Description

What is Alecensa?

• Alecensa (alectinib) is a medication used to treat lung cancer.

How does it work?

• It works by inhibiting an enzyme used by the cancer cells to grow, transform, and avoid programmed cell death.

How is it supplied?

• You can buy Alecensa as a 150mg capsule.

How should I store it?

• Store your Alecensa capsules at room temperature and keep them out of reach of children.

Directions

Should I take Alecensa with food?

• You should take your dose with a meal or snack.

Are there any special instructions?

• Do not open your Alecensa capsules. You should swallow them whole.
• If you miss a dose or vomit after taking a capsule, skip it, and continue with your next scheduled dose.

What is the usual dose?

• Take 600mg by mouth twice daily.
• Your doctor could reduce your dose if you experience adverse effects.

Ingredients

What is the active ingredient in Alecensa?

• The active ingredient is alectinib hydrochloride.

What are the inactive ingredients?

• See the package insert for a full list of inactive ingredients.

Cautions

Who should avoid taking Alecensa?

• Do not use Alecensa if you have a known allergy to any of the ingredients.
• Alecensa should not be used in pregnancy.
  • Female patients should avoid pregnancy during treatment and for one week after discontinuation. Visit our birth control page for more information.
  • Male patients should use contraception during therapy and for three months after discontinuation.

What are the risks?

• Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following adverse effects. They could reduce your dose, interrupt your therapy, or discontinue your treatment.
  • Symptomatic bradycardia
    • Slowed heart rate (less than 60 beats per minute)
    • Low blood pressure
    • Chest discomfort
    • Lightheadedness
    • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle pains
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Cough
  • Fever
• Alecensa treatment can cause an increase in liver enzymes. Your doctor should periodically monitor your liver.
• Alecensa treatment can cause your kidney function to decrease. Your doctor should monitor your kidney function.

Side Effects

What are the common Alecensa side effects?

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• Edema
• Constipation
• Low-grade anemia
• Low-grade lymphocytopenia
• Liver enzyme elevation
• Hyperbilirubinemia
• Muscle pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue

What are the serious Alecensa side effects?

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• Bradyarrhythmia (see irregular heartbeat page)
• Endocarditis
• Intestinal perforation
• High-grade anemia
• Bleeding
• High-grade lymphocytopenia
• Increased creatinine kinase
• Kidney impairment
• Interstitial lung disease
• Pneumonia
• Pneumonitis
• Pulmonary embolism