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Alectinib: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Alectinib is a targeted anticancer medicine (ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor) approved for: Metastatic ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Treatment of adult patients with anaplastic…

Forms:Capsule

About Alectinib

Indications of Alectinib

Alectinib is a targeted anticancer medicine (ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor) approved for:

  • Metastatic ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Treatment of adult patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive metastatic NSCLC, as detected by an FDA-approved test. This is an established, FDA-approved indication used as first-line therapy or after progression on/intolerance to crizotinib.
  • Adjuvant treatment after tumor resection: For adult patients with ALK-positive NSCLC (tumors ≥4 cm or node-positive) following complete tumor resection, to reduce the risk of recurrence. This is an established, FDA-approved indication, typically given for up to 2 years.

Alectinib also has demonstrated CNS-penetrant activity and is used, per guideline recommendations (e.g., NCCN), for patients with brain metastases from ALK-positive NSCLC. Alectinib must only be started after confirmation of ALK-positive status by a validated diagnostic test, and treatment should be initiated and supervised by a physician experienced in the use of anticancer therapies (oncologist).

Dosage & Administration of Alectinib

IndicationRecommended Dose
ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC600 mg orally twice daily (1200 mg/day) with food, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Adjuvant treatment after tumor resection (ALK-positive NSCLC)600 mg orally twice daily with food, for a total of 2 years or until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity, whichever occurs first.
Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C)Reduce dose to 450 mg orally twice daily with food.

Capsules should be swallowed whole and not opened or dissolved. If a dose is missed or vomiting occurs after a dose, the next dose should be taken at the regular scheduled time. See Precautions and Warnings and Use in Special Populations for dose modifications required for adverse reactions.

Side Effects of Alectinib

Common side effects (occurring in ≥20% of patients) associated with Alectinib include:

  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Edema (swelling)
  • Myalgia (muscle pain) and elevated creatine kinase (CPK)
  • Rash
  • Cough
  • Elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT, bilirubin)
  • Anemia

Less common but serious adverse effects include hepatotoxicity, interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis, bradycardia, severe myalgia with CPK elevation (rhabdomyolysis), hemolytic anemia, and gastrointestinal perforation. See Precautions and Warnings for details on monitoring for these serious effects.

Contraindications of Alectinib

Alectinib is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Alectinib or to any component of the formulation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alectinib

What is Alectinib used for?

Alectinib is used to treat adults with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including as adjuvant treatment after tumor surgery and as treatment for metastatic disease, including cases with brain metastases.

How should I take Alectinib?

Alectinib is taken as capsules by mouth, twice daily with food, swallowed whole. Do not open, crush, or chew the capsules. Take doses about 12 hours apart at the same time each day.

What are the most common side effects of Alectinib?

Common side effects of Alectinib include fatigue, constipation, swelling (edema), muscle pain, rash, cough, and elevated liver enzymes. Serious but less common effects include liver injury, lung inflammation (pneumonitis), slow heart rate, and severe muscle problems - report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor promptly.

Can Alectinib be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Alectinib can cause fetal harm and should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefit justifies potential risk to the fetus; consult a physician before use. Effective contraception is required during and after treatment with Alectinib. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Alectinib and for at least 1 week after the final dose.

Who should not take Alectinib?

Alectinib is contraindicated in anyone with a known hypersensitivity (allergy) to Alectinib or any ingredient in the formulation. It should only be used in patients confirmed to be ALK-positive by a validated test and under specialist oncology supervision.

What monitoring is needed while taking Alectinib?

Patients on Alectinib require regular liver function tests, periodic creatine kinase (CPK) checks, heart rate/blood pressure monitoring, and assessment for new respiratory symptoms, due to risks of liver injury, muscle toxicity, bradycardia, and lung inflammation associated with Alectinib.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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