Uses
What is Ibrance used for?
Ibrance (palbociclib) is commonly used for treating breast cancer. It treats breast cancer that is advanced or has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) and is hormone receptor (HR)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative. It is usually used in combination with another medicine.
Learn more about Ibrance for Breast Cancer.
Ibrance may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Ibrance work (mechanism of action)?
Ibrance is a type of medicine called a kinase inhibitor. It blocks the action of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4 and CDK6). CDK4 and CDK6 help cancer cells to grow and multiply. Ibrance blocks the activity of CDK4 and CDK6 to help stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying and to make tumors shrink in size.
How is Ibrance supplied (dosage forms)?
Ibrance is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 75 mg oral capsules
- 100 mg oral capsules
- 125 mg oral capsules
- 75 mg oral tablets
- 100 mg oral tablets
- 125 mg oral tablets
How should I store Ibrance?
Ibrance should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Ibrance tablets should be stored in their original blister pack packaging.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Ibrance?
The most common side effects of Ibrance are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Blood disorders (see below)
- Infections
- Tiredness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mouth sores
- Hair loss
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Decreased appetite
- Weakness
- Fever
There may be other side effects of Ibrance that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Ibrance?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Ibrance are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Ibrance may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Ibrance and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Blood Disorders. Ibrance can cause blood disorders, such as low neutrophils (neutropenia). Stop using Ibrance and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Frequent infection
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
- Headache
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Lung Inflammation. Ibrance can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Tell your healthcare provider if you have trouble breathing. You may also have a cough and/or fever.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Ibrance?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Ibrance.
- Ibrance
- Palbociclib
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Ibrance.
What should I know about Ibrance before using it?
Do not take Ibrance unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Ibrance with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Ibrance out of the reach of children.
Try to take Ibrance at the same time every day. If you vomit after you take Ibrance, you should not take another dose that day. Take your next dose as scheduled. Ibrance capsules should be taken with food, while Ibrance tablets can be taken with or without food.
Do not chew, cut, or crush Ibrance. Capsules or tablets that look damaged, broken, or cracked should not be taken. Contact your pharmacy about getting any damaged Ibrance capsules or tablets replaced.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Ibrance?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Ibrance is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Have a fever, chills, or any other signs of an infection
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
Pregnancy. Ibrance may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You must not be pregnant before starting Ibrance. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment with Ibrance and for 3 weeks after your last dose. If you are a male who has a female partner that can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment with Ibrance and for at least 3 months after your last dose.
Infertility. Ibrance may cause fertility problems in people who were assigned male at birth. Talk with your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.
Breastfeeding. Do not undergo treatment with Ibrance while you are breastfeeding and for 3 weeks after your last dose. It is not known if Ibrance passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Ibrance may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Ibrance, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
How can I get more information about Ibrance?
For more information about Ibrance, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.ibrance.com or call them at 844-942-7263.
Interactions
Does Ibrance interact with foods or drinks?
Grapefruit interacts with Ibrance by making it harder for your body to break down the medicine. This can cause the level of Ibrance to be too high and increase your risk of side effects. It is important to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking any grapefruit juice while taking Ibrance.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Ibrance.
Does Ibrance interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Ibrance, and vice versa. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Verzenio. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Ibrance?
If you or someone else has used too much Ibrance, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Ibrance?
If you miss a dose, skip the dose. Take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take double or extra doses.