Key takeaways
Ribociclib (Kisqali) and palbociclib (Ibrance) are both oral medications that treat hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor 2-negative (HR+, HER2-) breast cancer. They belong to the same drug class, and both work by blocking proteins that help cancer cells grow. Both medications are approved for advanced or metastatic breast cancer, but ribociclib is approved for early breast cancer as well. The dosing schedule for both medications is the same: once daily for 21 days followed by 7 days off. Ribociclib is available as a tablet, while palbociclib comes in both capsule and tablet forms. Common side effects for both include low white blood cell counts, nausea, and tiredness, but ribociclib may also cause liver problems in rare cases. Both medications require regular blood tests and should not be taken with grapefruit.
