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Abemaciclib

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor Verzenio Adult

Abemaciclib - What is it for

​Abemaciclib is used to treat hormone-positive breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It may be used together with other medications such as Letrozole, Exemestane, Anastrozole or Fulvestrant.

Abemaciclib - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Abemaciclib cause?

  • ​Diarrhea
    • Drink plenty of clear fluids to replace those lost (two litres everyday)
    • Avoid oily or spicy food and milk or daily products
    • Take the anti-diarrheal medication (e.g. Loperamide) that the doctor gives you when necessary
  • Nausea and vomiting
    • Take small, frequent meals throughout the day
  • Stomach discomfort and decreased appetite
  • Rash
    • Avoid taking hot showers
  • Hair loss
    • Use a gentle shampoo to wash your hair
  • Feeling tired and lack of energy
    • Do not drive or operate machinery when you feel tired
  • Decreased white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets
    • This may put you at a higher risk of infections, bleeding or bruising and feeling tired
    • To reduce your risk of infection:
      • Avoid crowds and people who are sick. Wear a face mask when you go out.
      • Wash your hands after using the toilet and before handling food
      • Eat food that is fresh and completely cooked, and avoid raw or half-cooked food
    • To reduce your risk of bleeding problems:
      • Be careful when using sharp objects such as knives
      • Use a soft bristle toothbrush to brush your teeth gently as your gums may bleed more easily
      • Apply direct pressure to any cuts or wounds to help stop bleeding
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
  • Very bad diarrhea that does not go away even after taking anti-diarrheal medications
  • Signs of infection - fever of 38°C and above, chills, cough, sore throat, pain or burning feeling on passing urine
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, black sticky stools or blood in urine
  • Dark urine or light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat, chest discomfort or if you feel faint, lightheaded, or dizzy
  • Cough with chest pain or breathing difficulty
  • Signs of blood clot e.g. warmth, pain or redness with swelling on arm or leg
  • Symptoms of a drug allergy including one or more of the following:
    • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
    • Difficulty in breathing
    • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Before taking Abemaciclib , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication
  • You or your partner becomes pregnant or plans for pregnancy
    • You should use effective birth control during and for three weeks after stopping treatment
  • You are breastfeeding
    • Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least three weeks after the last dose of treatment
  • You are taking or intend to take any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Abemaciclib ?

​Avoid taking grapefruit or grapefruit juice when you are taking Abemaciclib as it may interact with your medication and increase the risk of side-effects.

Abemaciclib - Dosage and How to Use

How should Abemaciclib be used?

  • ​Take Abemaciclib two times a day
  • You may take it with or without food
  • Do not break, chew or crush the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
    • Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing

What should I do if I miss a dose?

​If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I overdose?

Abemaciclib - Handling

How should I handle Abemaciclib safely?

Abemaciclib - Storage

How should I store Abemaciclib ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#Store at room temperature;#

How should I dispose of Abemaciclib safely?

​Pack Abemaciclib into a bag and bring it back to the pharmacy where you received the medication from.

Abemaciclib - Additional Information

  • Tags: Abemaciclib
  • Updated on 8/31/2020 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

​If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

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