Medical Oncologist
Drug costs and financial support
Alectinib Price in India: — Brand, Generic and Monthly Cost
Alectinib is available in India as branded Alecensa and as lower-cost generics from Indian manufacturers. The gap between the two is significant. This page sets out indicative monthly costs, explains where financial assistance is available, and tells you what to ask before your prescription is filled.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla, Medical Oncologist, MBBS · MD · DM (Adyar, Chennai) · ECMO · MRCP SCE (UK) · Last reviewed August 2026
- Generic is the same drug — Generic alectinib contains the same active molecule at the same strength as Alecensa — only the brand name and the price differ.
- The cost gap is large — Indicative monthly costs range from around ₹50,000 for generics to several lakh for brand, as of H1 2025.
- Patient assistance exists — Roche operates a patient access programme for Alecensa. Ask your oncologist before paying list price.
- Insurance often excludes oral drugs — Many Indian health policies sub-limit or exclude oral chemotherapy. Verify your policy before the first dispensing.
17+
Cancer Specialists
on Panel
on Panel
96.9%
Breast Cancer
Survival Rate*
Survival Rate*
15,000+
Patients
Treated
Treated
4.8★
Google Rating
(800+ reviews)
(800+ reviews)
Alectinib is available in India as branded Alecensa and as lower-cost generics. Indicative monthly costs range from around ₹50,000 for generics to several lakh for brand, as of H1 2025. Your actual cost depends on which version is prescribed and whether you qualify for a patient access programme. All figures here are indicative — verify with your pharmacy.
What does alectinib cost per month in India?
| Option | Indicative monthly cost (H1 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Branded Alecensa (Roche India) | ₹2–5 lakh | Indicative. Verify current price with a licensed pharmacy. |
| Generic alectinib (Indian manufacturers) | ₹50,000–₹1.5 lakh | Multiple brands available. Price varies by manufacturer. |
| Branded Alecensa via Roche access programme | Reduced — amount varies by income | Apply through your oncologist or the CION team at your centre. |
| Private insurance reimbursement | Subject to policy sub-limits | Confirm oral chemotherapy is covered before starting treatment. |
| Government scheme (PMJAY / CGHS / ECHS) | Varies; check current scheme formulary | Ask your hospital's insurance desk for current coverage status. |
Why does generic alectinib cost less than Alecensa?
Alecensa was developed by Roche after years of research and clinical trials. The brand price reflects that investment. When the patent allows, or under a voluntary licence, Indian manufacturers can produce the same molecule using established processes at a much lower cost.
The active ingredient is identical. Generics sold in India go through CDSCO evaluation to confirm they match the reference product in how the drug is absorbed and behaves in the body.
Being prescribed a generic is not a downgrade. It is the standard way medicines become affordable once a therapy has been on the market for some years.
Meet the Specialists
17+ senior cancer specialists. One panel for your case.
Trained at AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and leading international centres. Combined 150+ years of experience. Every complex case is reviewed by 3+ of them — together.
Medical Oncologist
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
Surgical Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Hematologist
Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Mohammed Imran
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
Surgical Oncologist
Want a specific doctor for your case? Mention them when booking.
Book Free ConsultationBook an appointment with our specialist
Share your name and number — we'll call you back within 30 minutes to schedule your consultation.
Know the cost before you commit
An itemised estimate, plus a check of which schemes you may qualify for.
How can I reduce the cost of alectinib?
Ask whether a generic can be prescribed
Before your prescription is written, ask your oncologist specifically whether a generic version of alectinib is available and whether they are comfortable prescribing it. Many oncologists default to the brand unless asked directly.
Apply to the Roche patient access programme
Roche operates a programme for patients in India who cannot afford the listed price for Alecensa. Eligibility is income-based. Ask your oncologist for a referral, or ask the CION team at your centre — they can guide you through the paperwork.
Check your insurance policy for oral chemotherapy cover
Call your insurer before the first dispensing. Ask specifically whether oral targeted therapy is covered, what the annual sub-limit is, and what documentation is required for reimbursement. A denial after you have started treatment is much harder to resolve.
Verify CGHS or ECHS entitlements if applicable
Government employees and defence pensioners under CGHS or ECHS may find alectinib listed on their formulary. Confirm the current formulary at your CGHS wellness centre or ECHS polyclinic — do not assume coverage without checking the current list.
Check PMJAY status at your hospital
If you are enrolled in Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, ask your hospital's insurance desk whether alectinib is currently covered under the scheme's package list. Coverage is updated periodically, and a live check at the desk is more reliable than information from other sources.
What is different between brand Alecensa and a generic?
| Feature | Alecensa (Roche) | Generic alectinib (Indian brands) |
|---|---|---|
| Active molecule | Alectinib 150 mg | Alectinib 150 mg |
| CDSCO regulatory approval | Yes — reference product | Yes — bioequivalence demonstrated for each brand individually |
| Indicative monthly cost (H1 2025) | ₹2–5 lakh | ₹50,000–₹1.5 lakh |
| Patient assistance available | Yes — Roche access programme | Varies by manufacturer; ask your pharmacist or oncologist |
| Appearance and packaging | Roche-branded capsules | Varies by Indian manufacturer |
What should I ask before my first prescription is filled?
Do not pay list price until you have asked about generics and whether you qualify for the Roche patient access programme. These questions take minutes; the savings can be substantial.
Ask the CION team at your centre to help you understand what is available near you and whether any assistance applies to your situation.
The figures on this page are indicative as of H1 2025. Drug prices change, scheme formularies are updated, and new generics enter the market. Always confirm the current price with a licensed pharmacy and your care coordinator before purchase.
Explore 75 more Lung Cancer Targeted Medicines topics
Drug Deep Dive: Alectinib (Alecensa)
- Alectinib (Alecensa, Alectinib): The Complete Patient Guide
- Alectinib After Surgery for Early-Stage ALK-Positive Lung Cancer
- Alectinib Myths: Is ALK-Positive Cancer 'Curable'?
- Alectinib Price in India: Brand, Generic and Monthly Cost
- Alectinib Side Effects: The Complete List and Timeline
- Alectinib Success Rate and Survival: An Honest Look at the Numbers
- Alectinib and Brain Metastases: How It Protects the Brain
- Alectinib in Elderly Patients and Those With Other Illnesses
- Alectinib vs Crizotinib vs Lorlatinib: Choosing an ALK Inhibitor
- Diet and Nutrition While on Alectinib
- Do You Need Chemotherapy Alongside Alectinib?
- Drug, Food and Supplement Interactions With Alectinib
- Fertility, Pregnancy and Contraception on Alectinib
- How Does Alectinib Work? The Second-Generation ALK Inhibitor Explained
- How Long Does Alectinib Take to Work?
- How Long Will You Stay on Alectinib?
- Muscle Pain and High CPK on Alectinib: When to Worry
- Severe Sun Sensitivity on Alectinib: Preventing Serious Burns
- Taking Alectinib: Food, Timing and What to Do If You Miss a Dose
- Tests and Monitoring While You Are on Alectinib
- Weight Gain, Constipation and a Slow Pulse on Alectinib
- When Alectinib Stops Working: Resistance and What Comes Next
- Who Is Eligible for Alectinib? ALK-Positive Lung Cancer
- Will Insurance or a Government Scheme Pay for Alectinib?
- Work, Travel and Daily Life on Alectinib
Drug Deep Dive: Gefitinib (Iressa)
- Diarrhoea on Gefitinib: Home Management and Warning Signs
- Diet and Nutrition While on Gefitinib
- Fertility, Pregnancy and Contraception on Gefitinib
- Gefitinib (Iressa, Geftinat, Geftib): The Complete Patient Guide
- Gefitinib Myths: 'It's Only for Poor Patients' and Other Half-Truths
- Gefitinib Plus Chemotherapy: Does Adding Chemo Actually Help?
- Gefitinib Price in India: Brand, Generic and Monthly Cost
- Gefitinib Rash: Why It Appears in Week Two and How to Treat It
- Gefitinib Side Effects: The Complete List and Timeline
- Gefitinib Success Rate and Survival: An Honest Look at the Numbers
- Gefitinib and Antacids: The Interaction That Silently Reduces Absorption
- Gefitinib in Early-Stage vs Advanced Lung Cancer: Different Goals
- Gefitinib in Elderly Patients and Those With Other Illnesses
- Gefitinib vs Osimertinib: Making the Decision When Cost Matters
- How Does Gefitinib Work? The First-Generation EGFR Inhibitor Explained
- How Long Does Gefitinib Take to Work?
- How Long Will You Stay on Gefitinib?
- Raised Liver Enzymes on Gefitinib: What Your LFT Report Means
- T790M Testing After Gefitinib Stops Working: The Next Step Explained
- Taking Gefitinib: Food, Timing and What to Do If You Miss a Dose
- Tests and Monitoring While You Are on Gefitinib
- When Gefitinib Stops Working: Resistance and What Comes Next
- Who Is Eligible for Gefitinib? EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer
- Will Insurance or a Government Scheme Pay for Gefitinib?
- Work, Travel and Daily Life on Gefitinib
Drug Deep Dive: Osimertinib (Tagrisso)
- Adjuvant Osimertinib After Lung Cancer Surgery: Three Years of Tablets
- Breathlessness or New Cough on Osimertinib: Recognising Lung Injury (ILD)
- Diet and Nutrition While on Osimertinib
- Drug, Food and Supplement Interactions With Osimertinib
- Fertility, Pregnancy and Contraception on Osimertinib
- Heart Rhythm and Ejection Fraction Changes on Osimertinib
- How Does Osimertinib Work? The Third-Generation EGFR Inhibitor Explained
- How Long Does Osimertinib Take to Work?
- How Long Will You Stay on Osimertinib?
- Osimertinib (Tagrisso): The Complete Patient Guide
- Osimertinib Myths: Clear Scans, Stopping Early and Generic Quality
- Osimertinib Price in India: Brand, Generic and Monthly Cost
- Osimertinib Side Effects: The Complete List and Timeline
- Osimertinib Success Rate and Survival: An Honest Look at the Numbers
- Osimertinib With Chemotherapy: Who Actually Benefits From the Combination?
- Osimertinib and Brain Metastases: Why It Works Inside the Brain
- Osimertinib in Elderly Patients and Those With Other Illnesses
- Osimertinib vs Gefitinib and Erlotinib: Is the Costlier Drug Worth It?
- Rash, Dry Skin and Nail Problems on Osimertinib
- Taking Osimertinib: Food, Timing and What to Do If You Miss a Dose
- Tests and Monitoring While You Are on Osimertinib
- When Osimertinib Stops Working: Resistance and What Comes Next
- Who Is Eligible for Osimertinib? EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer
- Will Insurance or a Government Scheme Pay for Osimertinib?
- Work, Travel and Daily Life on Osimertinib
Next step
Still not sure what applies to you?
Send your reports across and a senior medical oncologist will go through what they mean, what is known, and what the options actually are.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is generic alectinib as effective as Alecensa?
Yes. Generic alectinib contains the same active molecule at the same strength as branded Alecensa. CDSCO requires all generics sold in India to demonstrate bioequivalence before approval — meaning the drug is absorbed and behaves the same way in the body as the reference product. The difference between brand and generic is the manufacturer and the price, not the medicine. Your oncologist can confirm which generics they are comfortable prescribing for your specific situation.
Can I switch from Alecensa to a generic mid-treatment?
In principle, yes — the active drug is the same. In practice, discuss any switch with your oncologist first. They will confirm which generic they are comfortable with and can ensure the dispensing pharmacy provides a consistent supply of the same generic going forward. Switching repeatedly between different generic manufacturers is not ideal, so once a switch is made it is better to stay with the same brand of generic rather than changing with each refill.
Does health insurance cover alectinib in India?
Some policies do, and many do not. Oral cancer medicines like alectinib are excluded or sub-limited by a large proportion of Indian health insurance plans. Check your policy document specifically for the terms around oral chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Call your insurer before your first prescription is filled — not after. If coverage is excluded, ask your oncologist about the Roche access programme and whether a generic brings the cost within reach.
Is alectinib covered under PMJAY?
Coverage under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana changes as the scheme's package list is updated. Check with your hospital's insurance desk or the PMJAY helpline, because listings change and new medicines are added periodically. Bring your PMJAY card and your prescription — the desk can run a live check on current coverage. Do not assume alectinib is covered or excluded without checking the current list.
How does the Roche patient access programme work?
Roche operates a programme in India for patients who cannot afford branded Alecensa at its listed price. Eligibility is assessed on household income and the treating oncologist's recommendation. The support offered can include significant price reductions or, for qualifying patients, free medicine. Your oncologist initiates the application, or you can ask the CION team at your centre to guide you through the process. Do not assume you are ineligible without applying — the criteria are broader than many patients expect.
Is alectinib on India's National List of Essential Medicines?
Alectinib was not on the NLEM as of the 2022 revision. Inclusion on the NLEM would cap the drug at a government-set price ceiling and significantly reduce cost. The list is reviewed periodically, and newer targeted therapies are increasingly being considered for addition. Check the current NLEM on the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority website, or ask your oncologist whether alectinib's status has changed since this page was last updated.