What it is used for
- Adjuvant treatment after complete removal of selected high-risk non-small-cell lung cancer with the confirmed target alteration
- First-line treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with the confirmed target alteration
- Treating advanced disease after a previous targeted medicine such as crizotinib when selected by the oncology specialist
How it is used
- Take the capsules with food according to the oncology plan and swallow them whole without opening, crushing or dissolving them
- If you vomit after a dose, do not replace it yourself and follow the next scheduled dose as the team directs
- Do not stop or alter treatment without the oncology team even if symptoms improve
- Protect skin and lips from sunlight with clothing and suitable sunscreen because sun sensitivity can increase
- Attend requested liver, kidney, blood and muscle-enzyme tests, pulse checks and imaging follow-up
Possible side effects
- Constipation or nausea
- Tiredness or weakness
- Muscle pain or raised muscle enzymes
- Leg swelling or fluid-related weight gain
- Anaemia or abnormal liver tests
Who should not use it
- Allergy to alectinib or any capsule ingredient
Before and while using it
- Jaundice, dark urine or upper-abdominal pain can indicate serious liver injury and needs urgent contact
- New or worsening cough, fever or breathlessness can indicate lung inflammation and requires immediate interruption and assessment
- Reduced urine, marked swelling or confusion can indicate kidney injury
- Fainting, severe dizziness or a slow pulse needs pulse assessment and medicine review
- Severe muscle pain, weakness or dark urine can indicate muscle injury and needs urgent testing
- Sudden pallor, jaundice, profound tiredness or dark urine can indicate red-blood-cell breakdown
Medicine interactions
- Medicines that slow the heart rate can add to bradycardia and require monitoring
- It can affect medicines sensitive to selected transport proteins, such as digoxin or dabigatran, and needs pharmacist review
- Tell the oncology team about every medicine or herb that affects liver enzymes or can injure the liver or muscles
- Do not start a supplement or non-prescription treatment before oncology-team review
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- It can harm an unborn baby; tell the oncology team promptly about pregnancy or plans and use effective contraception as they direct
- Do not breastfeed during treatment or for the safety interval in the leaflet after it stops
How to store it
- Keep capsules in their original pack as the leaflet directs, protected from moisture and heat and out of children's reach
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.