Alecensa

 

Generic: alectinib 
Bran name: Alecensa
Drug class: Multikinase inhibitors

What is Alecensa?

Alecensa (alectinib) is an anti-cancer medicine which inhibits the spread and growth of cancerous cells in the body.

Alecensa is prescribed to treat a particular kind of lung cancer that has spread to different parts of the body.

Alecensa is used only when cancer you are suffering from has a specific gene indicator (an anomalous “ALK” gene). Your doctor will check you for this gene.¶

Warnings

Alecensa could cause life-threatening or serious adverse consequences.

Contact your doctor immediately If you’re experiencing heart issues–severe dizziness, extremely slow heartbeats, breathing problems–fever and chest pain, trouble breathing, cough; kidney problems–a change in the color of your urine, and a lack of or little urine output, swelling of your lower legs, or liver issues–upper abdomen pains, dark urine lack of appetite, or eyes that are yellow or eyes.

 

Before taking this medication, you must consult your physician

Do not take Alecensa in case you are sensitive to the chemical alectinib.

Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:

• lung or breathing issues that are not related to lung cancer
• liver disease liver disease
• Slow heartbeats (Bradycardia).

Alectinib may harm a baby who is not born as well as cause birth defects when the father or mother is taking this medication.

• If you’re female, do not use Alecensa in the event that you are expecting. Make sure you use effective birth control methods to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication and for at minimum 1 week following the last dose.
• If you’re male, use effective birth control if you are a partner with sex who can get pregnant. Continue using birth control for at least three months after the last dose.
• Inform your doctor immediately when you notice a pregnancy when both the mother and father are taking Alecensa.

It isn’t known if Alectinib is absorbed into breast milk, or if it is harmful to nursing babies. It is not recommended to breastfeed when you are taking Alectinib, and for at least one week following the previous dose.

What is the best way to take Alecensa?

Before starting treatment with Alecensa doctor will conduct a specific test to determine if you are receiving the right treatment for the type of cancer in the lung.

Follow the directions on your prescription label, and go through all medication guides or instructions sheets. Your doctor might occasionally alter the dose you take. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed.

The best way to use Alecensa is to consume it along in conjunction with food.

Take the capsule in its entirety and don’t crush, chew, dissolve or break it open.

If you experience vomiting shortly after having taken Alecensa Do not take a second dose. Make sure you wait until your next dose is scheduled to take the medicine once more.

It is possible that you will require frequent medical tests to make sure this medicine does not cause adverse consequences. Your treatment for cancer could be delayed depending on the results.

Keep at room temperature, far from heat, moisture, and light.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer:

600 mg, orally twice a day

The duration of therapy is until the progression of the disease or unacceptable toxic

Comments: This medicine is best taken in conjunction alongside food.

Treatment of patients suffering from anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have advanced on or are resistant to crizotinib.

 

How do I deal with it if do not take a dose?

Do not miss the missed dose, and take your next dose at your regular time. Avoid using two doses at the same time.

If I take too much?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact for help at the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid?

Alectinib can cause more susceptibility to sunburn. Avoid sun or tanning beds while you are taking treatment and at least 7 days following the previous treatment with Alecensa. Wear protective clothing and apply sunblock (SPF 50 or greater) whenever you go out in the sun.

Alecensa side effects

Take immediate medical attention If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction Alecensa such as difficulty breathing; hives or swelling of your lips, face, and throat.

Contact your doctor immediately If you suffer from:

• A very slow heart rate;
• a euphoric feeling, similar to you’ve passed out;
• unanswered muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
• lung conditions A the sudden discomfort or pain in the chest and wheezing. Dry cough, or cough with mucus being short of breath;
• lower red blood cells (anemia) – pale skin, unusual fatigue, and lightheadedness, as well as cold feet and hands;
• kidney issues Changes in the color of your urine and a lack of or no urination; swelling in your ankles or feet or
• liver issues stomach discomfort (upper right side) and loss of appetite easy bleeding or bruising fatigue, feeling fatigued, dark urine jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

Your treatment for cancer could be delayed or discontinued permanently when you experience some side adverse effects.

Common Alecensa adverse effects could include:

• anemia;
• constipation;
• swelling of your eyes face hand, lower legs;
• exhausted feeling tiredness
• muscle pain.

This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other medications can alter the effects of Alecensa?

Other medications may be incompatible with alectinib, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines as well as vitamins and herbal products. Discuss with your physician your current medications and any medication you begin or stop taking.

More details

Always consult your doctor to make sure the information presented on this page is applicable to your specific situation.