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BigMountainDrugs.com supplies only genuine Alecensa from Canada shipped using the Canadian packaging. This Alecensa is manufactured by Genetech Inc. (a member of Roche Group), the worldwide manufacturer of Alecensa. This offer is neither endorsed nor authorized by Genetech Inc. (the United States and Canadian distributor of Alecensa). BigMountainDrugs.com has no affiliation whatsoever with Genetech Inc.

Alecensa Information

Alecensa (alectinib) capsules are used to treat adult patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This includes:

• Adjuvant treatment after tumour resection for ALK-positive NSCLC (tumours=4 cm or node-positive), as detected by an FDA-approved test.
• Treatment of ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC, as detected by an FDA-approved test.

ALK-positive NSCLC is a specific type of lung cancer characterized by mutations in the ALK gene, resulting in the production of an abnormal ALK protein that promotes uncontrolled cell growth and metastasis. Alecensa is a kinase inhibitor that works by blocking the activity of this abnormal ALK protein, thereby reducing the growth and spread of the cancer cells. It is particularly effective in cases where the cancer has spread to the brain. Alecensa delivers the active substance alectinib, which specifically targets the ALK protein, helping to slow disease progression and improve outcomes for patients with this form of lung cancer.

Alecensa Side Effects

The most common side effects of Alecensa may include fatigue, constipation, edema (swelling), myalgia (muscle pain), anemia, increased liver enzymes (e.g., ALT, AST), increased bilirubin, rash, vision changes, and cough. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Bloody diarrhea
• Bradycardia (slow heartbeat): feeling dizzy, feeling lightheaded, fainting
• Chest pain
• Gastrointestinal perforation
• Hemolytic anemia (breakdown of red blood cells): yellow skin (jaundice), weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath
• Hepatotoxicity (liver problems): feeling tired, feeling less hungry than usual, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, dark urine, itchy skin, nausea or vomiting, pain on the right side of your stomach area, bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
• Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis (lung problems): trouble breathing, shortness of breath, cough, fever
• Renal impairment (kidney problems) or acute kidney injury: a change in the amount or colour of your urine, new or worsening swelling in your legs or feet
• Severe myalgia and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation (severe muscle problems): unexplained muscle pain, muscle pain that does not go away, tenderness, weakness
• Signs of an allergic reaction: such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat

Alecensa Precautions

Do not use Alecensa if you are allergic to alectinib or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have liver problems, lung or breathing problems (other than lung cancer), a slow heartbeat, or kidney problems. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Alecensa and other medications, such as drugs that slow heart rate (e.g., certain beta-blockers, diltiazem, ivabradine) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates (e.g., dabigatran, digoxin). Alecensa may also interact with BCRP substrates. Avoid consuming grapefruit, starfruit, Seville oranges, or their juices while taking this drug, as they may increase the amount of the drug in your blood and increase side effects. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Alecensa. Based on animal studies and its mechanism of action, Alecensa can cause fetal harm.

Females of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 5 weeks after the final dose. Males with female partners of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Alecensa. It is unknown if alectinib passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with Alecensa and for 1 week after the last dose due to the potential for severe adverse reactions in breastfed infants. Do not use this medicine in children without talking to your doctor. The safety and effectiveness of Alecensa in children and adolescents have not been studied.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Alecensa comes as a capsule. Swallow the capsule whole; do not open or dissolve the contents of the capsule. You must take Alecensa with food. The recommended dose is 600 mg orally twice daily. If a dose of Alecensa is missed or vomiting occurs after taking a dose, take the next scheduled dose; do not take an extra dose. Take Alecensa at the same time(s) each day to help you remember. Your doctor may order regular blood tests to monitor your liver function, CPK levels, heart rate, and kidney function and adjust your dosage as needed based on side effects. Your doctor may temporarily withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue Alecensa to manage adverse reactions. Treatment should continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity for metastatic NSCLC and for a total of 2 years or until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity for adjuvant therapy. Avoid spending time in the sunlight during treatment and for 7 days after the final dose, as your skin may be sensitive to the sun. Use sun-protecting measures, such as sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. Store Alecensa at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Alecensa?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Alecensa.