Alectinib
About Alectinib
Alectinib is a prescription medication used to treat a specific type of advanced non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It specifically targets cancer cells that have an abnormal gene signal. By blocking this abnormal pathway, this medication helps slow down or stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.
To get the best results, you must take Alectinib consistently every day exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This medicine should be taken with food to help your body absorb it properly. Your healthcare team may also recommend specific lifestyle changes, such as staying well-hydrated and protecting your skin from direct sunlight during treatment.
While taking this medicine, you may experience some common side effects like tiredness, constipation, or mild swelling in your hands and feet. However, it is crucial to contact your doctor immediately if you notice serious signs such as severe muscle pain, breathing difficulties, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Before starting Alectinib, talk to your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, kidney problems, or a slow heart rate. Do not take this if you are pregnant, as it can cause serious harm to an unborn baby.
This medication can interact with other drugs and certain supplements, which may change how it works or increase your risk of side effects. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking while on this treatment, as they can put extra stress on your liver and lungs. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an elderly individual, consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of this treatment.
Uses of Alectinib
Medicinal Benefits
Alectinib helps treat certain types of cancer by blocking the signals that promote cancer cell growth. With regular use as prescribed, it helps control tumour progression, treat cancer that has spread to the brain, and offers the convenience of oral therapy.
- Helps Slow Cancer Growth: By blocking specific pathways involved in cancer cell multiplication, this medicine helps slow tumour growth, reduce the spread of cancer, and support effective disease control.
- Targets Cancer in the Brain: Because this medicine can cross the blood-brain barrier, it helps treat certain cancers that have spread to the brain or central nervous system, where many other treatments may have limited effectiveness.
- Convenient Oral Treatment: Available in capsule form, this medicine can be taken at home as directed by your healthcare provider, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits for intravenous chemotherapy while supporting consistent long-term treatment.
Directions for Use
- Alectinib should be taken with meals or as advised by the doctor.
- It is usually taken twice daily; however, follow your doctor’s advice regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow Alectinib as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Alectinib
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Constipation
- Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
- Mild muscle or joint pain
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or severe pain in the upper right stomach area
- New or worsening breathing problems, shortness of breath, cough, or fever
- An unusually slow heart rate, which may cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint
- Severe muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
- Signs of kidney issues, such as a change in how much or how often you urinate
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check your pulse regularly as this medicine can cause a slow heart rate. Inform your doctor if you feel unusually dizzy or weak.
- Get regular blood tests as scheduled by your healthcare team to monitor your liver function and red blood cell levels.
- Use reliable birth control during treatment and for at least 1 week after your final dose to prevent pregnancy.
- Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for at least 1 week after your final dose.
- If you experience vision changes, such as blurred vision or seeing flashes of light, avoid driving or operating machinery and contact your doctor.
Drug Interactions
- Taking this medication with other drugs that slow your heart rate (such as beta-blockers) may increase the risk of an abnormally slow heart rate.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Alectinib interacts with alcohol. Consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeAlectinib is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity and harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Alectinib. You should not become pregnant while you are taking Alectinib for at least one week after your last dose of treatment. Using effective birth control methods while on treatment is suggested.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not known whether Alectinib passes into breast milk. You should not breastfeed during and for 1 week after the treatment with Alectinib.
Driving
unsafeAlectinib may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting in some patients. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machines that require mental concentration until you are not alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before taking this medicine. Alectinib is known to cause hepatotoxicity, which may be fatal. If you have any symptoms such as yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes (jaundice), dark or brown (tea-coloured) urine, pain on the upper right side of your stomach area (abdomen), bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, feeling very tired while taking Alectinib, inform your doctor immediately.
Kidney
cautionAlectinib is known to cause kidney impairment. Hence, if you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before taking Alectinib. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeAlectinib is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Protect your skin from the sun: This medication can make your skin highly sensitive to sunlight. Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher) daily while taking this medicine and for at least one week after stopping.
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, throughout the day. This helps support your kidney function and manages the common side effect of constipation.
- Eat fibre-rich foods: To prevent or manage constipation, include fibre-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in your daily diet, provided your doctor agrees.
- Avoid heavy physical strain during muscle pain: If you experience muscle aches, avoid strenuous activities and rest to prevent further muscle strain.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may suggest periodic liver function tests every two weeks for the first three months of treatment, then once a month or as clinically required, with more frequent testing in individuals who develop transaminase and other enzyme deficiencies. Bilirubin levels rise. In the event of significant ALT, AST, or bilirubin rises, withhold, then cut the dose or quit Alectinib permanently.
- Avoid being under the sun for a long time, as prolonged duration of sun exposure may cause serious hypersensitivity reactions.
- Frequent creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels should be monitored every two weeks during the first month of the treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Lung cancer is defined as an uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. These abnormal cells disturb lung cell functions and do not develop into healthy lung tissue. The most common form of lung cancer is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It happens when cells that form the lining of the lung start growing uncontrollably. Cancerous cells of the lung spread off and travel through the bloodstream to distant regions of the body and grow. It is mostly seen in persons who smoke. Symptoms may include chest pain, weight loss, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing.
FAQs
Alectinib is used to treat Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Alectinib contains Alectinib, which works by stopping the action of an ALK-tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells.
Alectinib is safe to be taken by a diabetic person. However, take Alectinib only after consulting with a doctor, as they may adjust the dosing according to your condition.
No, you should always take Alectinib with food. Taking it with a meal or snack helps your body absorb the medication properly so it can work effectively. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble eating.
If you throw up after taking your dose, do not take an additional dose to make up for it. Just wait and take your next dose at your regular scheduled time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you vomit frequently.
Hair thinning or hair loss is not a commonly reported side effect of this medication. However, if you notice significant hair changes, it is best to discuss this with your healthcare team. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice.
This medication increases your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, which can lead to severe sunburns. You should limit your time in direct sunlight, wear protective clothing, and use a high-SPF sunscreen. Talk to your doctor if you experience any skin rash or severe sunburn.
It is highly recommended to avoid or severely limit alcohol consumption while taking this medication. Alcohol can put extra stress on your liver, which is already working hard to process this treatment. Talk to your doctor about safe lifestyle habits.
Yes, this medication can cause your heart rate to slow down. You should monitor your pulse regularly and report any dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting to your healthcare provider immediately. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of heart conditions.
No, you must not become pregnant while using this medication as it can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Both male and female patients should use effective birth control during treatment and for a period after stopping. Talk to your doctor about safe contraceptive options.
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