Brigatinib is a targeted cancer medicine. It is used for certain types of lung cancer that have a change in a gene called ALK. You take it by mouth as tablets, usually under the guidance of your oncology team.
Brand Name(s)
- United States: Alunbrig
- Canada: Alunbrig
Warning(s)
Brigatinib can cause serious side effects in some people. Your care team will check your blood pressure, heart rate, and lab tests during treatment. Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug, including dentists and pharmacists.
- Lung problems (ILD/pneumonitis): This can start early, sometimes within the first week. Call your doctor right away if you have new or worse shortness of breath, cough, or fever.
- High blood pressure: Brigatinib may raise blood pressure. Report very bad headaches, dizziness, fainting, or changes in eyesight.
- Slow heartbeat (bradycardia): Tell your doctor if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint.
- Vision changes: You may have blurred or double vision or sensitivity to bright light. Use caution with driving or using machines if your vision changes.
- Liver problems: Call your doctor if you notice dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or severe nausea/vomiting.
- Pancreas irritation (pancreatitis): Severe stomach or back pain with nausea/vomiting needs urgent medical care.
- High blood sugar: Brigatinib can raise blood sugar, even if you do not have diabetes. Watch for increased thirst or urination, sleepiness, or breath that smells fruity.
- Muscle problems: Muscle pain or weakness can happen, sometimes with high CPK (a muscle enzyme). Report new or severe muscle symptoms.
- High cholesterol or triglycerides: Your team may check your levels during treatment.
- Nerve problems: Numbness, tingling, or burning feelings can occur. Tell your care team if these happen.
- Serious allergic reactions: Get emergency help for rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing; or severe skin reactions.
- Drug interactions: Many medicines can interact with brigatinib. This includes certain drugs for HIV, infections (like some antifungals and antibiotics), and seizures. Do not start or stop any drug or supplement unless your doctor says it is okay.
- Avoid grapefruit: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can raise brigatinib levels in your body.
- Sun sensitivity: You may sunburn more easily. Use sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and avoid tanning beds.
- Pregnancy and birth control: Brigatinib may harm an unborn baby. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control while taking brigatinib and for 4 months after the last dose. If your partner can become pregnant, use birth control while taking brigatinib and for 3 months after the last dose. Tell your doctor right away if pregnancy occurs. A pregnancy test is often done before starting.
- Breastfeeding: Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose.
- Fertility: Brigatinib may affect the ability to father a child. If family planning is important to you, talk with your care team before treatment.
Keep a current list of all your medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, and share it with your care team at every visit.
Kind of Cancers It Is Used For (not a complete list)
- ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It may be used as an initial treatment or after other ALK-targeted drugs.
- It can help control cancer that has spread to the brain (brain metastases) in some people.
Your cancer must have a specific change in the ALK gene. Your care team will confirm this with a lab test before starting brigatinib.
Mechanism of Action
Brigatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets the ALK protein. Some lung cancers grow because ALK sends constant “grow” signals to the cancer cells. By blocking ALK, brigatinib helps stop those signals, which can slow or stop cancer growth.
Brigatinib also reaches the brain, which helps treat cancer that has spread there.
Common Side Effects
Not everyone has side effects, and many are mild to moderate. Tell your care team if symptoms bother you or do not go away.
- Stomach and bowel changes: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, and decreased appetite
- Tiredness, weakness, dizziness, or headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat (cold-like symptoms)
- Back pain, joint pain, or pain in arms or legs
- Mouth irritation or sores
- Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
- Vision changes, including double vision or light sensitivity
- Lab changes your team may monitor: high blood pressure, high blood sugar, higher muscle or pancreas enzymes, and higher cholesterol
Get medical help right away for severe or sudden breathing problems, chest pain, severe stomach or back pain, yellowing of the skin/eyes, fainting, severe rash, or signs of high blood sugar.
Last reviewed: 2025-12-15
