Key facts about Verzenio
What is Verzenio?
Verzenio is the brand name for bemaciclib and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Verzenio available in?
Verzenio is available as a 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg oral tablet.
What is Verzenio used for?
Verzenio is a kinase inhibitor and is used for the following:
- Early breast cancer in people with a high risk of their cancer coming back Advanced or metastatic breast cancer
How does Verzenio work?
Verzenio 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, Verzenio slows the growth of cancer cells.
How do I take Verzenio?
Verzenio is dosed as follows:
- If used with other medications (e.g, tamoxifen, fulvestrant, or an aromatase inhibitor): The typical starting dose is 150 mg taken by mouth twice a day
- If used alone (metastatic breast cancer when other treatments haven’t worked): The typical starting dose is 200 mg taken by mouth twice a day
- Your dose might be different if you experience certain side effects, have liver problems, or you’re taking medications that might interact with Verzenio
- If you’re using Verzenio with other medications and you’re a male or a female who hasn’t undergone menopause, your provider might also recommend you take a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist
Is it safe for me to take Verzenio?
Verzenio 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.
Verzenio Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Verzenio:
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Infection
- Lower appetite
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Hair loss
- Headache
Verzenio Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Verzenio. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Lung problems: cough, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Blood clot: pain or swelling in your arms or legs, trouble breathing, chest pain, fast heartbeat
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Verzenio
The following medications may interact with Verzenio:
- CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of ketoconazole. Reduce the Verzenio dose with concomitant use of other strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors
- CYP3A Inducers: Avoid concomitant use of strong and moderate CYP3A inducers
Who makes Verzenio?
Eli Lilly and Company
Is Verzenio safe in pregnancy?
Based on findings from animal studies and the mechanism of action, Verzenio can cause fetal harm when administered to a
pregnant woman. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective contraception during therapy with Verzenio and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose.













