Alectinib

Generic name: alectinib
Brand name: Alecensa
Dosage form: oral capsules
Drug class:Multikinase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by N. France, BPharm. Last updated on Apr 12, 2022.

What is alectinib?

Alectinib is a type of cancer medication used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in people who have an error in their anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene. This error is found in about 5 percent of people with NSCLC.

The defect in the ALK gene causes it to fuse with other genes, which causes cells to grow out of control and leads to ALK-positive cancer.

Alectinib works by blocking the ALK receptor, which helps to stop or slow the spread of cancer. Alectinib is a ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Alectinib was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015.

What is alectinib used for?

Alectinib is a prescription medicine used to treat people with NSCLC:

• that is caused by an abnormal ALK gene, and
• that has spread to other parts of your body

It is not known if alectinib is safe and effective in children.

Important information

Alectinib may cause serious side effects, including:

• Liver problems (hepatotoxicity). Alectinib may cause liver injury. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests at least every 2 weeks for the first 3 months, and then 1 time each month and as needed during treatment with alectinib. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs and symptoms:
  • feeling tired
  • feeling less hungry than usual
  • yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
  • dark urine
  • itchy skin
  • nausea or vomiting
  • pain on the right side of your stomach area
  • bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
• Lung problems. Alectinib may cause severe or life-threatening swelling (inflammation) of the lungs during treatment. Symptoms may be similar to those symptoms from lung cancer. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or worsening symptoms, including trouble breathing, shortness of breath, cough, or fever.
• Kidney problems. Alectinib may cause severe or life-threatening kidney problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have a change in the amount or color of your urine, or if you get new or worsening swelling in your legs or feet.
• Slow heartbeat (bradycardia). Alectinib may cause very slow heartbeats that can be severe. Your healthcare provider will check your heart rate and blood pressure during treatment with alectinib. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or if you faint during treatment with alectinib. Tell your healthcare provider if you take any heart or blood pressure medicines.
• Muscle pain, tenderness, and weakness (myalgia). Muscle problems are common with alectinib and can be severe. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests at least every 2 weeks for the first month and as needed during treatment with alectinib. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get new or worsening signs and symp..