Verzenio (Abemaciclib) is used to treat certain types of breast cancer. Abemaciclib belongs to a class of drugs known as kinase inhibitors. This medication works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply hence slowing or stopping the spread of cancer cells. Verzenio is used in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as the first hormonal therapy to treat advanced-stage or metastatic, hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer in postmenopausal women. This medication is also used in combination with Faslodex to treat women diagnosed with hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic or advanced-stage breast cancer if the cancer grows after the hormonal therapy treatment. Verzenio is used alone to treat women and men diagnosed with hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic or advanced-stage breast cancer if the cancer grew after hormonal therapy treatment and earlier chemotherapy for metastatic disease.
Manufacturer Information
The brand Verzenio is available from Canada manufactured by Eli Lilly. It is available in the strength of 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg and 200 mg tablets. There is no generic available for this medication.
The side effects of Verzenio may include change in taste of food, constipation, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness or weakness, upset stomach and vomiting. Diarrhea is a common side effect that causes a serious loss of body water. Drink plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of dehydration.
Inform your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects such as:
• Easy bruising or bleeding;
• Signs of liver damage;
• Unusual tiredness
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.
You should not take Verzenio if you are allergic to Abemaciclib or if you have any other allergies. Before you use this medication, inform your doctor about your medical history and about all the medications you take including OTC and herbal medications. This medication may make you dizzy. Alcohol and marijuana can make you dizzier. You should not drive, use machinery or do any activity that requires you to be alert. Limit alcoholic beverages. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Abemaciclib may harm an unborn baby. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before breast-feeding. There may be a drug interaction between Abemaciclib and other medications such as azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, HIV protease inhibitors, rifamycins, etc.