Uses
Palbociclib is used in combination with anastrozole (Arimidex), exemestane (Aromasin), or letrozole (Femara) to treat a certain type of hormone receptor-positive, advanced breast cancer (breast cancer that depends on hormones such as estrogen to grow) or breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body in women who have experienced menopause (change of life; end of monthly menstrual periods) or in men. Palbociclib is also used along with fulvestrant (Faslodex) to treat a certain type of hormone receptor–positive, advanced breast cancer (breast cancer that depends on hormones such as estrogen to grow) or breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body in people who have been treated with an antiestrogen medication such as tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Palbociclib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.
Side Effects Of Palbociclib
Palbociclib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- decreased appetite
- changes in taste
- tiredness
- numbness or tingling in your arms, hands, legs, and feet
- sores on the lips, mouth, or throat
- unusual hair thinning or hair loss
- dry skin
- rash
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- fever, chills, or signs of infection
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- weakness
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- nosebleeds
Palbociclib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking palbociclib:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to palbociclib, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in palbociclib capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antifungals such as itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox, Tolsura), ketoconazole, posaconazole (Noxafil), and voriconazole (Vfend); certain medications to treat seizures such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Epitol, Tegretol, others) and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); clarithromycin; enzalutamide (Xtandi); ergot alkaloids such as dihydroergotamine (D.H.E 45, Migranal) and ergotamine (Ergomar, in Cafergot, in Migergot); certain medications for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) including indinavir (Crixivan), lopinavir (in Kaletra), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra, in Viekira Pak), saquinavir (Invirase), and telaprevir (no longer available in the U.S.); fentanyl (Abstral, Fentora, Lazanda, Subsys, others); immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), everolimus (Afinitor, Zortress), sirolimus (Rapamune), and tacrolimus (Astagraf XL, Envarsus XR, Prograf); midazolam; nefazodone; pimozide (Orap); quinidine (in Nuedexta); rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin, in Rifater, in Rifamate); and telithromycin (Ketek). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with palbociclib, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.
- tell your doctor if you have an infection or if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you plan on fathering a child. If you are female, you will need to take a pregnancy test before you start treatment and use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment and for at least 3 weeks after your final dose. If you are a male, you and your partner should use birth control during your treatment with palbociclib and for 3 months after your final dose. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that you can use during your treatment. If you or your partner become pregnant while taking palbociclib, call your doctor immediately. Palbociclib may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are taking palbociclib and for 3 weeks after the final dose.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking palbociclib.
- you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking palbociclib.
Dosage Of Palbociclib
Palbociclib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food once daily for the first 21 days of a 28-day cycle. Your doctor will decide how many times you should repeat this cycle. Take palbociclib at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take palbociclib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not open, chew, or crush them. Do not take capsules that are broken or cracked.
If you vomit after taking palbociclib, do not take another dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.
Your doctor may decrease your dose or temporarily or permanently stop your treatment if you experience certain side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with palbociclib.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests before and during your treatment to check your body’s response to palbociclib.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
