Verzenio
Verzenio (abemaciclib) is an oral medication used to treat certain types of breast cancer. It's FDA approved for hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor 2-negative (HR+, HER2‑) breast cancer, including early and advanced or metastatic stages. This medication belongs to a group called CDK4/6 inhibitors, which slow down the growth of cancer cells. It comes as a pill that’s taken by mouth twice a day, without breaks. You might take Verzenio (abemaciclib) on its own or with hormone therapy. Common side effects include diarrhea, low white blood cell counts, and tiredness.
What is Verzenio (abemaciclib)?
What is Verzenio (abemaciclib) used for?
- Early breast cancer (HR+, HER2-), used with tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor in adults at high risk of the cancer coming back
- Advanced or metastatic breast cancer (HR+, HER2-), used with
- An aromatase inhibitor as the first hormone-based treatment OR
- Fulvestrant either as the first treatment or after the cancer has stopped responding to hormone-based treatment
- Advanced or metastatic breast cancer (HR+, HER2-), used alone if the cancer has worsened after both hormone-based treatment and chemotherapy
How Verzenio (abemaciclib) works
Verzenio (abemaciclib) is a cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor. CDK 4/6 are proteins that help control how cells grow. In cancer, these proteins can become too active, causing cells to grow and divide too quickly. Verzenio (abemaciclib)] blocks these proteins to help slow down the growth of cancer cells.
Drug facts
More on Verzenio (abemaciclib) essentials
Side effects of Verzenio (abemaciclib)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Rise in creatinine (99%)
- Lower white blood cell count (up to 91%)
- Diarrhea (90%)
- Anemia (69%)
- Tiredness (65%)
- Nausea (64%)
- Reduced appetite (45%)
- Lower platelet count (41%)
- Stomach pain (39%)
- Vomiting (35%)
- Infections (31%)
- Rise in liver enzymes (up to 31%)
- Headache (20%)
Note: Side effects listed above are from a study of Verzenio (abemaciclib) used alone to treat metastatic breast cancer.
Less Common Side Effects
- Cough
- Changes in taste
- Constipation
- Mouth sores
- Joint pain
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Hair loss
Verzenio (abemaciclib) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe diarrhea: frequent loose stools, stomach pain, weakness
- Serious infections: fever, chills, dizziness, trouble breathing, weakness, easy bruising or bleeding
- Lung problems: cough, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Liver problems: tiredness, pain on the upper right side of your stomach area, loss of appetite, bleeding or bruising more easily
- Blood clots: pain or swelling in your arms or legs, shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate
More on Verzenio (abemaciclib) side effects
The following Verzenio (abemaciclib) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
- Severe or prolonged diarrhea
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Verzenio (abemaciclib)
Pros
- Taken by mouth twice a day, every day without breaks
- First-choice treatment option for metastatic and certain early breast cancers
- Can be taken with or without food
Cons
- Can cause severe diarrhea and low white blood cells
- Requires regular blood tests to monitor for side effects
- Interacts with many products and medications
Pharmacist tips for Verzenio (abemaciclib)
- You can take Verzenio (abemaciclib) with or without food. Take it at the same time each day, and always swallow the tablet whole. Don’t chew, crush, or split it.
- If you miss a dose of Verzenio (abemaciclib) or vomit after taking it, don’t take another dose that day. Just take your next dose at the usual scheduled time.
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Verzenio (abemaciclib). These can raise the levels of the medication in your body and increase side effects.
- Some medications can interact with Verzenio (abemaciclib). Tell your care team about all the medications you take, including supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
- Diarrhea is very common with Verzenio (abemaciclib). Your oncologist might prescribe an antidiarrheal medication like loperamide to keep on hand. If you have diarrhea, take the antidiarrheal, drink fluids to stay hydrated, and tell your care team.
- Verzenio (abemaciclib) can lower your blood cell counts. This raises your risk for bleeding and infections, so keep up with lab work. If you develop signs of infection, such as chills or a fever of 100.4°F or higher, seek medical attention right away.
- Although rare, Verzenio (abemaciclib) can cause blood clots. Call your care team right away if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, a racing heartbeat, or swelling or pain in your arms or legs.
- If you’re taking Verzenio (abemaciclib) for early stage breast cancer, treatment usually lasts 2 years unless your cancer comes back or you can't tolerate it. For advanced or metastatic breast cancer, you might take it longer until the cancer worsens or you can't tolerate the medication.
- Verzenio (abemaciclib) can harm unborn babies. If you can get pregnant, you'll need a pregnancy test before starting treatment. You’ll also need to use effective birth control while taking the medication and for 3 weeks after your last dose. Talk to your oncologist if you're pregnant or plan to get pregnant.
- It's not known if it's safe to breastfeed while taking Verzenio (abemaciclib). To be safe, don’t breastfeed while taking this medication and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose.
Common questions about Verzenio (abemaciclib)
Verzenio (abemaciclib) isn't chemotherapy. Instead, it’s a targeted therapy. Chemotherapy kills all fast-growing cells in the body, including both healthy cells and cancer cells. Verzenio (abemaciclib) works differently by blocking certain proteins called cyclin-dependent kinase, which helps slow down the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells.
If you stop taking Verzenio (abemaciclib), the medication will no longer block the proteins that help cancer cells grow. This means your cancer could start to grow or spread again. Some people might also notice their symptoms get worse. Never stop taking this medication without talking to your oncologist, since they can help decide if it’s safe to stop or if another treatment should be started.
Taking Verzenio (abemaciclib) for a long time can lead to some ongoing side effects. The most common one is diarrhea, which can sometimes be severe, especially at the beginning of treatment. Over time, you might also have low levels of white blood cells, which could make it harder for your body to fight off infections. Less common but serious long-term risks include liver problems or blood clots. Your care team will likely order regular blood tests to check your liver, blood counts, and overall health while you’re taking this medication.
Weight gain isn’t a common side effect of Verzenio (abemaciclib). Some people actually report weight loss, possibly because of side effects like diarrhea, nausea, or loss of appetite. If you do notice weight changes while taking this medication, let your oncologist know so they can check for other possible causes and help you manage it.
Yes, Verzenio (abemaciclib) can cause hair loss. In clinical studies, about a quarter of people experienced hair loss or thinning. This can start 2 to 3 months after beginning treatment.
Some Verzenio (abemaciclib) side effects might get better or go away over time as your body adjusts, like diarrhea, nausea, or tiredness. Other side effects, such as low white blood cell counts, can last as long as you’re taking the medication and need regular blood tests. If your side effects don’t improve, become severe, or affect your daily life, let your oncologist know. They might need to adjust your dose or give you treatment to help manage the side effects.
Yes, you should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Verzenio (abemaciclib). Grapefruit can change how your body processes the medication, which might raise the risk of side effects. Always check with your care team before making big changes to your diet or adding supplements.
Kisqali (ribociclib) and Verzenio (abemaciclib) are both CDK 4/6 inhibitors used to treat HR+, HER2- breast cancer. Kisqali (ribociclib) is usually taken once a day in cycles (3 weeks on, 1 week off), while Verzenio (abemaciclib) is taken twice a day without breaks. Both are taken with hormone therapy, but Verzenio (abemaciclib) can also be used alone if other treatments haven’t worked. Ask your oncologist if you have questions comparing the two medications.
How to save using GoodRx
Risks and warnings for Verzenio (abemaciclib)
Verzenio (abemaciclib) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a very common side effect of Verzenio (abemaciclib), and in some cases it can cause serious dehydration or infection. Most people will have diarrhea within the first few weeks of treatment, and symptoms can last up to 2 weeks. At the first sign of loose stools, contact your care team as you might need to take an antidiarrheal like loperamide. Depending on how severe the diarrhea is, you might need to pause treatment or continue with a lower dose. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to replace what you lose and help prevent dehydration.
Low white blood cell counts
Verzenio (abemaciclib) can lower your white blood cell count, which makes it easier for you to get infections. In studies, severe cases usually started about 1 month after treatment began and lasted around 2 weeks. Your oncologist will check your blood counts every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, monthly for the next 2 months, then as needed after that. Tell your oncologist right away if you get a fever or start feeling sick. They might need to lower your dose of Verzenio (abemaciclib) or have you stop it for a short time.
Lung problems
It's not common, but Verzenio (abemaciclib) can cause serious lung problems, like lung inflammation or interstitial lung disease. Let your cancer care team know right away if you have new or worsening breathing issues, such as coughing or shortness of breath. Your oncologist might tell you to stop taking the medication while they figure out what’s causing the symptoms. If the symptoms are serious or keep coming back, you might need to stop the medication for good.
Liver problems
Verzenio (abemaciclib) can raise your liver enzyme levels, which might be a sign of liver irritation or problems. In studies, this usually happened about 2 to 3 months after starting treatment and lasted for around 2 weeks. Your care team will check your liver with blood before you start, every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, then monthly for the next 2 months, and later as needed. If your enzyme levels get too high, your oncologist might pause or lower your dose of Verzenio (abemaciclib). Call your care team if you feel very tired, lose your appetite, have pain on the right side of your stomach, or notice easy bruising or bleeding.
Blood clots
Although uncommon, Verzenio (abemaciclib) can cause blood clots, in places like your legs, lungs, pelvis, brain, or other veins. Some blood clots have been fatal. Get medical help right away if you notice pain or swelling in your arms or legs, chest pain, shortness of breath, or a fast heartbeat.
Harm to unborn baby
Verzenio (abemaciclib) might harm an unborn baby. In animal studies, it caused birth defects and low birth weight. If you’re able to become pregnant, your oncologist will have you take a pregnancy test before starting treatment. You’ll also need to use effective birth control while taking Verzenio (abemaciclib) and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose. Tell your oncologist right away if you become pregnant during this time.
Verzenio (abemaciclib) dosage
Typical dosage for Verzenio (abemaciclib)
- If used with other medications: The typical starting dose is 150 mg taken by mouth twice a day.
- If used alone: The typical starting dose is 200 mg taken by mouth twice a day.
Your dose might be different if you experience certain side effects, have liver problems, or you’re taking medications that interact with Verzenio (abemaciclib).
More on Verzenio (abemaciclib) dosage
What are alternatives to Verzenio (abemaciclib)?
