VERZENIO (Abemaciclib)

What is this medication?

VERZENIO (Abemaciclib)
Antineoplastic, Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor

VERZENIO (Abemaciclib) is indicated for the treatment of hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

How does this medication work? 

VERZENIO (Abemaciclib) 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 can be used either alone or in combination with antiestrogens to reduce tumor size.

How should I take this medication? 

Oral: When used as a single agent, the recommended dose is 200 mg taken orally twice daily.

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).

Discontinue VERZENIO (Abemaciclib) for patients unable to tolerate 50 mg twice daily.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Before starting on VERZENIO (Abemaciclib), you should know that it may affect your fertility. This may affect your ability to father a child. Low white blood cell counts are common while taking Abemaciclib. They may cause serious infections that can cause death. Abemaciclib can cause serious liver problem.  Abemaciclib can cause severe inflammation of the lungs during treatment that can lead to death.

What if I miss a dose?

If you vomit or miss a dose, continue to take the prescribed dose at the next scheduled time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

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? 

Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, bloating, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, vertigo, hair loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, bone fracture, rash, dry skin, infected or darkened or painful skin, bruising, inflamed fat layer below the skin, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, increased tears, eye pain and blurred vision, changes to your sense of taste, dry mouth, sores in mouth, difficulty swallowing.

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