Ribociclib, Kisqali
Description: Antineoplastic Agent, Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor
CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship
How Does It Work
Ribociclib, Kisqali is a small molecule selective cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor for CDK 4 and 6. It blocks phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein and prevents cell cycle progression, resulting in arrest at the G1 phase.
Indications For Use
Breast cancer, advanced or metastatic
Precautions
Before starting Ribociclib, Kisqali makes sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you have renal impairment, hepatic impairment, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Ribociclib, Kisqali use has been associated with rare but serious adverse events such as bone marrow suppression, dermatologic toxicity, GI toxicity, hepatobiliary toxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and QT prolongation.
Usual Dosing
Oral: 600 mg once daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day rest period to complete a 28-day treatment cycle. Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Pharmacist Tips On Using
How to Take: May be administered with or without food. Administer at approximately the same time each day, preferably in the morning. Swallow the tablets whole. Ribociclib is associated with a moderate to high emetic potential, so antiemetics are recommended to prevent nausea and vomiting. If a ribociclib dose is missed or vomited, do not administer an additional dose that day. Resume ribociclib dosing with the next scheduled dose.
You Need to Avoid: Do not crush, chew, or split tablets (do not ingest broken or cracked tablets). Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
Side Effects
Peripheral edema, alopecia, pruritus, skin rash, decreased serum albumin, decreased serum glucose, decreased serum phosphate, decreased serum potassium, increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, abdominal pain, constipation, decreased appetite, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, nausea, stomatitis, vomiting, urinary tract infection, anemia, leukopenia, lymphocytopenia, neutropenia, increased serum alanine aminotransferase, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, increased serum bilirubin, infection, dizziness, fatigue, headache, insomnia, arthralgia, asthenia, back pain, increased serum creatinine, cough, dyspnea, respiratory tract infection, fever
Note this is not a complete list of side effects, only the most common
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if side effects are intolerable?
If side effects are causing a lot of distress speak to your physician as soon as possible to discuss options.
Why would my physician prescribe a medication with such serious side effects?
Your physician takes the most recent clinical guidelines to make evidence-based decisions on what medication is appropriate in which situations. Your current medications, your allergies, age, cost of medication, comorbid conditions and many other factors will further complicate or limit which medications are appropriate. This medication is used for certain forms of cancer and your physician has determined the benefits outweigh the risks. Furthermore, they will be monitoring your bloodwork and symptoms closely to avoid many of the serious side effects and will keep you on the lowest effective dosage for the shortest amount of time possible.