Uses of Alectinib
Alectinib is used to treat a certain type of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other parts of the body. Alectinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.
Side Effects of Alectinib
Alectinib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
constipation
diarrhea
swelling in your hands, face, or eyelids
headache
rash
Some side effects of alectinib can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:
new or worsening shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or cough
fever
sudden chest pain
dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
vision changes
sudden muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
tiredness
rash
itchy skin
loss of appetite
nausea
vomiting
yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes
pain on the right side of your stomach area
change in the amount or color of your urine
new or worsening swelling in your legs or feet
bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
Alectinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking alectinib:
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to alectinib, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in alectinib capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: medications to treat high blood pressure or heart problems. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, lung or breathing problems, or a slow or irregular heartbeat.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you plan to father a child. You should not become pregnant while you are taking alectinib. If you are a female, you should use a reliable method of birth control while taking alectinib and for at least 1 week after your final dose. If you are a male, you and your female partner should use effective birth control while you are taking alectinib and for 3 months after your final dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant while taking alectinib call your doctor immediately. Alectinib may harm the fetus.
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You should not breast-feed while taking alectinib and for 1 week after your last dose.
plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight (including sunlamps and tanning beds) and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 50 while taking alectinib and for at least 7 days after your last dose. Alectinib may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
Dosage
Alectinib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food twice daily. Take alectinib at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take alectinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not open or dissolve them.
If you vomit after you take alectinib, do not immediately take another dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.
Your doctor may temporarily or permanently stop your treatment or decrease your dose if you experience certain side effects of alectinib. Tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment. Continue to take alectinib even if you feel well. Do not stop taking alectinib without talking to your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly and order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to alectinib.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
