Key facts about Palbociclib
What dosages is Palbociclib available in?
Palbociclib is available as a 75 mg, 100 mg, and 125 mg oral capsule.
What is Palbociclib used for?
Palbociclib is a kinase inhibitor and is used to treat HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
How does Palbociclib work?
Palbociclib is a specific type of kinase inhibitor, called a cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor. CDK 4/6 are proteins that control cell growth in both normal and cancer cells. These proteins can become overactive in cancer cells and cause the cancer to uncontrollably divide and grow. By blocking CDK 4/6, Palbociclib slows the growth of cancer cells.
How do I take Palbociclib?
Palbociclib is typically dosed as 125 mg once daily taken with food for 21 days followed by 7 days off treatment.
Is it safe for me to take Palbociclib?
Palbociclib is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Palbociclib Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Palbociclib:
- Infection
- Low white blood cell counts
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Hair loss
- Swollen or sore mouth
- Low red blood cell count
- Diarrhea
- Low platelet counts
Palbociclib Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Palbociclib. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious infections: fever, chills, dizziness, shortness of breath, weakness, bruising or bleeding more often
- Lung problems: cough, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Palbociclib
The following medications may interact with Palbociclib:
- CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid concurrent use of Palbociclib with strong CYP3A inhibitors. If the strong inhibitor cannot be avoided, reduce the Palbociclib dose
- CYP3A Inducers: Avoid concurrent use of Palbociclib with strong CYP3A inducers
- CYP3A Substrates: The dose of sensitive CYP3A4 substrates with narrow therapeutic indices may need to be reduced when given concurrently with Palbociclib
Who makes Palbociclib?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Palbociclib safe in pregnancy?
Palbociclib can harm your unborn baby. Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose of Palbociclib. Your healthcare provider may ask you to take a pregnancy test before you start treatment with Palbociclib.
Males with female partners who can become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with Palbociclib for at least 3 months after the last dose of Palbociclib. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that may be right for you during this time. If you become pregnant or think you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider right away.
