Palbociclib (By mouth)
pal-boe-SYE-klib
Treats breast cancer. This medicine is given together with letrozole.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Palbociclib is used in combination with letrozole for the treatment of postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, HER-2 negative advanced metastatic breast cancer. It belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics.
Palbociclib interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal cells may also be affected by the medicine, other unwanted effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not open, crush, break, or chew it.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose or vomit after taking this medicine, do not take another dose the same day. Wait and take your next dose when you normally would.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how palbociclib works. Tell your doctor if you are using alfentanil, bosentan, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, dihydroergotamine, efavirenz, ergotamine, etravirine, everolimus, fentanyl, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir, midazolam, modafinil, nafcillin, nefazodone, nelfinavir, phenytoin, pimozide, posaconazole, quinidine, rifampin, ritonavir, saquinavir, sirolimus, St John’s wort, tacrolimus, telaprevir, telithromycin, verapamil, or voriconazole.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to palbociclib, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or any type of infection.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Infections Pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs)Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
Fast or pounding heartbeat, fast breathing, dizziness or lightheadedness
Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
Tiredness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Ibrance
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
