Alecensa (alectinib) is a prescription brand-name medication. It’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat a certain type of lung cancer in adults.
Specifically, Alecensa is approved to treat adults with non-small cell lung cancer that tests positive for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). ALK is a specific gene mutation that the cancer cells may have. Alecensa can treat cancer that’s metastatic, which is cancer that has spread to other areas of your body.
Here are some fast facts about Alecensa:
- Active ingredient: alectinib
- Drug class: tyrosinekinase inhibitor
- Drug form: oral capsule
Your doctor may recommend that you take Alecensa as a long-term treatment option if the medication is working for you.
Like other drugs, Alecensa capsules can cause side effects. Read on to learn about common, mild, and serious potential side effects of the drug. For a general overview of Alecensa, including details about its uses, see this article.
Alecensa can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Alecensa in clinical trials:
- fatigue
- swelling, especially in your face, eyelids, hands, ankles, or feet
- constipation*
- muscle problems*
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
Mild side effects can occur with Alecensa use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Alecensa’s prescribing information.
Mild side effects that have been reported with Alecensa include:
- fatigue
- swelling, especially in your hands, feet, ankles, face, or eyelids
- hyperglycemia (high blood sugar level)
- changes in blood levels of calcium, sodium, phosphate, or potassium
- back pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- cough
- changes in taste or inability to taste certain foods
- headache
- rash
- increased sensitivity to sunlight
- weight gain
- swelling in the mouth
- constipation*
- muscle problems*
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Alecensa and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
Alecensa may cause serious side effects. Although these side effects are rare, they may still occur. So, you should be aware of the possible symptoms of these side effects and report them to your doctor right away.
The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Alecensa’s prescribing information.
If you develop serious side effects while taking Alecensa, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:
- Liver problems. Symptoms can include:
- stomach pain
- nausea
- Lung problems, such as interstitial lung disease. Symptoms can include:
- loss of appetite or weight loss
- fatigue
- Red blood cell problems, such as anemia. Symptoms can include:
- fatigue
- cold hands or feet
- dizziness
- Kidney problems. Symptoms can include:
- nausea or vomiting
- urinating more or less than normal
- swelling in your hands or feet
- shortness of breath
- Severe muscle pain.*
- Slow heart rate.*
- Eye-related side effects.*
- Allergic reaction.*†
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Alecensa. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials.
Learn more about some of the side effects that Alecensa may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Alecensa.
Constipation
You may develop constipation while you are taking Alecensa. This was a common side effect reported by people taking this medication in clinical trials.
Constipation occurs when it becomes harder to have bowel movements. Symptoms may include:
- straining or pain while trying to use the bathroom
- bloating
- nausea
- stomach cramps
What you can do
If you develop symptoms of constipation, especially if they’re severe or bothersome to you, talk with your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to decrease the constipation from occurring. For example, your doctor may recommend that you increase your fiber intake. Or they may recommend another medication to help treat your constipation.
Muscle problems
Muscle problems are a possible side effect of Alecensa. Specifically, people taking this medication have reported muscle pain, muscle tenderness, or weakness. These side effects were common in people taking Alecensa. Although most muscle problems reported in clinical trials were mild, it’s possible for you to develop severe muscle problems.
What you can do
Your doctor will order blood tests every 2 weeks for the first month that you’re taking Alecensa. Blood tests can help your doctor determine if you’re experiencing muscle problems while you’re taking this medication. Blood tests will monitor the level of an enzyme called creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in your body, which may indicate muscle injury.
If you notice any muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness while taking Alecensa, talk with your doctor right away. In this case, your doctor may recommend an additional CPK blood test.
If you have high CPK levels, your doctor may recommend that you temporarily stop taking Alecensa. In some cases, you may be able to resume taking Alecensa at the same dose after a brief pause. Other times, your doctor may recommend a lower dose of Alecensa to decrease your risk of muscle problems occurring again.
Eye-related side effects
It’s possible to develop eye-related side effects from taking Alecensa. Although uncommon, eye-related side effects were reported in clinical trials of the drug. Examples of some side effects that may occur include:
- swelling of your eyelid or face
- blurry vision
- double vision
- eye floaters
- changes in vision or difficulty seeing
What you can do
If you noticed any changes in your vision or eye-related side effects, tell your doctor right away. They may recommend that you get an eye exam to help determine if there are any problems. In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking Alecensa and try a different treatment option.
Slow heart rate
You may experience a slow heart rate from Alecensa. (A slow heart rate may also be known as bradycardia.) This was a rare side effect reported in clinical trials. Although rare, slow heart rate can be severe or even life-threatening. Symptoms of a slow heart rate may include:
What you can do
Your doctor may recommend monitoring your heart rate throughout treatment with Alecensa. This is done to be sure that your heart rate does not get too low. If you do develop a slow heart rate or if you have symptoms of a slow heart rate, tell your doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about current medications you take. Some other medications that you take may also cause a slow heart rate. In this case, your doctor may recommend stopping treatment with your other medication.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you start taking Alecensa at a lower dose. If your slow heart rate is severe or life-threatening, they may recommend that you stop taking Alecensa and try a different medication to treat your condition.
Allergic reaction
As with most drugs, Alecensa can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:
- skin rash
- itching
- flushing
- swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
What you can do
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Alecensa. But if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Alecensa. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The conditions and factors to consider include:
Liver problems. Treatment with Alecensa may raise your risk of liver problems. Tell your doctor about any liver problems that you have before you start taking Alecensa. If you already have liver problems, taking Alecensa could worsen your condition. In some cases, it may not be safe for you to take Alecensa if you have severe liver problems. Your doctor can help you determine whether this medication is safe for you.
Lung problems or breathing problems. Alecensa may increase your risk of developing a serious lung condition such as interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. If you already have a condition that affects your lungs or breathing, taking Alecensa may make your condition worse. Be sure to tell your doctor about any lung conditions or breathing problems that you have before starting treatment with Alecensa. They’ll be able to help you determine whether Alecensa is a safe treatment option for you.
Kidney problems. Alecensa may cause kidney problems to occur or may worsen existing kidney conditions. Tell your doctor about any kidney problems that you have before starting this medication. In some cases, if you have severe kidney problems, Alecensa may not be a safe treatment option for you. Your doctor can help determine whether Alecensa is safe for you to take.
Slow heart rate. Alecensa may cause bradycardia (slow heart rate). If you have a history of bradycardia, taking this medication may worsen your condition. Due to this risk, if you have a slow heart rate your doctor may recommend monitoring your heart rate throughout your treatment. In some cases, they may recommend that you stop taking Alecensa if your heart rate gets too low. Talk with your doctor about whether this medication is safe for you.
Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Alecensa or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Alecensa. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
Alcohol use with Alecensa
There are no known interactions between Alecensa and alcohol. However, both alcohol and Alecensa may cause liver problems to occur. This means that your risk of liver problems may be increased if you drink alcohol during your treatment with Alecensa.
Talk to your doctor about how much alcohol, if any, is safe for you to drink while you’re taking Alecensa.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Alecensa
Alecensa may cause harm to a developing fetus. Although Alecensa has not been studied in humans, animal studies show that the drug may cause pregnancy loss. But animal studies do not always indicate what may happen in humans.
If you’re able to become pregnant, it’s recommended that you use an effective form of birth control while taking Alecensa. You’ll need to keep using birth control for at least 1 week after stopping treatment. In addition, males* with partners who can become pregnant should use an effective form of birth control for 3 months after their last dose of Alecensa.
It’s not known if Alecensa passes into breast milk or what effects it may have on a breastfed child. Due to this possible risk, it’s not recommended to breastfeed during treatment with Alecensa or for at least 1 week after stopping the medication.
If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before you start taking Alecensa. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best treatment plan for you.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
In most cases, side effects of Alecensa are mild. However, it’s possible to develop serious side effects from taking this medication. You should be aware of the risks of the medication before you start treatment, so that you know what to watch for.
If you’d like to learn more about Alecensa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.
Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:
- More information about Alecensa. For details about other aspects of Alecensa, refer to this article.
- Dosage details. If you’d like information about Alecensa’s dosage, see this article.
- Drug comparison. Learn how Alecensa compares with Alunbrig and Zykadia.
- A look at lung cancer. For details about lung cancer, see our lung cancer hub and list of related articles.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.