Brigatinib

Say it: brih-GA-tih-nib · Brand names: Alunbrig

Brigatinib is a targeted pill that blocks a growth signal in lung cancers with a change in the ALK gene.

What it is

Some lung cancers have a change in a gene called ALK. This change tells cancer cells to keep growing. Brigatinib blocks the ALK signal and can also work in the brain.

Often used for

• non-small cell lung cancer with an ALK gene change

How you get it

It is a pill you take by mouth once a day, with or without food. Most people start on a lower dose for the first week, then go up. People usually take it for as long as it works. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

• Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids and ask your team which diarrhea medicine to keep at home.
• Feeling tired. Rest when you need to and take short walks when you can.
• Nausea. Eat small, bland meals.
• Cough. Tell your team if it is new or getting worse.
• Muscle aches or headache. Ask your team what pain medicine is safe for you.
• Rash. Use gentle soap and moisturizer.
• High blood pressure. Your team will check it at visits.

Call your care team right away if you have

• New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain, especially in the first week
• Slow heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting
• Bad headache, or blood pressure higher than your team told you to expect
• Blurry vision, double vision, or seeing flashes of light
• Bad muscle pain or weakness
• Bad belly pain, or feeling very thirsty and peeing a lot

Before you start, tell your team

• If you have lung problems, high blood pressure, a slow heartbeat, diabetes, or pancreas problems
• If you use hormonal birth control, since this medicine can make it work less well
• If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take, since some can change how this medicine works

Good to know

• Lung problems can happen early, often in the first week. Tell your team right away about any new trouble breathing.
• You will have checks of your blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar.
• You will have blood tests for muscle, liver, and pancreas enzymes.
• It can make you sunburn more easily. Use sunscreen and cover up outside.

At home

• Take it at about the same time each day.
• Swallow the pills whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or split them unless your team says it is OK.
• If you miss a dose or throw up after a dose, ask your team what to do. Do not take an extra dose on your own.
• Store the pills at room temperature in their original container, away from children and pets.
• Wash your hands after touching the pills. Ask your team if others in your home should take special care.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, since it can raise the amount of medicine in your blood.

Questions to ask

• How long will I take this medicine?
• What tests will I need, and how often?
• Are any of my other medicines, foods, or supplements a problem with this medicine?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• Which side effects should I call you about right away, and which can wait?

Side effect guides

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Skin rash (including EGFR-inhibitor rash)
• Cough
• Pain

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.