Alpelisib – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

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Alpelisib is an oral selective inhibitor of the phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PIK3) which is mutated in several forms of solid tumors and is approved for use in specific forms of advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Serum aminotransferase elevations are common during alpelisib therapy but clinically apparent liver...

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

Alpelisib is an oral selective inhibitor of the phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PIK3) which is mutated in several forms of solid tumors and is approved for use in specific forms of advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Serum aminotransferase elevations are common during alpelisib therapy but clinically apparent liver injury with jaundice has not been reported with its use and must be rare if it occurs at all. Alpelisib...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Mechanism of Action in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Indication in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Contraindications in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Dosage in simple medical language.
Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.
Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.
Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

  • Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
  • New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
  • Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.
1

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

2

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

3

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

Indication

  • Alpelisib is indicated in combination with fulvestrant to treat postmenopausal women, and men, with advanced or metastatic breast cancer. This cancer must be hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, and PIK3CA­ mutated. Cancer must be detected by an FDA-approved test following progression on or after an endocrine-based regimen.
  • Treatment of breast cancer – Piqray is indicated in combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of postmenopausal women, and men, with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with a PIK3CA mutation after disease progression following endocrine therapy as monotherapy (see section 5.1).,
  • Treatment of PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum – Treatment of Fallopian tube carcinoma (excluding rhabdomyosarcoma and germ cell tumors), Treatment of ovarian carcinoma (excluding rhabdomyosarcoma and germ cell tumors), Treatment of peritoneal carcinoma (excluding blastomas and sarcomas)
  • PIK3CA-Related Overgrowth Spectrum (PROS)
  • Advanced HR + HER2 – breast cancer
  • Metastatic HR + HER2 – breast cancer

Use in Cancer

Alpelisib is approved to treat:

  • Breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive and HER2 negative and has a mutation in the PIK3CA gene. It is used with fulvestrant to treat postmenopausal women, and men, whose breast cancer is advanced or metastatic and has gotten worse during or after treatment with hormone therapy.

Alpelisib is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

Contraindications

The following conditions are contraindicated with this drug. Check with your physician if you have any of the following:

  • insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes
  • dehydration
  • a type of infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation of the lung called interstitial pneumonitis
  • infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation of the large intestine
  • excessive diarrhea
  • high blood sugar
  • pregnancy
  • a patient who is producing milk and breastfeeding
  • lung tissue problem

Dosage

Strengths: 200 mg; 150 mg; 200 mg-50 mg; 50 mg; 125 mg

Breast Cancer

  • 300 mg orally once a day with food until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity; when given with this drug, the recommended dose of fulvestrant is 500 mg orally on Days 1, 15, and 29, and once monthly thereafter

Renal Dose Adjustments

Mild to moderate renal impairment (CrCl 30 to less than 90 mL/min): No adjustment recommended.
Severe renal impairment (CrCl less than 30 mL/min): Data not available

Dose Adjustments

DOSE MODIFICATIONS FOR ADVERSE REACTIONS:

  • Starting dose: 300 mg orally once a day
  • First dose reduction: 250 mg orally once a day
  • Second dose reduction: 200 mg orally once a day
  • If further dose reduction below 200 mg once daily is required, discontinue therapy.

NOTE: Only one dose reduction is permitted for pancreatitis.

DOSE MODIFICATIONS FOR HYPERGLYCEMIA:

  • GRADE 1 (FPG greater than ULN minus 160 mg/dL or greater than ULN minus 8.9 mmol/L): No adjustment required; initiate or intensify antidiabetic treatment (*2).
  • GRADE 2 (FPG greater than 160 to 250 mg/dL or greater than 8.9 to 13.9 mmol/L): No adjustment required; initiate or intensify antidiabetic treatment (*2); if FPG does not decrease to 160 mg/dL or less or 8.9 mmol/L or less within 21 days with antidiabetic treatment, reduce the dose of this drug by 1 dose level and follow FPG value specific recommendations.
  • GRADE 3 (greater than 250 to 500 mg/dL or greater than 13.9 to 27.8 mmol/L): Interrupt this drug; initiate or intensify antidiabetic treatment (*2) and consider additional antidiabetic medications (*3) for 1 to 2 days until hyperglycemia improves. Administer IV hydration and consider treatment (e.g., intervention for electrolyte/ketoacidosis/hyperosmolar disturbances). If FPG decreases to 160 mg/dL or less or 8.9 mmol/L or less within 3 to 5 days under antidiabetic treatment, resume this drug at 1 lower dose level. If FPG does not decrease to 160 mg/dL or less or 8.9 mmol/L or less within 3 to 5 days under antidiabetic treatment, consultation with a physician with expertise in the treatment of hyperglycemia is recommended. If FPG does not decrease to 160 mg/dL or less or 8.9 mmol/L or less within 21 days following antidiabetic treatment (*2), permanently discontinue this drug.
  • GRADE 4 (greater than 500 mg/dL or greater than 27.8 mmol/L): Interrupt this drug; initiate or intensify antidiabetic treatment (*2) and consider additional antidiabetic treatment (administer IV hydration and consider treatment (e.g., intervention for electrolyte/ketoacidosis/hyperosmolar disturbances)), re-check FPG within 24 hours and as clinically indicated. If FPG decreases to 500 mg/dL or less or 27.8 mmol/L or less, follow FPG value specific recommendations for Grade 3. If FPG is confirmed at greater than 500 mg/dL or greater than 27.8 mmol/L, permanently discontinue this drug.

Side Effects

The Most Common

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • extreme tiredness
  • decreased appetite
  • change in the way things taste
  • weight loss
  • abdominal pain
  • heartburn
  • hair loss
  • pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।" data-rx-term="headache" data-rx-definition="Headache means pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।">headache
  • itching
  • dry skin
  • dry mouth
  • vaginal dryness
  • fever
  • swelling of the arms or legs
  • trouble swallowing or breathing; swelling of the face, mouth, lips, tongue, or throat; rash; flushing; fever; or fast heartbeat
  • rash; blistering, peeling, or reddened skin; blistering or sores on the lips, eyes, or in the mouth; fever; flu-like symptoms
  • shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing
  • severe diarrhea, dry mouth, cramps, weakness, decreased urination, swelling of legs or ankles
  • watery or bloody diarrhea, stomach pain
  • frequent, painful, or urgent urination

More Common

  • blurred vision
  • changed sense of taste
  • chapped lips
  • decreased appetite
  • diarrhea
  • dry eyes
  • dry, cracked skin
  • fatigue
  • feeling bloated
  • hair loss
  • headache
  • heartburn
  • mouth sores
  • muscle pain or cramps
  • nausea
  • red, sore, or swollen mouth, lips, and gums
  • signs of ketoacidosis (e.g., confusion, extreme thirst, loss of appetite, stomach pain, trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting, or unusual tiredness)
  • signs of kidney problems (e.g., change in urinating – more or less than usual, swollen ankles and feet or around the eyes, tiredness, confusion, nausea, seizures, chest pain)
  • signs of pancreatitis (e.g., abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen)
  • signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
  • signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort
  • stomach pain
  • toothache
  • trouble sleeping
  • vomiting

Rare

  • burning foot pain
  • high blood pressure (e.g., headache, fatigue, dizziness, ringing of the ears, fast or pounding heartbeat)
  • problems with the jaw bone (e.g., jaw pain, loosened tooth, jaw numbness)
  • reddening or swelling and peeling on the palms and soles
  • signs of anemia (low red blood cells; e.g., dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath)
  • signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don’t stop bleeding)
  • signs of dehydration (e.g., decreased urine, dry skin, dry and sticky mouth, sleepiness, dizziness, headache, thirst, confusion)
  • signs of infection (fever, severe chills, sore throat, mouth ulcers)
  • signs of low potassium levels in the blood (e.g., weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat)
  • signs of lung inflammation (e.g., difficult, painful, rapid breathing; blue colour to the lips, tongue, or skin)
  • symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)
  • symptoms of a urinary tract infection (e.g. pain when urinating, urinating more often than usual, low back or flank pain)

Drug Interactions

Pregnancy and Lactation

US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned

Pregnancy

This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding

It is not known if alpelisib passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Anemia: Alpelisib may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired, or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including red blood cells, in your blood.

Birth control: Women who may become pregnant should use effective birth control while taking this medication and for at least 1 week after stopping alpelisib. Men taking this medication who have partners who may become pregnant should also use effective birth control while taking this medication and for at least 1 week after stopping alpelisib.

Bleeding: Alpelisib may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.

Dehydration: Severe dehydration can occur with the use of alpelisib. This may be due to severe or persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or decreased fluid intake. Dehydration can lead to kidney failure, if it is severe enough. During treatment with this medication, you may be encouraged to drink extra water. Your doctor will do blood tests to check the function of your kidneys.

Diabetes: Alpelisib may cause an increase in blood sugar levels (may cause a loss of blood glucose control) and glucose tolerance may change. Cases of severely increased blood sugar levels causing diabetic ketoacidosis have occurred.

If you develop symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis such as difficulty breathing, feeling very thirsty, vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, confusion, and unusual tiredness, seek urgent medical attention.

People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using this medication.

Deterioration of the jaw bone: People with cancer who are being treated with alpelisib and fulvestrant have reported developing osteonecrosis of the jaw (deterioration of the jaw bone). Report any pain, swelling, or infection of the jaw to your doctor, and avoid invasive dental procedures such as tooth extractions. Your doctor may recommend that you see a dentist before starting this medication. It is important to practice good oral hygiene while taking this medication.

Hypersensitivity syndrome: A severe allergic reaction called hypersensitivity syndrome has occurred for some people with the use of alpelisib. This reaction involves a number of organs in the body and may be fatal if not treated quickly. Stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.

Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, alpelisib can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections.

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.

Lung inflammation: Lung inflammation (interstitial lung disease), causing difficulty breathing has occurred rarely in some people taking this medication. This complication can be serious and sometimes fatal. If you experience new or worsening shortness of breath or cough (with or without fever) at any time while you are taking alpelisib, contact your doctor immediately.

Race: People of Asian heritage who take alpelisib are more likely to experience severe reactions to this medication, such allergic reactions, severe skin reactions, and pancreatitis.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking alpelisib,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to alpelisib, any other medications, herbal products, or any of the ingredients in alpelisib tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, or nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have ever had a rash with red sores on the lips, mouth or skin, or shedding, blistering skin; or have or have ever had diabetes or kidney disease.
  • tell your doctor if you or your partner are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. You or your partner should not become pregnant during your treatment with alpelisib. If you are a female that can become pregnant, you will need to have a pregnancy test before you begin treatment, and you should use effective birth control during your treatment and for 1 week after your final dose. If you are a male with a female partner that can become pregnant, use a condom and effective birth control during your treatment and for 1 week after your final dose. If you or your partner become pregnant while taking alpelisib, call your doctor. Alpelisib may harm the fetus.
  • tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. Your doctor may tell you not to breast-feed during your treatment and for 1 week after your final dose.
  • you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men and women. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking alpelisib.
  • you should know that alpelisib may cause an increase in blood glucose. If you have diabetes or high blood sugar, check your blood sugar as often as directed by your doctor. If your blood sugar is higher than usual, call your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms while you are taking alpelisib: extreme thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, blurred vision, confusion, or weakness. It is very important to call your doctor as soon as you have any of these symptoms, because high blood sugar that is not treated can cause a serious condition called ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis may become life-threatening if it is not treated at an early stage. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include dry mouth, upset stomach and vomiting, shortness of breath, breath that smells fruity, and decreased consciousness. Call your doctor if you are unable to eat or drink normally due to nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea while you are taking alpelisib. Your doctor may need to change your diet or medication to help control your blood sugar while you are taking alpelisib.

References

Doctor visit helper

Prepare before seeing a doctor

A simple rural-patient checklist to help you explain symptoms clearly, ask better questions, and avoid unsafe self-treatment.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Orthopedic / spine specialist, physical medicine doctor, or qualified clinician
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Neurological examination for leg power, sensation, reflexes, and straight leg raise
  • X-ray only if injury, deformity, long-lasting pain, or doctor suspects bone problem
  • MRI discussion if severe nerve symptoms, weakness, bladder/bowel problem, or persistent symptoms
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Is physiotherapy, posture correction, or activity modification needed?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Alpelisib – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area from the RX Article Professional Blocks panel.