ALECensa Capsule is a medicine used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is positive for a genetic mutation called ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase). It is usually prescribed when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body or has returned after treatment.

ALECensa Capsule works by blocking the activity of the abnormal ALK protein that drives the growth and spread of cancer cells. This way it helps slow down or stop the progression of the disease and may help shrink the tumor.

Take ALECensa Capsule exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually with food. For best results, take the doses at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the medicine in your body. Do not skip or stop taking the medicine unless advised by your doctor, even if you feel better. During treatment, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests and scans to check how well the medicine is working and to monitor for any side effects. Stay active, eat a nutritious diet, and get enough to support your treatment and recovery.

Common side effects of ALECensa Capsule include tiredness, constipation, swelling in the hands or feet, muscle pain, and changes in liver function tests. Some people may also experience slow heartbeat, skin rash, or vision problems. Most side effects can be managed with supportive care or dose adjustments, so it is important to stay in regular contact with your doctor.

Before starting ALECensa Capsule, inform your doctor if you have liver problems, lung disease, or heart problems. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using this medicine to make sure it is safe for them. Use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after stopping the medication, as ALECensa Capsule can harm an unborn baby.

Uses of ALECensa Capsule

Treatment of Non-small cell lung cancer

Side effects of ALECensa Capsule

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of ALECensa

Tiredness
Constipation
Peripheral edema
Muscle pain
Muscle weakness
Decreased red blood cell count

How to use ALECensa Capsule

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. ALECensa Capsule is to be taken with food.

How ALECensa Capsule works

ALECensa Capsule is an anticancer medication. It works by blocking certain receptors found on the cancer cells. These receptors cause the cancer cells to grow and multiply very fast. Hence, blocking them helps to slow or stop tumor growth.

Safety advice

Alcohol

UNSAFE

ALECensa Capsule may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.

Pregnancy

UNSAFE

ALECensa Capsule is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.

Breast feeding

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

ALECensa Capsule is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

Driving

CAUTION

ALECensa Capsule may cause dizziness or weakness due to low blood pressure. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Kidney

There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

Liver

There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

What if you forget to take ALECensa Capsule?

If you miss a dose of ALECensa Capsule, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

No substitutes found for this medicine

Quick tips

You have been prescribed ALECensa Capsule for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer that is locally advanced, or has spread to other areas of the body.
Take it with food, preferably at the same time each day.
It can make your skin more sensitive to sun. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
Your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests to monitor your liver and kidney function while you are having treatment with this medicine.
Do not take ALECensa Capsule if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use reliable methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you develop breathing difficulties, stomach pain, yellowing of skin or eyes or muscle pain as ALECensa Capsule may affect your lungs, liver, muscles or kidneys.

Fact Box

Chemical Class

Carbazoles

Habit Forming

Therapeutic Class

ANTI NEOPLASTICS

Action Class

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)

Interaction with drugs

Taking ALECensa with any of the following medicines can modify the effect of either of them and cause some undesirable side effects

Fingolimod (Oral Route) Moderate

Do not consume Fingolimod with Alectinib. If concurrent use is essential, watch out for symptoms of Fingolimod side effects such as back pain, diarrhea, headache, increased thirst,... More

Bemiparin (Injection Route) Moderate

If concurrent use is essential, watch out for symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine or jaundice and consult your doctor if you experience them. They may ad... More

Certoparin (Injection Route) Moderate

If concurrent use is essential, watch out for symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine or jaundice and consult your doctor if you experience them. They may ad... More

Dalteparin (Injection Route) Moderate

If concurrent use is essential, watch out for symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine or jaundice and consult your doctor if you experience them. They may ad... More

Enoxaparin (Injection Route) Moderate

If concurrent use is essential, watch out for symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine or jaundice and consult your doctor if you experience them. They may ad... More

View all drug interactions

Patient concerns

What is the purpose of Chemotherepy given at the time of radiotherapy in ca lung small cell carcinoma

Dr. Vijay Sharnangat

Medical Oncology and Hematology

This is given to enhance the therapeutic effect of radiation therapy which is curative for small cell lung cancer.

Right lung tumour cancer in upper portion In jalgaon district which oncologist is best for lung cancer.

Dr. Vijay Sharnangat

Medical Oncology and Hematology

Dr Nitin Chaudhari us best oncologist

My father in law is a lung cancer patient.He had gone through two chemo cycles.The first one led to a significant reduction of about 50% in the tumor size.He was administered gemcitabine and carboplatin.However,the 2nd one was ineffective.Please advise as to what could be the next course of action. He was a smoker and has non-small cell carcinoma.The cancer has spread to the adrenal glands.

Dr. Sanjay Singh Rai

Medical Oncology and Hematology

U have to do a CT SCAN 3WKS AFTER 3RD CHEMOBased on that u make assessment of response

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References

OncoLink. Alectinib; 2017. [Accessed 18 Jan. 2019] [online] Available from:
Alectinib. South San Francisco, CA: Genentech USA, Inc.; 2015 [revised Nov. 2017]. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 27 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
Alectinib hydrochloride. Grenzach-Wyhlen, Germany: Roche Registration GmbH; 2017 [revised 31 May 2018]. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from: