Alecensa Coupons & Savings Card – Discount Prices from $2517.69

The following safety information outlines important risks and precautions related to the use of Alecensa (alectinib). It is crucial to carefully read and understand these warnings, and consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

• Liver Health Concerns: Alecensa may increase the risk of liver issues, such as irritation or swelling. Regular liver function tests are necessary—every two weeks for the first three months, then monthly thereafter. Alert your healthcare team if you notice symptoms like fatigue, decreased appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, itching, or nausea.

• Muscle Health Monitoring: This medication can lead to muscle pain. Report any unexplained muscle discomfort or weakness to your oncologist. Regular tests to check creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels will help monitor muscle health, especially in the initial month of treatment.

• Heart Rate Considerations: Alecensa may cause a slow heart rate, resulting in dizziness or faintness. Regular monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure is advised. Inform your doctor about any blood pressure medications you are taking, as these can also impact heart rate. Temporary discontinuation of Alecensa might be necessary if heart rate issues persist.

• Kidney Function Risks: Kidney problems can occur early in treatment or after prolonged use. Notify your care team immediately if you experience symptoms such as nausea, muscle cramps, changes in urine, or swelling in extremities. Dose adjustments or discontinuation may be required.

• Lung Issues: Though rare, some individuals may develop interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis, usually within two to four months of treatment. If you experience breathing difficulties, a cough, or fever, contact your oncologist promptly.

• Red Blood Cell Concerns: Alecensa may increase the risk of hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are produced. Report symptoms like fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or trouble breathing to your healthcare team.

• Pregnancy Risks: Alecensa has not been adequately studied in pregnant humans but may harm an unborn baby based on animal studies. Women who can become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for one week after the final dose.

These guidelines ensure safe use of Alecensa and help manage any potential side effects effectively.

When taking Alecensa (alectinib), it's important to be aware of potential interactions with other substances, including medications, foods, and supplements. These interactions can affect how Alecensa works or increase the risk of side effects.

Drug Interactions:

• Heart Rate Medications: Alecensa may slow your heart rate. Combining it with other drugs that also reduce heart rate, such as beta-blockers (e.g., Atenolol) or calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem), can further decrease your heart rate, potentially leading to symptoms like dizziness or fainting.

• P-glycoprotein (P-gp) Substrates: Alecensa can inhibit P-gp, a protein that helps remove certain drugs from your body. This inhibition may increase the levels of P-gp substrate drugs, such as Digoxin or Dabigatran, raising the risk of their side effects.

• Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP) Substrates: Similarly, Alecensa may inhibit BCRP, affecting drugs like Methotrexate or mitoxantrone, potentially increasing their side effects.

Food and Herbal Interactions:

• Grapefruit Products: Grapefruit can inhibit CYP3A4, an enzyme involved in metabolizing Alecensa, potentially increasing its levels in your body. It's advisable to avoid grapefruit and its products during treatment.

• St. John's Wort: This herbal supplement can induce CYP3A4, potentially decreasing Alecensa levels and reducing its effectiveness. Avoid using St. John's Wort while on Alecensa.

• Food Intake: Taking Alecensa with food significantly enhances its absorption. Always take each dose with food to ensure optimal effectiveness.

Alcohol Interaction:

While no direct interaction between Alecensa and alcohol has been reported, both can affect liver function. Consuming alcohol during Alecensa treatment may increase the risk of liver problems. It's best to limit or avoid alcohol while taking this medication.

Vitamin A Supplementation:

High doses of vitamin A, known for potential liver toxicity, may increase the risk of liver damage when combined with Alecensa, which can also affect liver function. It's advisable to avoid high-dose vitamin A supplements during treatment.

General Recommendations:

• Inform Your Healthcare Provider: Before starting Alecensa, provide your doctor with a complete list of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are using.

• Monitor for Side Effects: Be vigilant for symptoms like dizziness, unusual bleeding, or signs of liver issues (e.g., yellowing of the skin or eyes) and report them to your doctor promptly.

• Follow Dietary Guidelines: Take Alecensa with food and avoid grapefruit products and St. John's Wort to maintain the medication's effectiveness and safety.

By being aware of these interactions and following your healthcare provider's advice, you can help ensure that Alecensa works effectively and safely as part of your treatment plan.