Abemaciclib Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Abemaciclib, known under the brand name Verzenio, is a medication primarily used in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer. This guide provides an overview of Abemaciclib, including its uses, side effects, and other important information. Always consult your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals for personalized advice.

Names of Medication

Brand name: Verzenio
Generic name: Abemaciclib

The term ‘generic name’ refers to the official medical name for the active ingredient in the medicine. This name is placed in parentheses.

Pharmacologic Category

Abemaciclib belongs to a class of medications called cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Other medications in this category include Palbociclib (Ibrance) and Ribociclib (Kisqali).

Dosing

Abemaciclib is used in the treatment of hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer. The recommended dose is 150mg twice daily in combination with an aromatase inhibitor, or 200mg twice daily for monotherapy. Always consult your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team before adjusting your dose.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Abemaciclib is available in the form of oral tablets, in the strengths of 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, and 200mg.

Administration Instructions

Abemaciclib can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose. Do not double up on doses to make up for the missed dose. Consult our telemedicine team if you have any questions about administration.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Common side effects of Abemaciclib include diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and neutropenia (low number of white blood cells). Contact your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals if any side effects persist or worsen.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a specific situation in which a drug should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient. Abemaciclib is contraindicated in patients with known severe hypersensitivity to the drug. It may cause harm to the fetus if used during pregnancy and should be avoided in pregnant women due to this risk.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Abemaciclib may interact with strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole), strong and moderate CYP3A inducers (e.g., Rifampin), and CYP3A substrates (e.g., Midazolam).

Abemaciclib in Pregnancy

Abemaciclib can harm an unborn baby. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking this medication and for some time after the last dose. Consult your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team for advice tailored to your circumstances.

Abemaciclib while Breastfeeding

It ‘s not known whether Abemaciclib passes into breast milk. Because of the potential for serious harm to a nursing infant, it is recommended that mothers avoid breastfeeding during treatment with Abemaciclib and for some time after the last dose.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Abemaciclib (Verzenio) without insurance, using a GoodRX coupon, is around $11,000. However, costs may vary depending on location and pharmacy.

Possible Alternatives

Alternatives to Abemaciclib for the treatment of HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer include other cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors like Palbociclib (Ibrance) and Ribociclib (Kisqali), and aromatase inhibitors like Letrozole (Femara). In some cases, changes in diet, physical activity, or other lifestyle modifications may also be beneficial. Always discuss potential alternatives with your healthcare provider or with our telemedicine team before making changes to your treatment plan.

Recent Updates on Abemaciclib Research

Recent studies continue to validate the efficacy of Abemaciclib in treating certain types of breast cancer. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that Abemaciclib combined with an aromatase inhibitor significantly improved progression-free survival in women with HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Ongoing research aims to explore additional uses for Abemaciclib, particularly in combination with other therapies. As always, consult with our telemedicine professionals to discuss the latest research and what it means for your treatment.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.