Abemaciclib is used to treat advanced hormone-related breast cancer. Abemaciclib is used for this condition only if your tumor tests negative for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). HER2 protein can speed the growth of cancer cells.
Abemaciclib is sometimes given with other cancer medicines.
Abemaciclib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Verzenio (Abemaciclib) used for?
- Breast Cancer
- Breast Cancer — Male
- Neoplasia — Estrogen Dependent
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Verzenio (Abemaciclib)?
You should not use abemaciclib if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- a fever, chills, or other signs of infection; or
- liver or kidney disease.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Using abemaciclib during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after your treatment ends. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during this time.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose.
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Side Effects
What are the side effects of Verzenio (Abemaciclib)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe or ongoing diarrhea;
- pain or burning when you urinate;
- liver problems–right-sided upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, easy bruising or bleeding, feeling very tired;
- low blood cell counts–fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath;
- signs of inflammation in the lungs–new or worsening cough, painful or difficult breathing, wheezing, feeling short of breath even while resting; or
- signs of a blood clot–pain or swelling in an arm or leg, chest pain, fast heartbeats, feeling short of breath.
Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
- loss of appetite;
- hair loss;
- infections;
- feeling tired;
- headache; or
- low blood cell counts.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Verzenio (Abemaciclib) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Verzenio (Abemaciclib)?
Grapefruit may interact with abemaciclib and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Verzenio (Abemaciclib)?
Use Verzenio (Abemaciclib) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
If you vomit shortly after taking abemaciclib, do not take another dose. Wait until your next scheduled dose time to take the medicine again.
Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking abemaciclib.
Abemaciclib can cause severe diarrhea, which can be life-threatening if it leads to dehydration or infection.
If you have diarrhea while taking abemaciclib: start taking anti-diarrhea medicine such as loperamide (Imodium) to quickly treat diarrhea. Drink extra fluids and call your doctor.
Abemaciclib can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Verzenio (Abemaciclib)?
(800) 222-1222
911
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