Managing Alunbrig's Potential Side Effects: An Overview
Alunbrig, a brand-name prescription medication, has been approved by the FDA since 2017 for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with anaplastic lymphoma kinase. The active ingredient in Alunbrig is brigatinib.
Alunbrig is available in oral tablet form, and before starting treatment, your doctor will check your blood pressure. It's important to note that Alunbrig may cause photosensitivity, so it's advisable to avoid the sun during treatment and for at least five days after the last dose.
The potential severe side effects of Alunbrig include lung toxicity, liver damage, cardiac effects, metabolic effects, blood-related issues, and allergic reactions, among others. Lung toxicity can manifest as interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis, a serious lung condition that can be life-threatening. Liver damage requires monitoring of liver function tests due to the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Cardiac effects include arrhythmias or changes in heart rhythm, such as bradycardia and hypertension. Metabolic effects include hyperglycemia and elevated pancreatic enzymes, indicating potential pancreatic stress or damage. Blood-related issues include lymphopenia and anemia, indicating a decrease in certain blood cells.
Other serious effects include allergic reactions and bleeding problems. If you experience symptoms such as new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, jaundice, chest pain, severe fatigue, or bleeding signs, it's crucial to report them to your healthcare provider promptly.
Common but less severe side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, rash, headache, cough, and visual changes. If you experience these symptoms, it's important to report them to your doctor.
High blood pressure may occur during Alunbrig treatment, and it is a common side effect reported in clinical trials. If you develop high blood pressure, your doctor may pause your Alunbrig treatment or recommend starting treatment with a blood pressure medication.
Long-term side effects of Alunbrig include lung problems, liver problems, changes in vision, and interstitial lung disease. If your blood pressure improves, you may be able to restart Alunbrig treatment at a lower dosage.
It's worth noting that Alunbrig is not known to cause hair loss. However, changes in vision, such as blurry vision, double vision, and sensitivity to light, are serious side effects of Alunbrig, and if experienced, should be reported to the doctor immediately.
In conclusion, while Alunbrig offers a treatment option for metastatic NSCLC, it's essential to be aware of its potential severe side effects and to report any symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly for close monitoring during treatment.
- In the context of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treatment, Alunbrig, a prescription medication, has potential side effects such as cardiac effects, metabolic effects, and liver damage.
- Science has shown that prolonged use of Alunbrig can lead to long-term side effects like lung problems, liver problems, and changes in vision.
- As a concerned patient or individual undergoing treatment with Alunbrig for health and wellness purposes, it's crucial to keep track of medical-conditions such as blood pressure and report any side effects like lung toxicity, bleeding problems, or allergic reactions to a medical professional.
