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Abemaciclib

Pronounced

"a-BEM-a-SYE-klib"

Common brand names:

Verzenio

Uses

This medication is used to treat certain types of breast cancer. Abemaciclib works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. It belongs to a class of drugs known as kinase inhibitors.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using abemaciclib and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually two times daily. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or split the tablets. Do not take tablets that are broken, cracked, or not whole.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you have certain side effects, your doctor may adjust your dose or stop treatment for some time.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of serious side effects will increase.

If you vomit your dose of abemaciclib, do not take another dose. Take your next dose at your regular scheduled time. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.