Alectinib is used to treat a certain type of lung cancer known as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other parts of the body.
Take Alectinib exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not open or dissolve the contents of the capsule.
If you vomit after taking Alectinib, do not take another dose. Take the next dose at your normal scheduled time.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on the severity of your condition and response to this medicine.
Alectinib must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you miss a dose and it is more than 6 hours until the next scheduled dose, take the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Alectinib if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Alectinib may cause harm to your unborn child.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Alectinib therapy and for at least 3 months after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- risk for stomach or intestine perforation (hole formation) e.g. history of inflammation inside the colon or intestine, cancer that has spread inside the abdomen
- severe liver disease
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Screening and assessment of tumour status are needed prior to initiation of therapy to check the appropriateness of Alectinib therapy.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, blood tests) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, signs and symptoms of lung or muscle problems may also be needed.
Alectinib may cause dizziness, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure or some problems with your eyesight. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, headache, back pain, weight gain, rash, and altered taste.
This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- shortness of breath, cough, fever
- signs and symptoms of liver problem e.g. yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- persistent muscle pain, tenderness or weakness
- signs and symptoms of anaemia e.g. feeling tired and worn out
- signs and symptoms of kidney problem e.g. swelling in legs, ankles or feet, decreased urine output, tiredness, chest pain
- dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain medicines for cancer e.g. nilotinib, lapatinib, topotecan, mitoxantrone
- medicines used in organ transplant e.g. everolimus, sirolimus
- certain medicines to treat TB, an infection known as tuberculosis e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. posaconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. telithromycin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, saquinavir
- dabigatran etexilate (blood-thinning medicine)
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
- nefazodone (medicine to treat depression)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Alectinib.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired capsules to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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