Other Brands/Names

Yulareb

How It Works

Abemaciclib is an anticancer medicine that inhibits cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 proteins (proteins that drive faster cancer-cell growth), thereby slowing cancer-cell proliferation, reducing the size of cancer mass, and delaying the progression of cancer growth. It is typically used to treat breast cancer in women with hormone receptor–positive (HR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative (HER2−) subtypes.

Indications

This drug is used to treat medical conditions such as breast cancer with HR+ and HER2− subtypes.

Contraindication

• Pregnancy.

• Breastfeeding.

• Allergy to abemaciclib (for example, hives or swollen eyelids).

Side Effects

Side effects are generally uncommon. However, the following may occur:

• Infections.

• Decreased levels of blood-cell components (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets).

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Decreased appetite.

• Hair loss.

• Dizziness.

• Headache.

• Itching.

• Rash.

• Fatigue.

Types

Abemaciclib is available as follows:

• Film-coated tablets: 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg.

Dosage

Adult dosage:

• Disease progression while on combination therapy with fulvestrant: 150 mg twice daily.

• Monotherapy in disease progression during endocrine therapy or chemotherapy: 200 mg twice daily.

• Postmenopausal women in combination with aromatase inhibitors: 150 mg twice daily.

Safety

Pregnancy:

FDA Category N (fetal risk is not clearly established), so prior consultation with a physician is recommended for monitoring the response of the drug in patients.

Drug Interactions

Azole antifungal medicines such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole

Using azole antifungals with abemaciclib can increase blood levels of abemaciclib and heighten the risk of side effects; therefore, consult a doctor before taking any medicines concurrently with abemaciclib.

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