ALECENSA 150mg Capsules

What is ALECENSA 150mg

ALECENSA 150 mg is the branded oral capsule formulation of **Alectinib hydrochloride**, a second-generation ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) inhibitor approved for ALK-positive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

• Active Ingredient: Alectinib HCl (150 mg per capsule)
• Dosage Form: Oral capsules
• Packaging: 224 capsules (4 packs × 56 capsules)
• Indications: For adults with metastatic ALK-positive NSCLC, both as first-line or after progression on crizotinib; also approved adjuvant after surgical resection in high-risk patients :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Key Benefits: Specifically targets ALK-driven cancer, has high central nervous system penetration—helping control brain metastases—and offers improved progression-free survival and tolerability compared to earlier-generation ALK inhibitors :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

How to use ALECENSA 150mg

Proper administration is critical to maximize benefit and manage side effects.

• Recommended Dose: 600 mg twice daily (four 150 mg capsules per dose) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• With Food: Always take with a meal to ensure optimal absorption :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Swallow Whole: Capsules must be swallowed intact; do not open or crush :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Missed Dose: Skip missed doses; resume at scheduled time—do not double up :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Vomiting: If vomiting occurs, take next dose at regular time; do not repeat the dose :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Duration of Therapy: Continue until disease progression or unacceptable side effects :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Regular follow-ups—including blood tests for liver function and creatine kinase, and monitoring heart rhythm—are recommended throughout treatment :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

Mode of Action ALECENSA 150mg

Alectinib is a potent and selective ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor with additional activity against RET, showing strong intracranial efficacy.

• ALK Inhibition: Blocks ALK fusion proteins (e.g., EML4‑ALK), thereby halting downstream oncogenic signaling (STAT3 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways) :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• CNS Penetration: Effectively crosses the blood–brain barrier and accumulates in the central nervous system (CNS), offering robust intracranial control :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Apoptosis & Growth Arrest: Inhibits tumor cell proliferation and triggers cell death
• Selective Targeting: High specificity for ALK leads to fewer off-target side effects compared to earlier ALK inhibitors :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• RET Inhibition: Also blocks RET kinase—currently being explored in RET fusion-positive cancers :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

ALECENSA 150mg Interactions ALECENSA 150mg

Alectinib interacts primarily via CYP3A4 metabolism; caution is essential when combining with CYP modulators or QT-prolonging agents.

• CYP3A4 Inhibitors: e.g., ketoconazole or clarithromycin may slightly raise alectinib exposure, but reduce active M4 levels; overall effect minor :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• CYP3A4 Inducers: e.g., rifampicin or St. John's Wort can reduce alectinib levels—should be avoided :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• QT-Prolonging Drugs: Combination may increase cardiac risk—monitor ECG if used together :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Levothyroxine: May cause increased risk of side effects—monitor thyroid function :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Food Interactions: No specific food interactions identified; just take with a regular meal :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Dosage of ALECENSA 150mg

The dosing strategy balances effective disease control with manageable side effects.

• Initial Dose: 600 mg orally twice daily with food (total 1200 mg/day) :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Dose Reductions: If intolerant, reduce first to 450 mg bid, then 300 mg bid—discontinue if 300 mg is not tolerated :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• Special Populations: No general dose adjustment for renal impairment; in moderate/severe hepatic impairment, caution is advised and dose may be reduced :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
• Discontinuation Criteria: Permanently stop if interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis occurs :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
• Treatment Continuation: Maintain therapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}

Possible side effects of ALECENSA 150mg

Alectinib is typically well tolerated, but several common and serious side effects may occur.

• Very Common (≥10%): Fatigue, constipation, peripheral edema, muscle pain, anemia, increased liver enzymes (ALT, AST) :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
• Common (1–10%): Bradycardia, photosensitivity, elevated creatine kinase, rare pneumonitis/interstitial lung disease :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
• Serious (≤1%): Severe hepatotoxicity (transaminases > Grade 3), interstitial lung disease, QT prolongation—monitor and interrupt treatment if needed :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
• Other Reactions: Mild nausea, dizziness, rash, myalgia, photosensitivity—manageable with supportive care :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}

ALECENSA 150mg Contraindications ALECENSA 150mg

Alectinib should not be used in cases of known hypersensitivity to the drug or its components.

• Allergy: Contraindicated if there is a known hypersensitivity to Alectinib or capsule excipients :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
• Pregnancy: Not recommended; may harm fetus—effective contraception required for men and women during treatment and for 3 months following last dose :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
• Breastfeeding: Avoid, as safety is unknown—stop for at least one week post final dose :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
• Severe Hepatic Impairment: Use only if benefits justify risks—monitor liver function closely :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
• Interstitial Lung Disease History: Discontinue if new severe pulmonary symptoms occur :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}

Storage of ALECENSA 150mg

Correct storage maintains stability and potency.

• Temperature: Store at room temperature, below 30 °C (86 °F) in a dry place :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}
• Packaging: Keep capsules in original packaging to protect from light and moisture :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}
• Refrigeration: Do not refrigerate or freeze
• Child Safety: Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Disposal: Do not flush; follow local regulations or consult pharmacist :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}
• Expiry Awareness: Check the expiration date; do not use expired capsules