Alecensa (alectinib) is used to help treat and prevent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in certain situations. The usual dosage is 600 milligrams (mg) taken twice daily. Dosages may vary depending on factors such as other health conditions you have.

If you have a certain type of lung cancer, your doctor may suggest Alecensa as a treatment option.

Alecensa is a prescription medication used in adults to:

Alecensa contains the active drug alectinib. It belongs to a group of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. (Alecensa is not a traditional chemotherapy drug.)

This article describes Alecena’s dosage, its strength, and how to take it. To learn more about the drug, see this in-depth Alecensa article.

Note: This article covers Alecensa’s typical dosage, which is provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But always take the dosage your doctor prescribes. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Here is information about Alecensa’s recommended dosage.

What is Alecensa’s form?

Alecensa comes as a capsule that you take by mouth.

What strength does Alecensa come in?

Alecensa comes in one strength of 150 mg.

What’s the typical dosage of Alecensa?

The usual starting dosage of Alecensa is 600 mg taken twice per day with food. Your doctor may adjust your dosage based on how your body responds to Alecensa.

Is Alecensa taken long term?

Yes, Alecensa is typically a long-term treatment.

For the treatment of ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC: You’ll likely take this drug long term unless you have side effects from Alecensa that are too bothersome or your cancer returns.

For the prevention of returning ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC following tumor surgery: You’ll likely take this drug for 2 years unless you have side effects that are too bothersome or your cancer returns.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions regarding the length of time you’ll take Alecensa.

Dosage adjustments

Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of Alecensa if you have certain health conditions such as severe liver disease or serious kidney problems.

Your doctor may also reduce your dose if you have serious side effects from Alecensa. If these side effects are still severe at a lower dose, your doctor may have you stop Alecensa and recommend a different treatment.

The dosage of Alecensa you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

  • how effectively the drug is treating your condition
  • side effects caused by Alecensa
  • other conditions you may have, such as severe liver disease or serious kidney problems
  • other medications you take

If you have questions about your dosage of Alecensa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Alecensa capsules are taken by mouth and should be taken with food. You should swallow Alecensa capsules whole — do not open, crush, or chew them. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, ask your doctor or pharmacist for suggestions. You can also check out these tips for swallowing pills.

If you miss a dose of Alecensa or vomit soon after taking it, do not take another dose. Just skip that dose, and take your next scheduled dose as usual. (If you often have vomiting with Alecensa, talk with your doctor about how to manage this.)

To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder such as a reminder app downloaded to your phone.

Do not take more Alecensa than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects.

What to do in case you take too much Alecensa

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Alecensa. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Disclaimer: Healthline 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.