IBRANCE (Palbociclib)

What is this medication? 

IBRANCE (Palbociclib)
Antineoplastic Agent, Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor

IBRANCE (Palbociclib) is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy in postmenopausal women or in men; or fulvestrant in patients with disease progression following endocrine therapy.

How does this medication work?

IBRANCE (Palbociclib) a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor which is selective for CDK 4 and 6. Palbociclib inhibits the CD4/6 pathways which reduces proliferation of breast tumor cells by preventing progression from the G1 to the S cell cycle phase.

How should I take this medication? 

Oral: Take 125mg daily for 21 days, then 7 days off.

How to Take: Take at approximately the same time each day.  Swallow whole do not crush or chew; do not split tablets or open capsules prior to swallowing (do not ingest if tablets or capsules are broken, cracked, or not intact). Administer with or without food.

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before starting IBRANCE (Palbociclib) make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take. Palbociclib has been known to cause bone marrow suppression which can lead to neutropenia.  Monitor complete blood count prior to starting Palbociclib therapy and at the beginning of each cycle, as well as on Day 15 of the first 2 cycles.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of medication, try to take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take only that scheduled dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

How should I store this medication?

Keep out of the reach of children at all times. Store at room temperature, 59 to 86° F (15 to 30° C).  Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Properly dispose of any unused medication after the expiration date.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication? 

Neutropenia, infections, leukopenia, fatigue, nausea, stomatitis, anemia, alopecia, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, rash, vomiting, decreased appetite, asthenia, and pyrexia.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for IBRANCE (Palbociclib), only common ones.