Abemaciclib

Why is this medication prescribed?

Abemaciclib is used to treat a specific kind of early breast cancer that expresses the hormone receptor in conjunction with an aromatase inhibitor such as anastrozole (Arimidex), exemestane (Aromasin), or letrozole (Femara). A specific type of hormone receptor-positive, advanced breast cancer (breast cancer that depends on hormones like oestrogen to grow) or breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body following treatment with an antiestrogen drug like tamoxifen are also treated with a combination of fulvestrant and a drug called abemaciclib (Faslodex). Abemaciclib is also used as a first line treatment for advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer or breast cancer that has progressed to other regions of the body, coupled with anastrozole (Arimidex), exemestane (Aromasin), or letrozole (Femara). When chemotherapy and antiestrogen therapy have failed to control a certain form of hormone receptor-positive, advanced breast cancer or breast cancer that has spread to other body areas, abemaciclib may be taken alone. The drug abemaciclib belongs to the group of drugs known as kinase inhibitors. It functions by preventing the action of a problematic protein that instructs cancer cells to proliferate. This aids in containing or halting the spread of cancer cells.

How to use this medicine?

Abemaciclib is available as an oral tablet. Most people take it twice a day, with or without food. Take abemaciclib every day at roughly the same time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Abemaciclib should be taken as prescribed. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

Do not chew, break, or crush the tablets; instead, swallow them whole. Do not take any tablets that are cracked, fractured, or otherwise damaged.
Do not take another dose of abemaciclib if you vomit after taking it. Continue taking your medication as usual.

If you have certain adverse effects, your doctor may lower your dose or temporarily or permanently stop your therapy. The effectiveness of the drug and any negative side effects you encounter will determine this. As you receive abemaciclib treatment, be sure to discuss your feelings with your doctor.

Side effects of abimaciclib

• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• constipation
• sores on the lips, mouth, or throat
• decreased appetite
• weight loss
• hair loss
• itching
• rash
• headache
• changes in taste
• dizziness
• joint pain
• tiredness
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• loss of appetite
• bleeding or bruising easily
• pain in arms or legs
• swelling of the hands, feet, legs or ankles
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• cough with or without mucus
• chest pain
• rapid breathing
• fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• fever, chills, cough or other signs of infection
• pale skin

Prescribing information for Verzinio

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• February 11th, 2023