Abemaciclib, Verzenio
Description: Antineoplastic, Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor
CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship
How Does It Work
Abemaciclib, Verzenio contain cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4 and 6 inhibitors which inhibit the growth of cancer cells by disrupting their cell cycle, resulting in the arrest at the G1 phase. Abemaciclib, Verzenio can be used either alone or in combination with antiestrogens to reduce tumor size.
Indications For Use
Breast Cancer
Precautions
Before starting Abemaciclib, Verzenio make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take. Patients who have taken Abemaciclib, Verzenio have been shown to experience bone marrow suppression which resulted in neutropenia, anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Diarrhea is a common occurrence when treated with Abemaciclib, Verzenio. Your physician should be monitoring you for signs and symptoms of hepatoxicity and pulmonary toxicity.
Usual Dosing
Oral: 150mg twice daily (as a combination agent) or 200mg twice daily (as a single agent).
Pharmacist Tips On Using
How to Take: Can be taken with or without food. Make sure to swallow whole, do not crush, split or chew tablets (never ingest tablets that are broken, cracked, or not fully intact).
Side Effects
Fatigue, headache, dizziness, alopecia, weight loss, diarrhea, nausea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, stomatitis, xerostomia, anemia, lymphocytopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, elevated liver enzymes, joint pain, infection, cough, fever, dehydration.
Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Abemaciclib, Verzenio only common ones
Frequently Asked Questions
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.