Alecensa ratings & reviews

Alectinib
Company: Genentech
Brand: Alecensa
Drug class: Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents
+2 more
Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents, Antineoplastics, Small Molecule Antineoplastic Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) Inhibitors
Overall rating
3.5
full star full star full star half star empty star
Ranked #13
Physician ratings
  • Efficacy: effective for its intended use
  • Safety: safe to use in humans
  • Tolerability: low drug side effects
  • Accessibility: insurance/payer coverage, cost, affordability,formulary coverage, availability in your hospital or practice setting
  • Adherence: patient compliance with treatment
Efficacy
3.7/5
Safety
3.6/5
Tolerability
3.5/5
Accessibility
3.4/5
Adherence
3.6/5

Sermo AI Overview

  • Alecensa is generally viewed as a promising treatment option for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly among younger patients and those eligible for targeted therapy, despite mixed reviews about accessibility.
  • While Alecensa demonstrates good efficacy for ALK-positive NSCLC, its use is limited to a small subset of lung cancer patients, raising concerns about accessibility, especially in areas where healthcare resources may be restricted.
  • Concerns about serious side effects and overall tolerability of Alecensa are prevalent, particularly among users in the U.S., which may impact its overall acceptance and use among healthcare providers.
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Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Alecensa contains the active ingredient alectinib, which is a kinase inhibitor in its hydrochloride salt form. It is available as hard capsules for oral administration, each containing 150 mg of alectinib. Key inactive ingredients include lactose monohydrate, hydroxypropylcellulose, and magnesium stearate, among others.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the capsules whole. Take it with food. Your care team may change your dose or tell you to stop taking this medication if you get side effects. Do not change your dose or stop taking it unless your care team tells you to.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose or vomit after taking a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Do not store above 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original container. Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Hemolytic anemia—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing, dark urine, yellowing skin or eyes
  • Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Muscle injury—unusual weakness or fatigue, muscle pain, dark yellow or brown urine, decrease in amount of urine
  • Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Lung disease
  • Slow heartbeat
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to alectinib, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your care team tells you to stop.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen while taking this medication and for 7 days after the last dose. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.

Talk to your care team if you or your partner may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 5 weeks after the last dose. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 5 weeks after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom during sex while taking this medication and for 3 months after the last dose.

Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 1 week after the last dose.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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