Alectinib
About Alectinib
Alectinib is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a common form of lung cancer in which abnormal cells grow in the lung tissues. Alectinib is used for treating patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive gene non-small cell lung cancer and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Alectinib contains Alectinib as an active ingredient, which belongs to the kinase inhibitors class. It works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme (ALK-tyrosine kinase) and thus stops the abnormal growth of cancer cells.
Alectinib may cause certain side effects such as diarrhea, swelling of the hands, muscle pain, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and weakness. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. Alectinib should be taken as advised by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose.
Alectinib should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components of it. Before taking the medicine, inform your physician about your previous medical history, such as if you have/had any history of liver/kidney disease, lung disease other than lung cancer, heart problems, slow heart rate, and breathing difficulty. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, it is not recommended for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding women.
Uses of Alectinib
Medicinal Benefits
Alectinib contains Alectinib, which is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It works by stopping the action of an ALK-tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. This helps stop the abnormal growth of cancer cells and thus reduce the further spread to other parts of the body. It also decreases the blood supply to cancer tumors to slow down the growth of the tumor. In this way, Alectinib stops the body's production, spread and growth of cancerous cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Alectinib
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Itching or skin rash
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Muscle tenderness
- Myalgia
Drug Warnings
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Alectinib for the period that your doctor has prescribed. Caution should be exercised if you have/had liver or kidney disease, lung disease other than lung cancer, heart problems, slow heart rate, severe cough, and breathing difficulty. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant before starting the treatment. Breastfeeding should be discontinued in nursing mothers during the treatment as it passes into breast milk and may cause a possible risk to the infant. Alectinib is known to cause hepatotoxicity, renal impairment, interstitial lung disease, bradycardia, and severe myalgia in some patients. Hence, inform your doctor if you observe any symptoms such as dark-coloured urine, muscle pain or tenderness, yellowing of eyes, trouble breathing, cough, swelling of your feet and hands, and lightheadedness. Avoid driving and operating machines; this medicine may make you dizzy or sleepy. This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Alectinib may have interaction with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (leflunomide), immunomodulatory drugs (teriflunomide), anti-cancer drugs (pexidartinib), etc.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
Dug-Disease Interactions: Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, lung disease problems, breathing problems, or heart problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Alectinib interacts with alcohol. Consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeAlectinib is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity and harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Alectinib. You should not become pregnant while you are taking Alectinib for at least one week after your last dose of treatment. Using effective birth control methods while on treatment is suggested.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not known whether Alectinib passes into breast milk. You should not breastfeed during and for 1 week after the treatment with Alectinib.
Driving
unsafeAlectinib may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting in some patients. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machines that require mental concentration until you are not alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before taking this medicine. Alectinib is known to cause hepatotoxicity, which may be fatal. If you have any symptoms such as yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes (jaundice), dark or brown (tea-coloured) urine, pain on the upper right side of your stomach area (abdomen), bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, feeling very tired while taking Alectinib, inform your doctor immediately.
Kidney
cautionAlectinib is known to cause kidney impairment. Hence, if you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before taking Alectinib. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeAlectinib is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps strengthen muscles, reduces fatigue, helps in weight loss, and gives strength. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Getting adequate sleep as resting helps improve your health and mental ability and improves attention.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listening to soothing music.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, etc.
- Foods containing fibre help in better digestion. These include beans, peas, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may suggest periodic liver function tests every two weeks for the first three months of treatment, then once a month or as clinically required, with more frequent testing in individuals who develop transaminase and other enzyme deficiencies. Bilirubin levels rise. In the event of significant ALT, AST, or bilirubin rises, withhold, then cut the dose or quit Alectinib permanently.
- Avoid being under the sun for a long time, as prolonged duration of sun exposure may cause serious hypersensitivity reactions.
- Frequent creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels should be monitored every two weeks during the first month of the treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Lung cancer is defined as an uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. These abnormal cells disturb lung cell functions and do not develop into healthy lung tissue. The most common form of lung cancer is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It happens when cells that form the lining of the lung start growing uncontrollably. Cancerous cells of the lung spread off and travel through the bloodstream to distant regions of the body and grow. It is mostly seen in persons who smoke. Symptoms may include chest pain, weight loss, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing.
FAQs
Alectinib contains Alectinib, which works by stopping the action of an ALK-tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells.
Alectinib is safe to be taken by a diabetic person. However, take Alectinib only after consulting with a doctor, as they may adjust the dosing according to your condition.
