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Verzenio Information

Verzenio (Abemaciclib) is a targeted therapy used primarily for certain types of breast cancer. It is typically prescribed for different cases of HR+ (hormone receptor-positive) and HER2- (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative) breast cancer. Firstly, it is often used in combination with hormone therapies like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors for the treatment of early breast cancer in patients with a high risk of recurrence after surgery. It can also be used alone in the treatment of individuals with advanced or metastatic breast cancer that has progressed following endocrine therapy and prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting. It is also used in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy in individuals with advanced or metastatic breast cancer. It can also be used in combination with fulvestrant for patients whose advanced breast cancer has progressed after endocrine therapy.

The active ingredient in Verzenio is abemaciclib, which belongs to a class of drugs known as CDK4/6 inhibitors (Cyclin-Dependent Kinase inhibitors). In most cases, HR+/HER2- breast cancer is driven by hormones like estrogen, which signal the cancer cells to grow and divide. While hormone therapies try to cut off that fuel supply, some cancer cells find ways to bypass those signals and keep dividing anyway. Verzenio steps in further down the assembly line of cell division. It directly blocks CDK4/6 enzymes, acting as a physical brake on the cell’s machinery by locking the cell cycle in the G1 phase and halting the proliferation of cancer cells. This is particularly helpful because it can overcome resistance to traditional hormone therapies, either by preventing a recurrence in early-stage patients or slowing the spread of the disease in advanced cases where the cancer has already moved to other parts of the body.

Verzenio Side Effects

Like other medications, abemaciclib is associated with some side effects. Some common side effects of this medication include bloating, a change in taste, decreased appetite, dizziness, dry mouth, eye pain, fatigue, feeling faint, headache, increased tear production, itchiness, mouth sores, nausea, skin rash or inflammation, spinning sensation, stomach pain, and vomiting.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Anemia (low red blood cells) with symptoms like dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath;
• Blurred vision;
• Clotting problems with symptoms like unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding;
• Electrolyte abnormalities with symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat;
• Heart disease, such as with symptoms like irregular heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, rapid, pounding heartbeat, and shortness of breath;
• Kidney problems with symptoms like a change in the amount or colour of urine, increased urination at night, and blood in the urine;
• Sepsis (blood infection) with symptoms such as high fever, sore throat, stiff neck, fast heart rate, rapid breathing;
• Stroke with symptoms like sudden or severe headache, sudden loss of coordination, vision changes, sudden slurring of speech, or unexplained weakness, numbness, or pain in an arm or leg

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Verzenio Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to abemaciclib, other ingredients in Verzenio, or any other medications. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Blood count disorders;
• Blood clotting problems;
• Diabetes;
• Diarrhea;
• Liver disease;
• Lung disease

Abemaciclib may cause drowsiness or dizziness, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how this medication affects you. It can significantly lower your blood counts, making you more vulnerable to infections. Your doctor will typically run a complete blood count before you start, then every two weeks for the first two months. Pregnant women should not use this medication. Animal studies show it can cause significant congenital disabilities or fetal death. A pregnancy test is typically required before starting this medication. Women of reproductive potential using this medication must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the final dose. Women are advised not to breastfeed during treatment with Verzenio and for 3 weeks after the last dose, as it’s unknown if the drug passes into human milk and could cause serious reactions in an infant. Use this medication with caution in older individuals (65 years and above), as they may be more prone to its side effects.

Medications like ketoconazole, certain antibiotics (clarithromycin), and some heart meds (diltiazem, verapamil) can affect the breakdown process, leading to toxic levels of Verzenio. Therefore, before taking this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines, to determine if it is safe to use along with abemaciclib. You must avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they strongly inhibit the enzymes needed to clear this medication. Take Verzenio twice daily at approximately the same time each morning and evening. You should swallow the tablets whole and never crush, chew, or split them before ingestion. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for you depending on your clinical condition. You may take the medication with or without food. Always store the tablets in their original blister pack at room temperature to protect them from moisture and light.

Do I need a prescription to order Verzenio?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Verzenio.