Alecensa 150mg Capsule consists of the active ingredient Alectinib Hydrochloride. It is an Anti-Cancer medication used to treat Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), an advanced and spreading type of lung cancer. It effectively treats NSCLC that has spread to other body parts, including the brain. Alecensa 150mg Capsule is also generally well-tolerated and has fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. This can improve a person's quality of life during treatment and allow them to continue with daily activities.

Inform your doctor before starting treatment if you are using oral contraceptives, as this medication might reduce the effect of the contraceptive. Let your doctor know if you have problems with the stomach, intestine, abdomen, heart, or lung inflammation problems or are lactose intolerant. Application of sun protection is essential while using Alecensa 150mg Capsule and must be continued up to 7 days after stopping its use, as this medication causes sunlight sensitivity. Consumption of grapefruit and Seville oranges should be done with caution as they reduce the effect of the medication.

Alecensa 150mg Capsule has been approved to treat ALK-positive lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other organs.

The therapeutic effects of Alecensa 150mg Capsule are related to its ability to target a specific genetic mutation called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. By inhibiting the ALK protein, this medication can slow down or stop the growth and spread of cancer cells that have the ALK genetic mutation.

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Alecensa 150mg Capsule and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. 

• Alecensa 150mg Capsule should be stored at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
• Keep in the original container.
• Keep away from light, moisture, and heat.
• Once opened, the blister pack should be used within 14 days.

Alecensa 150mg Capsule is taken orally as a capsule and should be taken with food. The capsules should be swallowed whole with water and should not be crushed, chewed, or opened. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the individual's condition and response to the medication and should be determined by a healthcare provider. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible unless it is within 12 hours of the next dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped. Double doses should not be taken to make up for a missed dose.

Like all medications, Alecensa 150mg Capsule can cause side effects, although not everyone who takes it will experience them. 

Serious:

• Yellowing of skin and white parts of the eye
• Dark urine
• Pain at the right side of the stomach
• Skin itching
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Persistent muscle pain
• Tender or weak muscles
• Loss of consciousness
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Cough with or without mucous
• Fever

Common: 

• Elevated liver enzymes
• Rashes
• Odema (fluid build-up causing swelling)
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Inflammation in mouth
• Light sensitivity
• Changes in taste

Alecensa 150mg Capsule is a powerful medication that can have potentially serious side effects. Therefore, following your healthcare provider's instructions for taking the medication and reporting any side effects or changes in your health is important. Women taking contraceptive measures should inform a doctor prior the treatment. If you are a woman who could become pregnant, use effective birth control during the treatment and for at least three months after the last dose. Tell your doctor prior taking medication, if you have any stomach, intestine, abdomen, heart, or lung inflammation. It is recommended that patients undergoing cancer treatment eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins and limit their intake of processed and high-fat foods. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is also important.

1. Roche, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on January 2022] [Accessed on 15th April 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2438.pdf

2. Genentech, Inc., [Revised on September 2021] [Accessed on 15th April 2023], https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/alecensa_prescribing.pdf

3. Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 13th Edition, 2018, 1203-1236.

4. Genentech , Inc.U.S FDA (Food and Drug Safety Administration), [ Last Revised November 2016], [Accessed on 15th April 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/208434s003lbl.pdf