted options like Iressa may be used in select settings based on regional guidelines and mutation profiles.

Choice depends on tumor genetics, prior treatments, tolerability, and guideline recommendations. Your oncology team determines the right sequence. For supportive reading, explore our Exemestane Guide and Prevent Cancer Tips.

Pricing and Access

We highlight Canadian pricing so you can compare against local pharmacy quotes. The Crizotinib price you see reflects current availability and pack sizes. Because oncology products can change in market status, listings update as wholesalers revise supply. For lung cancer topics and awareness, see Breast Cancer Month and our World Lung Day feature.

Want potential savings versus local cash rates? Check current Canadian pricing that Ships from Canada to US after prescription verification. Savings CTA: compare options and see how cross‑border sourcing may lower your out‑of‑pocket burden. Pricing CTA: sign in to view today’s availability and place items in your cart to see applied pricing. For occasional offers, visit our Promotions page.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and manufacturer. If a specific pack is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an alternative configuration that matches your prescribed daily schedule. For questions about timelines, contact support for status updates on Xalkori US shipping and supply.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy is not right for everyone. People with significant heart rhythm issues, uncontrolled liver disease, or pregnancy should discuss risks carefully. Breastfeeding is typically not recommended during treatment. Ask about baseline ECGs and regular labs to monitor safety.

To manage expenses, ask your prescriber about multi‑month fills when appropriate, which can reduce per‑fill fees. Set refill reminders so you do not miss doses. If eligible for any manufacturer support, your clinic may provide guidance. When comparing options, understanding Crizotinib cost alongside monitoring expenses can help you plan. Keep product pages open to compare Canadian pricing with local quotes. For background on endocrine therapies sometimes used in cancer care, see our Fulvestrant Guide.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is my tumor ALK or ROS1 positive, and how was it tested?
• What monitoring will I need during the first three months?
• Which side effects should prompt a call right away?
• Are any of my current medicines likely to interact?
• Should I avoid grapefruit or certain supplements?
• What are my options if I do not tolerate this therapy?
• How often will imaging be scheduled to check response?

Authoritative Sources

• Pfizer: Xalkori Product Information
• US Prescribing Information
• Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? Start your order for US delivery from Canada with prompt, express shipping and temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is not a substitute for medical advice; always follow your prescriber and the official label.