Ensacove (Ensartinib) for Lung Cancer

Overview
Ensacove is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have not previously received an ALK inhibitor. Before starting Ensacove, a person must undergo tests to confirm ALK-positive status and evaluate liver function and fasting blood glucose. Ensacove is also known by its drug name, ensartinib.

Ensacove belongs to a class of drugs called kinase inhibitors. It works by targeting and blocking specific enzymes (proteins) called kinases that promote the growth of cancer cells. By interfering with these enzymes, Ensacove helps to slow or stop the progression of ALK-positive NSCLC.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Ensacove is taken as an oral capsule, typically once daily, with or without food. It is generally taken daily until a person’s cancer progresses or unacceptable side effects occur. The medication should be taken exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Ensacove include rash, musculoskeletal pain, constipation, itching, cough, nausea, swelling, vomiting, fatigue, and fever. Additionally, some people may experience laboratory abnormalities, such as increased uric acid, elevated liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase), decreased lymphocytes, low phosphate, low sodium, high glucose, decreased hemoglobin, elevated bilirubin, low potassium, or increased creatine phosphokinase.

Rare but serious side effects may include interstitial lung disease (inflammation of lung tissue), hepatotoxicity (liver damage), dermatologic (skin-related) reactions such as rash, bradycardia (slow heart rate), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), visual disturbances, increased creatine phosphokinase (a muscle enzyme), hyperuricemia (high levels of uric acid), and embryo-fetal toxicity (harm to an unborn baby).

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Ensacove (Ensartinib) Capsules, for Oral Use — Xcovery

FDA Approves Ensartinib for ALK-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer — U.S. Food and Drug Administration