Abemaciclib

• Abemaciclib contains abemaciclib and is used to treat hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer.

When should one not use Abemaciclib

• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to abemaciclib or any other ingredient of Abemaciclib.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Low white blood cell count (neutropenia)
• Low red blood cell count (anaemia)
• Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
• Reduced appetite
• Hair thinning or hair loss (alopecia)
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain
• Taste changes (dysgeusia)
• Rash, dry skin, or nail changes
• Increased liver enzymes

Other General Warnings

• You have a history of low blood cell counts or bone marrow problems.
• You have liver or kidney disease.
• You have lung disease or a history of interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis.
• You have a history of blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
• You are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• You are due for surgery or any medical procedure.
• You take other medicines, herbal products, or supplements, especially antifungal or antibiotic medicines.
• You notice persistent diarrhoea, unusual bruising or bleeding, breathlessness, cough, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes during treatment.
• You are planning to have children, as abemaciclib may affect fertility.
• Abemaciclib contains abemaciclib and is used alongside hormonal therapy to treat HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer in specific treatment settings and according to the doctor’s prescription. .
• Take it as prescribed, at the same times each day, with or without food, but avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
• Swallow tablets whole; do not chew, crush, or split them.
• If you develop diarrhoea, follow your doctor’s advice on anti-diarrhoeal treatment and drink plenty of fluids.
• Attend all scheduled blood tests, especially in the first few months, to monitor your blood counts and liver function.
• Report fever, chills, unusual tiredness, breathlessness, cough, leg swelling, or yellowing of the skin or eyes to your doctor promptly.
• Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least three weeks after the last dose; Abemaciclib is not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor about all other medicines, herbal products, and supplements you take, as several can interact with Abemaciclib.
• Do not stop Abemaciclib on your own, even if you feel well — always speak with your doctor first.
• Avoid or limit alcohol during treatment, and be cautious while driving if you feel fatigued or dizzy.
• Return unused or expired tablets to your pharmacist for safe disposal — do not flush them down the toilet or throw them in household waste, as anti-cancer medicines need special disposal.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Certain medicines can change how Abemaciclib works in your body or increase the risk of side effects, so tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including herbal and over-the-counter products.
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors can substantially increase abemaciclib exposure and may require avoidance or dose reduction. Examples include certain antifungal and antibiotic medicines.
• Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers can reduce abemaciclib exposure and may reduce its effectiveness; generally avoid these combinations when alternatives are available. Examples include rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St. John’s Wort.
• Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, including diltiazem, verapamil, fluconazole, and erythromycin, may also raise abemaciclib levels; your doctor may monitor you more closely or adjust your dose.
• Abemaciclib may raise blood levels of certain other medicines, so tell your doctor if you take medicines such as metformin, digoxin, or loperamide. Your doctor may monitor you or adjust treatment when appropriate.

Interactions with food items

Overdose

Missed a Dose