About abemaciclib
CDK4/6 inhibitor anticancer medicine
Used for
- Treats certain hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancers, often with hormone therapy.
- May be used alone for advanced breast cancer after previous hormone therapy and chemotherapy.
Usual adult dose
Usually 150 mg twice daily with hormone therapy, or 200 mg twice daily alone; doses may be reduced.
Common side effects
- Diarrhea
- Low white blood cell counts
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Important warnings
- Can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, or infection from low blood counts.
- Rarely causes serious lung inflammation or blood clots.
- Liver problems may require monitoring and dose changes.
- Avoid grapefruit; tell clinicians about all medicines and supplements.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Effective contraception is needed during treatment and for 3 weeks after the last dose.
Breastfeeding
Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 3 weeks after the last dose.
Interactions
- Strong CYP3A inhibitors, such as clarithromycin, can raise abemaciclib levels.
- Strong CYP3A inducers, such as rifampin, can lower abemaciclib levels.
- Grapefruit may increase drug levels.
- Abemaciclib can increase levels of medicines affected by CYP3A, including some statins.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.