Targeted cancer therapy (PI3K inhibitor)
Brand of Alpelisib
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Alpelisib (sold as Pivikto in Nigeria) is a cancer medicine that works by blocking a specific protein called PI3K-alpha, which helps cancer cells grow and multiply. By blocking this protein, the drug slows down or stops the growth of certain breast cancers.
Inhibits phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), blocking the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway that promotes cancer cell survival and proliferation in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers with PIK3CA mutations. Used with fulvestrant to enhance endocrine therapy by preventing compensatory pathway activation that drives treatment resistance.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
The usual adult dose is 300 mg taken once daily by mouth. Take it immediately after eating food — this is very important to reduce side effects like nausea and high blood sugar. Swallow the tablets whole, do not crush or chew them. Your oncologist (cancer doctor) will tell you exactly how to combine it with fulvestrant injections.
If you miss a dose, take it with food as soon as you remember on the same day. If you have vomited after taking your dose, do not take another one — just take the next dose at your regular time the following day.
This is a specialist cancer drug — only take it if prescribed and monitored by an oncologist (cancer specialist), never buy it from unverified sources or roadside sellers. Your doctor will need to check your blood sugar regularly throughout treatment, so attend all your clinic appointments. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have breast cancer — it only works for a very specific cancer type confirmed by a lab test.
Avoid taking Alpelisib with medicines that lower blood sugar (like metformin or insulin) without your doctor adjusting the doses, as it raises blood sugar significantly. Drugs like rifampicin (used for TB treatment) can reduce how well Alpelisib works. Avoid grapefruit and St. John's Wort as they can interfere with how your body processes this medicine.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Alpelisib with your other drugs?
Alpelisib is NOT safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — it can seriously harm an unborn baby, so women must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one week after the last dose.
Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity — important in Nigeria's hot climate. Keep in the original packaging and far out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date on the pack.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Genuine packaging for Pivikto 150 mg Film Coated Tablet
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NAFDAC Number
A4-100514
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