Alaectinib 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. Alectinib 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. Alectinib was approved in the year 2015 by FDA for its use in the treatment of advanced-stage lung cancer. This drug was developed by Roche group for treating the lung cancers that test positive for ALK gene mutation.

Alectinib is indicated for its use in non-small cell lung cancer. It is the drug that is exclusively formulated to treat ALK Positive lung cancer.

Alectinib 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.

The side effects that are known to occur commonly during the treatment with Alectinib are muscle damage, liver abnormalities, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, rashes, weight gain, weight gain, change of taste, fatigue.

Alectinib can cause liver damage, including liver function abnormalities and increases in liver enzymes. Treatment with this medication may need to be interrupted or discontinued if liver function abnormalities are detected. In some patients it can cause ILD or pneumonitis, which can be fatal in some cases. It may cause slow heart rate (bradycardia) and other cardiac effects. Sometimes the medication causes renal impairment, including acute kidney injury. Alectinib can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. This medicine is not safe to prescribe for children or young adults < 18 years.

Patients with preexisting liver, lung, kidney heart disease should tell their healthcare provider proper to the treatment. In such patients regular monitoring and dose adjustment may be required. Use sun protection or apply sunblock agents, while on the treatment with Alectinib as this drug may increase the risk of sunburns. To avoid serious side effects, report to your doctor if you are on treatment with other medications that include antifungal, antibiotics, anti-HIV and cardiac medications.Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one week after the last dose.

Alectinib 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 should inform a doctor prior to 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 Adminitstration), [ Last Revised November 2016], [Accessed on 15th April 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/208434s003lbl.pdf

 The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.