What Is Alecensa?
Alecensa is a cancer treatment that blocks the spread and growth of cancerous cells in the body.Alecensa is used to treat a specific kind of non-small-cell lung cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.
Alecensa is only prescribed when your cancer has particular genetic markers (an unusual "ALK" gene). You'll have this gene tested on you by your doctor.
Warnings
Alecensa could cause life-threatening adverse reactions.
Contact your doctor immediately in the event of heart problems (extreme dizziness, extremely slow heartbeats); lung conditions (fever, cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing); kidney issues (a change in the color of your urine with little or no urinary frequency, swelling in your lower legs), or liver problems (such as stomach pain, dark urine, a loss of appetite, and skin yellowing of eyes).
Before You Take This Drug
It is not recommended to take Alecensa if you are sensitive to Alectinib.
Speak to your doctor if you are ever diagnosed with:
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Breathing or lung problems that are not related to those caused by lung cancer;
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Liver disease
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Slow heartbeats.
Alectinib could harm an unborn infant or lead to a birth defect if the father or mother is taking this medication.
- If you're female,
do not use Alecensa if there is a possibility of pregnancy. Make sure you are using effective contraception to avoid the onset of pregnancy while using this medication and for at least one week following your last dose.
- If you're male,
use effective birth control when your partner is capable of becoming pregnant. Use birth control for a minimum of 3 months following your last dose.
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Inform your doctor immediately. If you become pregnant during the time that one of the parents or father is taking Alecensa.
It is unclear if Alectinib is absorbed into breast milk or if it can harm the nursing infant. It is not recommended to breastfeed during the time you take alectinib or for a minimum of one week following your previous dose.
How To Take Alecensa?
Before you begin treatment with Alecensa, your doctor will conduct a test to ensure that Alectinib is the most effective treatment for the type of cancer in the lung.
Follow all the instructions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instruction sheets. Your doctor may alter the dosage. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed.Alecensa is best when you drink it in conjunction with food.
Take the capsule in its entirety and don't crush, chew, dissolve, or break it open.If you have a stomach ache within a few minutes of taking Alecensa, don't take a second dose. Make sure you wait until your next scheduled dose time when you can take the medication again.
There is a possibility that you will require regular medical tests to make sure the medication isn't causing negative side effects. The treatment for cancer may be delayed based on the results.Keep at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light.
Details On Dosage
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 unacceptably toxic
Comments: This medication is best taken in conjunction with food.
Treatment for patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have progressed or are not tolerant to the treatment with crizotinib
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Don't miss the dose you missed, and take your next dose according to the time you normally take it. Do not take two doses at once.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What Should Be Avoided?
Alectinib may cause you to burn more quickly. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds while you are taking treatment and for a minimum of 7 days following your final dosage of Alecensa. Wear protective clothes and apply sunscreen (SPF 50 or more) whenever you go out in the sun.
Side Effects Of Alecensa
Get immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction, Alecensa: hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,
See your doctor right away. If you suffer from:
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A remarkably low heart rate;
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An euphoric feeling, similar to when you're about to pass out.
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Unknown muscular discomfort or tenderness; weakness;
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Lung issues the sudden discomfort or pain in the chest with wheezing, a dry cough, or a cough that is mucusy and feeling tired;
- 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;
- Liver issues:
stomach discomfort (upper right side) and loss of appetite, bleeding or bruising, fatigue, feeling tired, dark blood, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Your treatment for cancer could be delayed or discontinued permanently in the event of certain negative side effects.
Common Alecensa adverse effects could include:
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Anemia;
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Constipation;
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Swelling of your eyelids, face, hands, and lower legs;
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Exhausted feeling tired feeling
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Muscle pain.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Other drugs can interfere with alectinib. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about all the medicines you are currently taking and any medication you begin or stop taking.
