Abemaciclib
About Abemaciclib
Abemaciclib is a prescription medicine used to treat hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer. It is prescribed for cancer that has spread to other parts of the body or early-stage breast cancer that has a high risk of returning. By targeting specific proteins in the body, this medicine helps slow down the progression and spread of cancer cells.
To achieve the best results, you must take Abemaciclib consistently every day. You can take this tablet with or without food, but you should try to take it at the same time each day to maintain steady levels of the medicine in your body. Along with taking your medicine, staying well-hydrated and eating a balanced diet can help support your body during treatment.
While taking Abemaciclib, you may experience common side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, or low white blood cell counts. It is vital to monitor how you feel and talk to your doctor right away if you experience severe diarrhoea, signs of an infection like a fever, or unusual bruising.
Do not take this if you have had a severe allergic reaction to abemaciclib or any other ingredients in Abemaciclib. Before starting this treatment, discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have a history of liver damage, kidney problems, or active infections.
This medicine can interact with certain other therapies, changing how well it works or increasing side effects. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider immediately, as this medicine can harm an unborn baby.
Uses of Abemaciclib
Medicinal Benefits
When taken as prescribed, Abemaciclib may provide the following benefits:
- Helps Slow Cancer Progression: Helps slow the growth and spread of hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative breast cancer by targeting proteins involved in cancer cell division.
- Helps Reduce the Risk of Cancer Returning: When used after treatment for early-stage breast cancer in eligible patients, Abemaciclib may help lower the risk of the cancer coming back.
- Supports Longer Disease Control: When used alone or with hormone therapy, Abemaciclib may help keep the cancer under control for longer before it worsens.
- Provides a Convenient Oral Treatment Option: As an oral medicine, Abemaciclib can be taken at home as prescribed, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits for treatment.
Directions for Use
- Take Abemaciclib with or without food as advised by the doctor.
- Usually, it is to be taken twice daily, or as directed by your doctor.
- Swallow Abemaciclib as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Abemaciclib
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Diarrhoea (this is very common, especially during the first month)
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
- Tiredness, low energy, or muscle weakness
- Loss of appetite or temporary hair thinning
- Mild infections or low white blood cell counts
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea, especially if you feel dizzy or have a fever
- Signs of infection, such as a fever, chills, sore throat, or cough
- Signs of blood clots, including sudden swelling, pain, or redness in a leg, or sudden shortness of breath
- Signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe pain on the right side of your stomach
- Severe breathing problems, such as a new or worsening cough or trouble breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Act on diarrhoea quickly: Diarrhoea can cause rapid dehydration. Start taking anti-diarrhoeal medicine and increase your fluid intake at the very first loose stool, and notify your doctor immediately.
- Keep up with blood tests: You will need regular blood tests before and during your treatment so your doctor can check your liver function and monitor your blood cell counts.
- Inspect your pills: Do not take any tablet that is broken, chipped, or has an unusual colour.
- Use reliable birth control: You must use highly effective birth control during your treatment and for at least 3 weeks after your final dose to prevent pregnancy.
- Watch your breathing: Inform your doctor immediately if you develop any new or worsening cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Drug Interactions
- Strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin): May significantly increase the levels of abemaciclib in your blood, which increases your risk of severe side effects.
- Strong CYP3A inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin): May decrease the levels of the medicine in your body, making the treatment much less effective against the cancer.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is not recommended to consume alcohol with Abemaciclib. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
unsafeAbemaciclib is not recommended during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Breast Feeding
cautionAbemaciclib is not recommended during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Driving
cautionAbemaciclib may cause dizziness and tiredness, which may affect your ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any side effects after using Abemaciclib.
Liver
unsafeAbemaciclib should be avoided in case of established liver disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
cautionExercise caution before using Abemaciclib in case of established kidney disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Children
unsafeAbemaciclib is not recommended for use in children as the safety and effectiveness have not been established. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Manage Diarrhoea Early: Keep an anti-diarrhoeal medicine (like loperamide) at home as recommended by your doctor, and start taking it at the first sign of a loose stool.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of clear fluids, such as water, clear broths, or electrolyte drinks, to prevent dehydration, especially if you experience diarrhoea or nausea.
- Avoid Grapefruit: Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine, as it can cause unsafe levels of the drug to build up in your body.
- Prevent Infections: Wash your hands frequently, avoid crowded places, and stay away from people who are currently sick to protect your immune system.
Special Advise
Women of child-bearing age should use effective contraception during treatment with Abemaciclib and for 3weeks after the last dose of Abemaciclib.
Avoid breastfeeding during treatment with Abemaciclib and for 3weeks after the last dose of Abemaciclib.
Regular monitoring of white blood cell count and liver function before and during treatment with Abemaciclib is advised.
Abemaciclib may cause serious blood clots. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of blood clots such as pain, swelling in the arms or legs, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Avoid taking ketoconazole (anti-fungal medication) while on treatment with Abemaciclib.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Breast cancer: It is a type of cancer that develops in the breast when the breast cells begin to grow abnormally. Breast cancer may form in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), in the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. The tumour cells invade other healthy breast cells and can travel to lymph nodes which are a primary pathway for the cancer cells to move to other parts of the body. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast or tissue thickening which feels different than the normal surrounding tissues, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, bloody discharge, unexplained change in shape, size or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin, and a lump or swelling under the arm.
FAQs
Abemaciclib belongs to the group of anti-cancer drugs called kinase inhibitors used alone or in combination with other anti-cancer drugs to treat certain types of breast cancer.
Abemaciclib works by inhibiting CDK 4 and 6, which are proteins that cause uncontrolled growth of cancer cells.
Abemaciclib might cause fertility problems in males and may affect your ability to father a child. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
No. Do not stop taking Abemaciclib unless your doctor tells you to. Continue treatment for as long as your doctor prescribes, depending on how well your body tolerates the medicine and whether your cancer is stable or responding to treatment. If you have any concerns or experience troublesome side effects, speak with your doctor before making any changes.
Yes. Diarrhoea is a common side effect of Abemaciclib and can sometimes be severe. At the first sign of loose stools, drink plenty of fluids and your doctor may recommend an anti-diarrhoeal medicine such as loperamide. Contact your doctor promptly if diarrhoea is severe or persistent. Your doctor may temporarily stop treatment or reduce your dose if needed.
Abemaciclib might cause neutropenia (low blood cell count). Regular monitoring of white blood cell count before and during treatment with Abemaciclib is advised.
Avoid taking ketoconazole (anti-fungal medication) while on treatment with Abemaciclib. Also, avoid grapefruit, and its juice while on treatment with Abemaciclib as it might increase the amount of Abemaciclib in blood.
Yes, you can take Abemaciclib with or without food. However, you must avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice during your treatment. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have specific dietary concerns.
Diarrhoea is a very common side effect. You should start taking an anti-diarrhoeal medicine like loperamide at the first loose stool, drink plenty of fluids, and contact your doctor right away for guidance.
While there is no direct chemical interaction, drinking alcohol can worsen side effects like nausea, tiredness, and dehydration from diarrhoea. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice.
Yes, some people experience hair thinning or mild hair loss while taking Abemaciclib. If this concerns you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about gentle hair care routines during your treatment.
If you miss a dose or vomit after taking your tablet, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your regular time. Do not take a double dose to make up for it. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you miss multiple doses.
You should avoid certain vaccines, especially live vaccines, while taking Abemaciclib because your immune system may be weakened. Always talk to your doctor before receiving any vaccination.
Yes, Abemaciclib can cause liver damage or changes in your liver enzyme levels. Your doctor will perform regular blood tests to monitor your liver health during your treatment. If you notice yellowing of your skin or dark urine, talk to your doctor immediately.
Author Details
