Where is Abemaciclib used?
Abemaciclib is an FDA-approved medication used for the treatment of certain types of cancer. The following are the types of breast cancer:
- Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
- HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Abemaciclib is considered an anti-cancer (antineoplastic) drug. This medication belongs to the class of drugs called kinase inhibitors. This tablet is also classified as a Cyclin-Dependent kinase inhibitor. In addition, this medicine can also be used for the treatment of postmenopausal women. It is given in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy. In the year 2017, Abemaciclib has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
How does Abemaciclib work?
Abemaciclib is a changeable small-molecule Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that stops proteins in cells known as Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and CDK 6. It also blocks the cells from growing by stopping some proteins in hormone-positive breast cancer cells. To slow the growth of the cells that causes cancer, it helps stop the cells from moving from G1 to S cell cycle phase in the division course.
How is Abemaciclib taken?
Abemaciclib is to be taken by mouth twice a day. Take it at the same time each day. Do not break the tablet before swallowing. Take it as a whole with a glass of water. This medication may be taken with or without food. If your doctor has prescribed you another dose, follow it promptly. If you vomit your dose of this drug, do not take another dose. Take your next dose at your regular scheduled time. Do not take two doses at the same time.
This medication should not be stopped suddenly without consulting your doctor. Do not increase, and take it more or less than the recommended dosage given.
What are the possible side effects of Abemaciclib?
The following are the common and less common side-effects of Abemaciclib that may occur while you are taking it:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Fever and cough
- Joint aches
- Taste changes
- Mouth sores
- Weight and hair loss
- Dizziness and headache
- Constipation
What are the precautions in taking Abemaciclib?
- Before taking this medication, inform first your doctor if you have any other medications including vitamins or herbal supplements.
- While taking this medication, do not receive any vaccination without the approval of your doctor.
- Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Abemaciclib may be unsafe for the fetus. If you get pregnant while taking this medication, call your doctor right away.
- This medicine can make you more likely to get an infection. For this reason, it is recommended for you to avoid people who are sick. Consult your doctor right away if you have been exposed to people who have infections that may spread to others.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle and be sure to get an exact rest.
- Do not share this medication with others who have the same conditions as yours.
- Consult also your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine. This may also be unsafe during breastfeeding.
- Keep this medicine in a dry and clean place. Keep away from the reach of children.
