ALECENSA
Used for Cancer
NowPatient helps you obtain your ALECENSA prescription for free or at low-cost. Drug savings programs are suitable for individuals who are insured, don't have insurance or are underinsured and can't afford your medicine.
Manufactured by Genentech, Inc.
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
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ALECENSA key facts
What is ALECENSA?
ALECENSA is the brand name for alectinib oral capsules.
What dosages is ALECENSA available in?
ALECENSA is available as a 150 mg oral capsule.
What is ALECENSA used for?
ALECENSA is a kinase inhibitor used to treat anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
How does ALECENSA work?
ALECENSA is a targeted therapy anticancer medication. Specifically, it’s a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks a protein called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK).
- The ALK protein is made by the ALK gene. This gene is something that everyone is born with. It plays an important role in helping babies develop in the womb. In people with ALK-positive NSCLC, this gene doesn’t work like it should. It ends up making abnormal proteins and causing cancer
- By blocking the abnormal ALK protein, ALECENSA can help slow or stop the spread of NSCLC cells that are ALK-positive
How do I take ALECENSA?
The typical dose of ALECENSA is 600 mg by mouth twice daily with food. Your dose of ALECENSA might be lower if you have liver problems.
Is it safe for me to take ALECENSA?
ALECENSA is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
ALECENSA Common Side Effects
Common side effects of ALECENSA:
- Low red blood cell count
- High liver lab values, such as bilirubin, AST, and ALT
- Tiredness
- High creatinine levels
- High creatine phosphokinase
- Constipation
- Swelling in the hands and feet
- Low blood calcium levels
- Muscle aches and pain
- High blood sugar
- Cough
- Low sodium levels
- High or low potassium levels
- Rash
ALECENSA Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with ALECENSA. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious lungs problems: trouble breathing, cough, or fever
- Dangerously slow heart beat: Tiredness, weakness, feeling dizzy or confused, feeling faint, trouble breathing, chest pain, getting tired easily during physical activity
- Serious liver problems: feeling very tired, nausea, vomiting, itchy skin, yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin, stomach pain and swelling, swelling in the legs or ankles, dark-colored urine, pale-colored stool
- Kidney problems: feeling confused, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, change in urine color, change in amount of urine produced, or swelling in the legs and feet
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on ALECENSA
- There are no major drug interactions listed for ALECENSA. However, always let your physician and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking
Who makes ALECENSA?
Genentech, Inc.
Is ALECENSA safe in pregnancy?
ALECENSA can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment with ALECENSA or think you may be pregnant.
Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with ALECENSA and for 1 week after the final dose of ALECENSA. Males who have female partners that are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with ALECENSA and for 3 months after the final dose of ALECENSA.
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effects in the USDrug Savings Guide
A practical guide to saving money and receiving support with prescription costs
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my ALECENSA prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your ALECENSA prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient ALECENSA savings programs work?
After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.
Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.
Are the NowPatient ALECENSA savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.
| Rx Advantage Card* for ALECENSA | Canadian Prescription Savings* for ALECENSA | ALECENSA Drug Coupon* | ALECENSA Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Insured (federal, state or government) | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured (Commercial or Private) | Available | Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Uninsured | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
*This is not insurance.
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of ALECENSA?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
| Rx Advantage Card* for ALECENSA | Canadian Prescription Savings* for ALECENSA | ALECENSA Drug Coupon* | ALECENSA Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Brand | Yes | Yes | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Generic | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*This is not insurance.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the ALECENSA savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the ALECENSA drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.
If you are denied Medicaid for ALECENSA, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the ALECENSA prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, ALECENSA is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed ALECENSA for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the ALECENSA prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.
If you cannot afford your copay, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the ALECENSA prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:
1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for ALECENSA
If you are having trouble paying for your ALECENSA medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for ALECENSA you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- ALECENSA is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
- You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
- You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers ALECENSA
- If ALECENSA is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications
You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.
2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for ALECENSA
If you are having trouble paying for your ALECENSA medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for ALECENSA you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You live in and are being treated in the United States
- You are insured and your plan covers ALECENSA
- If ALECENSA is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications
You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.
3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for ALECENSA
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your ALECENSA treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for ALECENSA you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for ALECENSA
- You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
- You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
- Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
- Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.
You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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