Alecensa 150mg Capsule (Alectinib)

Alecensa 150mg Capsule is a prescription-based targeted anticancer medicine used in the treatment of ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The active ingredient of the Alecensa is alectinib, which belongs to the drug class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the ALK protein, and this action can slow down or stop the growth and spread of cancer cells that have the ALK genetic mutation. Alectinib 150mg capsules are usually given in combination with another anticancer medicine as a part of combination therapy to increase the efficacy of the treatment.

The capsule must be taken orally and swallowed whole with water and should not be crushed, chewed, or opened. The prescribed dose and duration of the Alectinib 150mg capsule depend on the patient's condition and response to treatment. It is taken with food as prescribed by the doctor. Patients are advised not to change the dosage and timings prescribed by the doctors because it can cause severe side effects.

Common side effects include tiredness, constipation, muscle pain, swelling, anemia, and changes in liver function tests. A few patients can undergo severe side effects, including severe liver problems, lung inflammation (pneumonitis), slow heartbeat, and severe muscle damage. Most of the Alectinib 150mg capsule side effects can leave when the body adapts to the medicine. However, if any side effects persist, inform your doctor immediately.

Alectinib is not recommended during breastfeeding because its metabolites can pass into human milk. The medicine can cause fetal harm if taken during pregnancy. Patients must list all medicines, supplements, and herbal products that they are taking. The Alectinib 150mg capsule must be used under medical oversight or medical supervision only. Attend regular tests and follow-ups to monitor the medicine response and reduce side effects. Before making any adjustments, changing the dose, or stopping the treatment, consult with your doctor to maximize the benefit.

Lung cancer

The human body shows undesired symptoms after taking Alectinib 150mg Capsule (Alecensa). Usually, they disappear with time as the body adjusts to the medicine. These side effects don't need special medical attention. It is advised to consult your doctor if these symptoms become unmanageable.

Some of the common side effects of Alecensa Capsule are mentioned below:

● Rash
● Fever
● Fatigue
● Diarrhea
● Dizziness
● Weight gain
● Constipation
● Muscles pain
● Appetite loss
● Low RBC count
● Change in taste
● Abdominal pain
● Swelling in body
● Sensitivity to light
● Low blood pressure
● Mouth inflammation
● Nausea and vomiting
● Yellowing of skin and urine
● Increased level of liver enzyme

Take the Alecensa 150mg Capsule (Alectinib) in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor. Dosage and the duration were determined as per the stage & type of cancer and the patient's health condition.

This capsule should be swallowed as a whole with water. Don't crush, chew, or break the capsule. It should be taken with food. Never skip a dose or double dose.

● Wu, Y. L., Dziadziuszko, R., Ahn, J. S., Barlesi, F., Nishio, M., Lee, D. H., ... & Solomon, B. J. (2024). Alectinib in resected ALK-positive non–small-cell lung cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 390(14), 1265-1276.
● McKeage, K. (2015). Alectinib: a review of its use in advanced ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer. Drugs, 75(1), 75-82.
● Larkins, E., Blumenthal, G. M., Chen, H., He, K., Agarwal, R., Gieser, G., ... & Pazdur, R. (2016). FDA approval: alectinib for the treatment of metastatic, ALK-positive non–small cell lung cancer following crizotinib. Clinical Cancer Research, 22(21), 5171-5176.
● Herden, M., & Waller, C. F. (2018). Alectinib. Small Molecules in Oncology, 247-256.
● Gadgeel, S. M., Gandhi, L., Riely, G. J., Chiappori, A. A., West, H. L., Azada, M. C., ... & Ou, S. H. I. (2014). Safety and activity of alectinib against systemic disease and brain metastases in patients with crizotinib-resistant ALK-rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer (AF-002JG): results from the dose-finding portion of a phase 1/2 study. The Lancet Oncology, 15(10), 1119-1128.