Uses of undefined

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.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

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.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

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.

Precautions

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.

Side Effects

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.

Word Of Advice

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.

Frequently Asked Question

• What is ALK Positive lung cancer?
• ALK positive lung cancer is a subset of lung cancer which is common in non smokers &lt; 55 years. ALK is a protein that stands for anaplastic lymphoma Kinase and mutation in this gene causes lung cancer cells to grow in a rapid fashion.

• Can alectinib cause weight gain?
• Weight gain is a potential side effect of alectinib, although it is not very common. If you notice unexplained weight gain while taking alectinib, notify your healthcare provider.

• Can alectinib cause mood changes or depression?
• Mood changes and depression have been reported in some patients taking alectinib. If you experience any changes in your mood or feelings of depression while taking alectinib, notify your healthcare provider. They may recommend additional support or treatment for depression.

• Is alectinib used in patients with brain metastases?
• Alectinib has been shown to be effective in treating brain metastases in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and reach the brain tissue, which may help to control the growth of cancer cells in the brain.

• Can I use alectinib if I have kidney problems?
• Alectinib does not appear to be significantly metabolized by the kidneys, so it may be used in patients with mild to moderate kidney problems without dosage adjustment. However, patients with severe kidney problems may need dosage adjustments or additional monitoring.