ALUNBRIG 90MG/ 180MG TAB (BRIGATINIB)

What is Alunbrig?

Alunbrig is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. Alunbrig is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). Alunbrig is used only if your cancer has a specific genetic marker (an abnormal “ALK” gene). Your doctor will test you for this gene.

🔸 Indications:

       Alunbrig is indicated for:

• Treatment of adult patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

• ALK positivity must be confirmed using an FDA-approved diagnostic test

• Especially used in patients who have:

  • Progressed on crizotinib

  • Or are intolerant to crizotinib

🔸 Mechanism of Action:

        Brigatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that targets ALK gene rearrangements, which are drivers in a subset of NSCLC cases.

🔸 Dosing Strategy:

• Initial Dose: 90 mg once daily for the first 7 days

• Maintenance Dose: Increase to 180 mg once daily if tolerated
  

🔸 Common Side Effects:

• Nausea, fatigue, diarrhea

• Increased blood pressure (hypertension)

• Cough, shortness of breath

• Visual disturbances

• Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST)

⚠️ Serious Warnings / Precautions:

• Pulmonary toxicity

• Hypertension

• Bradycardia

• Visual disturbances

• Hyperglycemia

• Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation

• Hepatotoxicity

🔸 Monitoring Parameters:

• Liver function tests

• Blood pressure

• Heart rate (ECG if symptomatic)

• Glucose levels

• Pulmonary symptoms in early days

✅ Conclusion:

Alunbrig (brigatinib) is a potent next-generation ALK inhibitor for ALK+ NSCLC, especially effective after failure or intolerance to crizotinib. Its staged dosing strategy and strong efficacy profile make it a critical option in the treatment pathway for these patients, but it requires careful monitoring for adverse effects—especially early-onset lung complications.