Alecensa Prescribing Information
The Alecensa prescribing information provides important details about the medication, which is used to treat adults with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
This type of lung cancer is linked to an abnormal change in a gene called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK).
Alecensa is prescribed for two main reasons:
- Adjuvant treatment is used after surgery to remove the lung tumor. It helps to lower the chance of the cancer coming back, especially if the tumor is large (4 cm or more) or if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Metastatic treatment is used when cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. Alecensa helps slow down the growth of cancer cells.
Before starting Alecensa, your doctor will do a special test approved by the FDA to check if your lung cancer is linked to the ALK gene change.
This helps the doctor decide if Alecensa is the right medication for you.
How Does Alecensa Work?
Alecensa medication works by blocking the activity of a protein called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), which can cause non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to grow.
Alecensa blocks ALK, a protein that helps cancer cells grow and spread. It also targets RET, another protein linked to cancer growth.
Along with its active form, M4, Alecensa stops these signals, making it harder for cancer cells to survive. This slows or stops cancer growth in people with ALK-positive NSCLC.
Dosage Information and Usage
Dosage Form and Strengths of Alecensa
Alecensa comes in hard capsules, each containing 150 mg of the active ingredient.
The recommended dose of Alecensa is 600 mg, taken twice a day with food. Patients with severe liver problems should take a lower dose of 450 mg twice daily.
It is important to swallow the capsules whole without opening or chewing them.
How to Use Alecensa?
Take Alecensa capsules with food to help your body absorb the medication better. If you miss a dose, take the next dose at the regular time.
If you vomit after taking Alecensa, do not take another dose; wait until your next scheduled dose.
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully to avoid side effects and get the best results from your Alecensa medication.
Side Effects
Alecensa may also cause side effects such as tiredness, constipation, and muscle pain. In some cases, it can lead to severe issues like liver problems, lung inflammation, or kidney issues. Knowing the possible side effects helps patients and caregivers manage them better.
Common Side Effects
- Tiredness
- Constipation
- Swelling in hands, feet, or around the eyes
- Muscle pain
- Skin rash
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight
Severe Side Effects
- Liver Problems (Hepatotoxicity): Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pain on the right side of the stomach, nausea, and easy bruising.
- Lung Problems: Shortness of breath, cough, fever, or trouble breathing.
- Kidney Problems: Changes in urine color or amount, swelling in legs or feet.
- Slow Heartbeat (Bradycardia): Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
- Severe Muscle Pain (Myalgia): Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
- Hemolytic Anemia: Yellow skin (jaundice), weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Warnings and Precautions
Patients taking Alecensa may experience severe side effects, including liver toxicity, lung disease, kidney problems, slow heart rate, severe muscle pain, and hemolytic anemia.
Regular monitoring is essential to manage these risks. Additionally, Alecensa can harm an unborn baby, so effective contraception is recommended for women of reproductive age.
- Liver Toxicity: Monitor liver function regularly. Watch for yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, and stomach pain.
- Lung Disease (Interstitial Lung Disease or Pneumonia): Stop using Alecensa if you develop breathing problems, a cough, or a fever.
- Kidney Problems: Monitor kidney function. Symptoms may include changes in urine color or amount and swelling in the legs.
- Slow Heart Rate (Bradycardia): Check your heart rate regularly. If you experience dizziness or fainting, seek medical advice.
- Severe Muscle Pain (Myalgia): Report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Regular blood tests may be needed.
- Hemolytic Anemia: Watch for yellow skin, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Consult your doctor if these symptoms appear.
- Fetal Harm Risk: Alecensa can harm an unborn baby. Women of reproductive age should use effective contraception during and for 5 weeks after treatment.
Drug Interactions With Other Medications
Alecensa can interact with other medications. It may be affected by strong CYP3A inhibitors like posaconazole and strong CYP3A inducers like rifampin.
Acid-reducing medicines, such as esomeprazole, can also interact with Alecensa.
It does not directly affect sensitive CYP3A substrates like midazolam or CYP2C8 substrates like repaglinide.
Alecensa and its byproduct, M4, can block specific P-gp and BCRP transport proteins.
However, Alecensa does not affect other enzymes like CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C9, 2C19, or 2D6, and it does not impact certain transporters, including OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OAT1, OAT3, or OCT2.
Alternative Medications
If you are looking for alternative medications to Alecensa for treating ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, several options are available.
Talk to your doctor to find the best fit for your needs.
- Alunbrig (brigatinib)
- Zykadia (ceritinib)
- Xalkori (crizotinib)
- Lorbrena (lorlatinib)
Purchase Affordable Alecensa from Pharma Giant
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How to Order Alecensa Online?
- Search for Alecensa on the website using the search icon. Select the correct strength and click “Buy” to add it to your cart. To add more items, select “Continue shopping.”
- When your cart is ready, click “Continue checkout.” Enter your contact, payment, and address details. New users should create an account with their email and a password. Use code PGSAVE10 for 10% off your first order. Returning users can log in with their email and password. Click “Submit” to receive a confirmation email.
- Upload your prescription using one of these methods: Use the RX document uploader on the website, email a scanned copy or photo to info@pharmagiant.com, or fax it to 1-888-562-8159. If no prescription is needed, your order will be processed immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.
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