Alecensa 150mg Capsule consists of the active ingredient Alectinib Hydrochloride. It is an Anti-Cancer medication used to treat Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), an advanced and spreading type of lung cancer. It effectively treats NSCLC that has spread to other body parts, including the brain. Alecensa 150mg Capsule is also generally well-tolerated and has fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. This can improve a person's quality of life during treatment and allow them to continue with daily activities.
Inform your doctor before starting treatment if you are using oral contraceptives, as this medication might reduce the effect of the contraceptive. Let your doctor know if you have problems with the stomach, intestine, abdomen, heart, or lung inflammation problems or are lactose intolerant. Application of sun protection is essential while using Alecensa 150mg Capsule and must be continued up to 7 days after stopping its use, as this medication causes sunlight sensitivity. Consumption of grapefruit and Seville oranges should be done with caution as they reduce the effect of the medication.
Uses of Alecensa 150mg Capsule
Alecensa 150mg Capsule is been approved for the following conditions:
- To treat ALK-positive lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other organs.
Therapeutic Effects of Alecensa 150mg Capsule
The therapeutic effects of Alecensa 150mg Capsule are related to its ability to target a specific genetic mutation called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. By inhibiting the ALK protein, this medication can slow down or stop the growth and spread of cancer cells that have the ALK genetic mutation.
Interaction of Alecensa 150mg Capsule with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Alecensa 150mg Capsule and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Alecensa 150mg Capsule
How to consume Alecensa 150mg Capsule
Alecensa 150mg Capsule 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.
Safety Advices for Alecensa 150mg Capsule
Pregnancy
Alecensa 150mg Capsule is not safe for use during pregnancy because it can harm to developing baby.
Breast Feeding
It is unknown whether Alecensa 150mg Capsule is excreted in milk. So it is better to consult a healthcare provider if you are a breastfeeding mother before taking this medication.
Lungs
Alecensa 150mg Capsule is safe to use in lung patients. It can be effective in treating NSCLC, it is not without potential side effects. But it is important to monitor lung function regularly during treatment with this medication.
Liver
Alecensa 150mg Capsule can cause liver damage or liver failure in some people, so it is important to monitor liver function during treatment with this medication. Before starting treatment, a healthcare provider will perform blood tests to assess liver function.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can have negative effects on the immune system and may interfere with the effectiveness of cancer therapies. So it is recommended to avoid taking alcohol while taking.
Driving
Patients receiving Alecensa 150mg Capsule are advised to avoid driving or operating machinery if they experience side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, or blurred vision, impairment in their ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Side Effects of Alecensa 150mg Capsule
Like all medications, Alecensa 150mg Capsule can cause side effects, although not everyone who takes it will experience them.
Serious:
- Yellowing of skin and white parts of the eye
- Dark urine
- Pain at the right side of the stomach
- Skin itching
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Persistent muscle pain
- Tender or weak muscles
- Loss of consciousness
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Cough with or without mucous
- Fever
Common:
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Rashes
- Odema (fluid build-up causing swelling)
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Inflammation in mouth
- Light sensitivity
- Changes in taste
Word of Advice
Alecensa 150mg Capsule 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 measures should inform a doctor prior the 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.
FAQs
Q 1. What is ALK Positive lung cancer?
ALK positive lung cancer is a subset of lung cancer which is common in non smokers aged less than 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.
Q 2. Can Alecensa 150mg Capsule cause weight gain?
Weight gain is a potential side effect of Alecensa 150mg Capsule, although it is not very common. If you notice unexplained weight gain while taking it, notify your healthcare provider.
Q 3. Can Alecensa 150mg Capsule cause mood changes or depression?
Mood changes and depression have been reported in some patients taking Alecensa 150mg Capsule. If you experience any changes in your mood or feelings of depression while taking this Capsule, notify your healthcare provider. They may recommend additional support or treatment for depression.
Q 4. Is Alecensa 150mg Capsule used in patients with brain metastases?
Alecensa 150mg Capsule 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.
Q 5. Can I use Alecensa 150mg Capsule if I have kidney problems?
Alecensa 150mg Capsule 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.
Fact Box of Alecensa 150mg Capsule
Molecule name: Alectinib | Therapeutic class: Anticancer |
Pharmacological class: Tyrosine kinase inhibitor | Indications: ALK-positive lung cancer (NSCLC) |