Uses
What is Alecensa used for?
Alecensa (alectinib) is commonly used for treating certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is used to prevent NSCLC from coming back after surgery to remove the tumor. It is also used to treat NSCLC after the cancer spreads to another part of the body (metastatic).
Learn more about How Alecensa Works for NSCLC.
Alecensa may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Alecensa work (mechanism of action)?
Alecensa is a specific kind of medicine called a kinase inhibitor. Kinases are enzymes that are responsible for sending and receiving signals in the body. These signals help your cells do important functions such as grow properly. Alecensa targets and blocks the action of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). Some lung cancers have ALK mutations where ALK sends a signal to proteins in the tumor cells that tell the cells to grow and multiply. When Alecensa blocks the signals sent by ALK, it helps to stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying and makes tumors shrink in size.
How is Alecensa supplied (dosage forms)?
Alecensa is available as 150 mg oral capsules that are taken by mouth.
How should I store Alecensa?
Alecensa should be stored at room temperature. Do not store Alecensa above 86 F (30 C). Store in a cool, dark, and dry place. Keep Alecensa in the original container and away from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Alecensa?
The most common side effects of Alecensa are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Swelling in your hands, feet, ankles, face, and eyelids
- Rash
- Cough
There may be other side effects of Alecensa that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Alecensa?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Alecensa are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Alecensa may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Alecensa and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Alecensa. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine (pee)
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Lung Inflammation. Alecensa can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease. This can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Tell your healthcare provider if you have trouble breathing. You may also have a cough and/or fever.
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking Alecensa. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Heart Rate Changes. Alecensa can make your heart beat slower than normal (bradycardia). Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bradycardia.
- Feeling lightheaded, dizziness, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or easily tired
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Muscle Pain. Alecensa can cause muscle problems and pain, also known as myalgia. It can also cause increased creatine phosphokinase (CPK) blood levels. When there is more CPK, it is a sign that your muscles are being stressed and damaged. Contact your healthcare provider if you have unexplainable muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
Blood Disorders. Alecensa can cause blood disorders such as hemolytic anemia. Stop using Alecensa and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Frequent infection
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
- Headache
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Alecensa?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Alecensa.
- Alecensa
- alectinib
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Alecensa.
What should I know about Alecensa before using it?
Do not take Alecensa unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Alecensa is taken twice per day and every dose should be taken with food. The capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be opened, dissolved, crushed, or split.
Do not share Alecensa with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Alecensa out of the reach of children.
Alecensa can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin while taking Alecensa and for at least 7 days after your last dose.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Alecensa?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Alecensa is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Liver problems
- Lung or breathing problems
- Heartbeat that is slower than normal
Pregnancy. Alecensa may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You must not be pregnant before starting to take Alecensa. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment with Alecensa and for 5 weeks after your last dose. If you are assigned male at birth and have a partner that can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment with Alecensa and for 3 months after your last dose.
Breastfeeding. Do not take Alecensa while you are breastfeeding and do not breastfeed for 1 week after your last dose of Alecensa. It is not known if Alecensa passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Alecensa?
For more information about Alecensa, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.alecensa.com or call them at 877-436-3683.
Interactions
Does Alecensa interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Alecensa and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Alecensa.
Does Alecensa interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Alecensa and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Alecensa?
If you or someone else has used too much Alecensa, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Alecensa?
If you miss a dose of Alecensa, skip the dose and take your next dose at the usual time. If you vomit after taking Alecensa, you should not take another dose. Instead, skip the dose you vomited and take your next dose at the usual time.