Alunbrig (Brigatinib) for Lung Cancer

Overview
Alunbrig is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as detected by an FDA-approved test. Alunbrig is also known by its drug name, brigatinib.

Brigatinib is a kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking specific enzymes (kinases) involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells, particularly in cases where the cancer cells have a genetic mutation in the ALK gene. This inhibition helps slow down or stop the proliferation of cancer cells.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Alunbrig is taken orally once daily. A starting dose is taken daily for the first seven days, after which the dose is increased. Alunbrig can be taken with or without food. It should be taken exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Alunbrig include diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, rash, cough, myalgia (muscle pain), headache, hypertension (high blood pressure), vomiting, and dyspnea (shortness of breath). 

Rare but serious side effects may include interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis (lung inflammation), hypertension (severe high blood pressure), bradycardia (slow heart rate), visual disturbances, creatine phosphokinase elevation (an enzyme that can indicate muscle damage), pancreatic enzyme elevation, hepatotoxicity (liver damage), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight), and embryo-fetal toxicity (harm to an embryo, fetus, or unborn infant). 

For more information about this treatment, visit:
Label: Alunbrig — Brigatinib Tablet, Film Coated — DailyMed

Brigatinib — MedlinePlus