Alecensa 150 Capsule

Description of Alecensa 150 (Alectinib 150mg) capsule

Alectinib is a molecule that serves in treating selected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the form of a Alecensa 150 capsule. It belongs to the family of tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and its anticancer action is based in selective inhibition of abnormal signalling pathways of molecular processes that stimulate unregulated cell growth and spread. This specific intervention leads to the retarding of the disease effect and the minimization of tumour burden among the affected individuals.

Indications of of Alecensa 150 (Alectinib 150mg) capsule

Alecensa 150 capsule is mainly used in treatment of ALK-positive NSCLC especially where the tumours are found to have rearrangement of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene. It is widely used when the targeted therapy is deemed to be more effective than conventional chemotherapy or when other forms of treatment do not deliver a sufficient therapeutic response.

Mechanism of action of of Alecensa 150 (Alectinib 150mg) capsule 

Alectinib is a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor which exerts its action by targeting the selective inhibition of the ALK receptor tyrosine kinase found in some cancer cells of the lungs. Continous ALK signalling inhibits intracellular cascade involved in cell growth, survival and proliferation, this means that malignant cell multiplication and spread is suppressed hence better control over the disease.

How to consume of Alecensa 150 (Alectinib 150mg) capsule

Alectinib is to be taken only when and in the dose prescribed by the clinician handling a patient. The drug is normally administered twice in a day together with meals to increase its absorption levels and reduce gastrointestinal side effects. The entire capsule should be swallowed in water and should not be crushed, chewed or opened under any circumstances without the express recommendation of a medical professional.

Side Effects of Alecensa 150 (Alectinib 150mg) capsule

1. Common side effects

• Feeling tired
• Headache
• Problems with diarrhea
• Mild swelling in hands or feet
• Appetite gets lower
• Skin rash

2. Serious side effects

• Chest pain, arrhythmia
• Hepatic malfunction
• Allergic issues
• Severe bleeding
• Eye irritation
• Breathing difficulty
• Muscle weakness with dark urine

3. Rare side effects

• Low potassium level in blood
• Muscle spasm
• Severe stomach pain
• Stomach ulcer

Safety Advice for Alecensa 150 (Alectinib 150mg) capsule

Patients under taking Alectinib must go through regular medical checkups to detect the possible adverse events like musculoskeletal discomfort, shortness of breath, bradycardia, as well as hepatic function test changes. The doctors can suggest a regular blood screening and renal evaluation based on the clinical condition of the person.

Breastfeeding: Contraindicated in lactation Alectinib can be absorbed through breast milk and cause harm to the baby. It should be used with the recommendation of a trained health care expert.

Pregnancy: Alectinib should not be used during the pregnancy period because of the teratogenicity. The women in the reproductive potential group need to use effective birth control methods as well as consult specialists prior to therapy.

Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol needs to be limited or avoided as it is likely to contribute to hepatic adverse effects and gastrointestinal irritation.

Liver: Patients who have a history of hepatic disorders must use Alectinib cautiously and with strict medical care as the drug may increase the level of hepatic enzymes.

Lungs: In rare circumstances, interstitial lung disease has been related to Alectinib. The development or deterioration of cough, fever, or dyspnea should be the cause of an immediate medical consultation.

Kidney: Caution in renal impairment patients, a change of dose can be justified after clinical examination.

Driving: In certain instances alectinib can cause dizziness, fatigue, or blurred vision. Those woth this kind of symptoms are not advised to drive cars or use a heavy machine.

Interaction of Alecensa 150 (Alectinib 150mg) capsule

• Drug-Drug Interaction :

Aniodarone x Alectinib

Use alternative drug because the use of amiodarone will increase the effect of Alectinib by P-glycoprotein efflux transporter.

Riociguat x Alectini

Use alternative drug because the use of Alectinib will increase the effect of riociguat by decreasing it metabolism.

Dichlorphenamide x Alectinib

The combination should be used with caution as the interaction lowers the levels of serum potassium.

Dexlansoprazole x Alectinib

Another acid-suppressing drug is also advised, since dexlansoprazole reduces the impact of Alectinibby increasing gastric pH.

Siponimod x Alectinib

It is recommended that clinical vigilance be observed because the combination might increase the risk of infection.

• Drug-Food Interaction:

Food:

Food intake significantly increases absorption of alectinib, hence one dose is to be taken at food time.

• Drug-Disease Interaction:

Lung toxicity:

Therapeutic regimen should be used with a prudent approach in people with the previous interstitial pneumonitis history since the drug can trigger the severe pulmonary fibrosis. Cessation of the drug is justified in case of a test diagnosis of penumonitis.

Myalgia:

The medication should be used with caution as it has the tendency to increase creatine phosphokinase levels and treatment should be lowered or stopped in relation to laboratory values.

Bradycardia:

The drug should be used with care since it could cause bradycardia. Monitoring of heart rate, and blood pressure should be daily.

Contraindication of Alecensa 150 (Alectinib 150mg) capsule

Alecensa 150 capsule  consumption is to be carried out cautiously in patients with hepatoxicity, interstitial lung cancer, severe myalgia, bradycardia, and hemolytic anemia.

Dosage of Alecensa 150 (Alectinib 150mg) capsule

Dose depends on the type of cancer. The doctor may make changes depending upon personal tolerance and how the treatment is working.

Storage of Alecensa 150 (Alectinib 150mg) capsule

Capsules of Alectinib need to be kept somewhere with average room temperature conditions, protecting it from too much moisture or heat. You should always have them inside packet they are in and out of reach of children.

Missed Dose of Alecensa 150 (Alectinib 150mg) capsule

If you miss one capsule, just use planned next dose on the regular schedule. Taking two capsules together to replace a missed one is not required. Do not try to increase your next dose for this.

Other General Information of Alecensa 150 (Alectinib 150mg) capsule 

The long-term use can cause xerosis, hence use of an appropriate moisturizer. Enough hydration by drinking water and eating a proper diet must be promoted. Patients have to inform their physicians of any abnormal adverse events and they are supposed to do this regularly. To seek further advice depending on the case scenario, one is recommended to consult the prescribing clinician.

FAQs of Alecensa 150 (Alectinib 150mg) capsule 

1. Why should Alectinib be taken with food?

Alectinib is indicated to be used in combination with food as the food intake increases its absorption and ability to achieve optimal levels of concentrations, trophic use on an empty stomach may dilute its efficacy.

2. Is it safe to use sunscreen in combination with Alectinib?

Yes, broad-spectrum sunscreen hats or protective clothing are highly encouraged because the drug enhances photosensitivity of the skin, and lowers the risk of irritation and hyperpigmentaion .

3. Can Alectinib cause muscle pain or stiffness?

As has been reported,, myalgia, stiffiness, or weakness may be experienced by patients in Alectinib therapy. In case these manifestations become acute or they are followed by the dark-coloured urine, they should urgently seek medical attention as they can indicate muscle damage.

4. Does Alectinib have any impact on breathing?

In some extreme cases, pulmonary inflammation can present. The clinician must be informed immediately on the occurrence of new onset cough, chest tightness, or dyspnea.

5. Is constipation normal during Alectinib therapy?

The most common side effects include mild constipation. The consition can be alleviated by augmenting the dietary fibre, maintaining proper hydration, and doing light physical excercises, in case constipation can be chronic or severe one should visit a healthcare provider.

Fact Box of Alecensa 150 (Alectinib 150mg) capsule:

References

• South San Francisco, CA: Genentech USA, Inc.; 2015 [revised Nov. 2017]. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from: www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/208434s003lbl.pdf
• Alectinib hydrochloride. Grenzach-Wyhlen, Germany: Roche Registration GmbH; 2017 [revised 31 May 2018]. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2438/smpc
• Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 27 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from: https://cdscoonline.gov.in/CDSCO/Drugs