Alecensa

Generic name:alectinib [ al-EK-ti-nib ]
Drug class:Multikinase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 27, 2022.

What is Alecensa?

Alecensa is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Alecensa is used to treat a certain type of non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Alecensa is used only if your cancer has a specific genetic marker (an abnormal "ALK" gene). Your doctor will test you for this gene.

Warnings

Alecensa can cause serious or life-threatening side effects.

Call your doctor right away if you have: heart problems--severe dizziness, very slow heartbeats; lung problems--fever, chest pain, cough, trouble breathing; kidney problems--a change in your urine color, little or no urination, swelling in your lower legs; or liver problems--upper stomach pain, dark urine, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Alecensa if you are allergic to alectinib.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• lung or breathing problems other than lung cancer;

• liver disease; or

• slow heartbeats.

Alectinib can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is taking this medicine.

• If you are a woman, do not use Alecensa if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 1 week after your last dose.

• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using Alecensa.

It is not known whether alectinib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using alectinib and for at least 1 week after your last dose.

How should I take Alecensa?

Before you start treatment with Alecensa, your doctor will perform a special test to make sure alectinib is the best treatment for your type of lung cancer.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Alecensa works best if you take it with food.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, dissolve, or open it.

If you vomit shortly after taking Alecensa, do not take another dose. Wait until your next scheduled dose time to take the medicine again.

You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is ...