Alectinib is used to treat a certain type of lung
cancer. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Alectinib belongs to a class of drugs known as tyrosine kinase
inhibitors.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking alectinib and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by
your doctor, usually twice daily. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not open
or dissolve the contents of the capsules. If you vomit after taking a dose,
do not take an extra dose. Take your next dose at the regular
time.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, side
effects, lab test results, and response to treatment. Do not increase your
dose or take this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your
condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of serious side
effects will increase.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
Tiredness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
swelling ankles/feet/hands, back pain, headache, weight gain, or vision
changes (such as blurred vision, decreased vision) may occur. If any of
these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine)
- slow heartbeat
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- fainting
- unexplained muscle pain/tenderness/weakness
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- new/worsening lung disease (such as trouble breathing,
shortness of breath, cough, fever)
- chest pain
- sudden severe bleeding
- black/bloody stools
- vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking alectinib, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- slow heartbeat
- kidney disease
This drug may make you dizzy or cause vision changes.
Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you
can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are
using marijuana (cannabis).
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps during
treatment and for at least 1 week after stopping this medication. Use
sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor
right away if you get sunburned or have skin
blisters/redness.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using alectinib. Alectinib
may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before
you start this medication. Women using this medication should ask about
reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for some time after
the last dose. Men using this medication should ask about reliable forms of
birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. If you
or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the
risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication and for 1 week after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function,
heart rate, blood pressure, a blood test for muscle problems called
creatine phosphokinase-CPK level) should be done while you are taking this
medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the original container at room temperature away
from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications
away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.