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Alectinib

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Alecensa Cancer-related

Alectinib - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Alectinib cause?

Common side effects include:

  • Constipation
    • Drink more water or clear fluids (if you do not have a limit on the amount you can take each day).
    • Add more fibre to your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables.
  • Feeling tired and lack of energy
    • Do not drive or operate machinery when you feel tired.
  • Skin rash, sensitivity to sun
    • Avoid too much exposure to the sun. Use a sunscreen and lip balm that has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 50 or more during treatment and for 7 days after the last dose of Alectinib.
  • Reduced red blood cell count

Rare but serious side effects include:

  • Sudden onset of cough, chest pain, shortness of breath or fever
  • Dark urine or light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin
  • Very bad swelling of hands, feet or lower legs
  • Passing out very little urine although you are taking similar amount of water and fluid everyday
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Unusual giddiness or light-headedness
  • Very bad muscle soreness or weakness that does not go away

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Alectinib , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication.
  • You or your partner becomes pregnant or is planning for pregnancy
    • You should use effective birth control during and for 3 months after stopping Alectinib.
  • You are breastfeeding
    • Do not breastfeed during and for 1 week after stopping Alectinib.
  • You have any other medical conditions such as having slow heartbeat.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Alectinib ?

​Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies. Some of them may affect how Alectinib works.

Alectinib - Additional Information

​You may refer to the following website if you need more information: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/

  • Updated on 9/30/2019 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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