ALECTINIB - ORAL

ALECTINIB - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (al-EK-ti-nib)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Alecensa

GENERIC NAME(S): alectinib HCl

Uses

USES: Alectinib is used to treat a certain type of lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Alectinib belongs to a class of drugs known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors.


How to use ALECTINIB - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking alectinib and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not open or dissolve the contents of the capsules. If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take an extra dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. The dosage is based on your medical condition, side effects, lab test results, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of serious side effects will increase. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Tiredness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling ankles/feet/hands, back pain, headache, weight gain, or vision changes (such as blurred vision, decreased vision) may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), slow heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, unexplained muscle pain/tenderness/weakness, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: new/worsening lung disease (such as trouble breathing, shortness of breath, cough, fever), chest pain, sudden severe bleeding, black/bloody stools, vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking alectinib, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, slow heartbeat, kidney disease. This drug may make you dizzy or cause vision changes. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps during treatment and for at least 1 week after stopping this medication. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. It is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) while taking this medication. Female patients should use reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for at least 1 week after stopping this drug. Male patients and their female partners should use reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after stopping this drug. If you or your partner become pregnant or may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this medication and for 1 week after stopping this medication. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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ALE, 150 mg

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Faq for ALECTINIB - ORAL

Alectinib is an oral medication used for the treatment of a specific type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It belongs to a class of drugs called ALK inhibitors.

Alectinib works by blocking a protein called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), which is found in certain cancer cells. By inhibiting ALK, it helps to slow down or stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.

The common side effects of Alectinib include fatigue, constipation, muscle pain, swelling, cough, nausea, and vision problems. It is important to discuss any side effects with your doctor as they can provide advice on how to manage them.

Alectinib is usually taken orally, as directed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but it is important to take it consistently at the same time each day. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor.

Alectinib should not be used during pregnancy, as it may harm the unborn baby. It is important to use effective contraception during treatment and for a period of time after stopping Alectinib. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking, as they may interact with Alectinib.

The duration of Alectinib treatment will depend on various factors, such as the stage and response of your cancer. Your doctor will determine the appropriate duration of treatment for you.

It is generally recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Alectinib, as alcohol can increase the risk of certain side effects such as liver problems and drowsiness.

Alectinib is not a cure for lung cancer, but it can help to slow down the growth of cancer cells and improve the overall survival rate for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

If you miss a dose of Alectinib, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose to make up for a missed one.

Yes, Alectinib may interact with certain medications, including strong CYP3A inhibitors, strong CYP3A inducers, and medications that prolong the QT interval. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking to avoid any potential drug interactions.

The effectiveness of Alectinib in treating NSCLC can vary from person to person. Some patients may see improvement in their condition within a few weeks, while others may take a few months. It is essential to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you do not immediately notice any changes.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.