Alunbrig (Brigatinib) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

What are the most common side effects of Alunbrig?

The most common side effects of Alunbrig are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Diarrhea
• Tiredness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash
• Cough
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Increased blood pressure (hypertension, see below)
• Shortness of breath

There may be other side effects of Alunbrig that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Alunbrig?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Alunbrig are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Alunbrig may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Alunbrig and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Lung Inflammation. Alunbrig can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have new or worsening trouble breathing or shortness of breath. You may also have a cough, fever, or chest pain. 

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Alunbrig may increase your blood pressure or worsen it if you have a history of high blood pressure. Keep all appointments to check your blood pressure. Call your health care provider if your blood pressure increases while taking this medicine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable, but look out for and tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.

• Sudden severe headache
• Chest pain
• Dizziness or confusion
• Trouble breathing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurry or other changes to vision
• Anxiety
• Buzzing in the ears
• Nosebleed
• Feeling of skipped heartbeats

Heart Rate Changes. Alunbrig can make your heart beat slower than normal (bradycardia). Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bradycardia.

• Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or fainting
• Confusion
• Feeling weak or easily tired
• Slow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

Vision Changes. Alunbrig can cause vision changes, with symptoms including blurred vision, sensitivity to light, seeing flashes of light, new or increased floaters, and double vision. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any loss of vision or changes in your vision.

Muscle Problems. Alunbrig can cause increased blood levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), which is an enzyme normally found in muscles. Increased CPK levels in the blood could indicate muscle damage. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood tests. Tell your health care provider right away if you have new or worsening muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.

Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Alunbrig can cause increased blood levels of amylase and lipase, which could be a sign of pancreatitis. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood tests. Tell your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis, including vomiting, weight loss, or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.

Liver Problems. Alunbrig can cause increased blood levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin. Increased ALT, AST, and bilirubin could be a sign of liver problems. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood tests. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver problems.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach or belly pain
• Fever
• Weakness or unusual tiredness
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Light-colored poop
• Dark-colored urine (pee)
• Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

High Blood Sugar. Alunbrig may increase your blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood tests. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

• Feeling thirsty more than usual
• Peeing more than usual
• Increase in hunger
• Tiredness
• Feeling sick to your stomach
• Confusion
• Fruity-smelling breath

Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are taking Alunbrig and for at least five days after your last dose. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight. Exposure to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your health care provider right away if any of these happen.