Kisqali vs. Ibrance for Breast Cancer: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Kisqali

(ribociclib)

Ibrance

(palbociclib)

Summary for Kisqali

Prescription only

Kisqali (ribociclib) is a medication used to treat certain types of breast cancer, specifically hormone receptor–positive, human epidermal growth factor 2-negative (HR+, HER2-) breast cancer. It belongs to a drug class called CDK4/6 inhibitors, which help slow or stop cancer cells from growing. You typically take a tablet by mouth once a day for 21 days, then take 7 days off, repeating this 28-day cycle. It’s often taken together with other hormone treatments, like aromatase inhibitors or fulvestrant. Common side effects include feeling tired, nausea, and low white blood cell counts, which can make it easier to get infections.

Indications for Kisqali

Early breast cancer (HR+, HER2-), used with 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

Pros and Cons for Kisqali

Pros

Taken by mouth once a day
A first-choice treatment option for HR+, HER2- breast cancer
Can be taken with or without food

Cons

Common side effects include nausea, tiredness, and headache
Requires regular blood tests to monitor for side effects
Interacts with many medications

Common Side Effects for Kisqali

Early breast cancer

Lower white blood cell counts (up to 97%)
Lower red blood cell counts (47%)
Higher liver enzymes (up to 45%)
Infections (37%)
Higher creatinine levels (33%)
Lower platelets (28%)
Headache (23%)
Nausea (23%)
Tiredness (22%)

Advanced or metastatic breast cancer

Lower white blood cell counts (up to 95%)
Lower red blood cell counts (68%)
Higher liver enzymes (up to 55%)
Nausea (47%)
Infections (47%)
Higher creatinine levels (42%)
Tiredness (35%)
Low red blood cell count
Lower appetite
Dizziness
Trouble sleeping
Trouble breathing
Swollen or sore mouth
Stomach pain
Fever
Pain or swelling in arms or legs
Liver problems
Lower platelets (34%)
Diarrhea (33%)
Vomiting (29%)
Headache (27%)
Constipation (25%)
Hair loss (25%)
Cough (24%)
Rash (24%)
Back pain (24%)
Lower blood sugar (20%)

Note: Side effects listed above were reported in studies where people took Kisqali (ribociclib) with another hormone medication.

Warnings for Kisqali

Lung problems
Severe skin reactions
Heart rhythm problem (QT prolongation)
Liver problems
Low white blood cell counts
Harm to unborn baby

Summary for Ibrance

Prescription only

Ibrance (palbociclib) is a capsule or tablet you take by mouth to treat certain types of breast cancer, specifically hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor 2-negative (HR+, HER2‑) advanced or metastatic breast cancer. It works by blocking specific proteins called CDK4/6 to help slow down the growth of cancer cells. You usually take it once a day for 21 days, and then don’t take it for 7 days, repeating this cycle every 28 days. Ibrance (palbociclib) is also used with other medications like an aromatase inhibitor, fulvestrant, or inavolisib. Side effects include low white blood cell counts, infections, nausea, and tiredness.

Indications for Ibrance

Advanced or metastatic breast cancer (HR+, HER2-), used with
- An aromatase inhibitor as the first hormone-based treatment OR
- Fulvestrant after the cancer has stopped responding to hormone-based treatment
Advanced or metastatic breast cancer (HR+, HER2-) with a PIK3CA mutation, used with inavolisib and fulvestrant after the cancer has come back following hormone therapy

Pros and Cons for Ibrance

Pros

Oral pill taken at home
Recommended treatment option for advanced or metastatic breast cancer (HR+, HER2-)
Helps you live longer without the cancer getting worse compared to hormone therapy alone

Cons

Raises your risk for infections, some of which can be serious
Requires regular blood tests to check white blood cell count
Not safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Ibrance

Ibrance (palbociclib) with letrozole:

Low white blood cell count (up to 80%)
Infections (60%)
Tiredness (37%)
Nausea (35%)
Hair loss (33%)
Mouth sores (30%)
Diarrhea (26%)
Anemia (24%)

Ibrance (palbociclib) with fulvestrant:

Low white blood cell count (up to 83%)
Infections (47%)
Tiredness (41%)
Nausea (34%)
Anemia (30%)
Mouth sores (28%)
Diarrhea (24%)
Low platelet count (23%)

Ibrance (palbociclib) with inavolisib and fulvestrant:

Mouth sores (51%)
Diarrhea (48%)
Tiredness (38%)
Nausea (28%)
Rash (26%)
Reduced appetite (24%)
COVID-19 infection (23%)
Headache (22%)

Warnings for Ibrance

Low white blood cell counts
Lung problems
Harm to unborn baby

Prices with our coupons for Kisqali vs. Ibrance

Kisqali1 carton / 42 tablets of 400mg/day

$16,327.71-

Get free coupons

More Information

Ibrance21 cartons / 21 tablets of 125mg

$18,117.35-

Get free coupons

More Information

Compare other Breast Cancer drugs

Kisqali vs. Ibrance Kisqali vs. Verzenio Ibrance vs. Verzenio

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare
Kisqali vs. Ibrance

Kisqali

Ibrance

Summary for Kisqali

Indications for Kisqali

Pros and Cons for Kisqali

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Kisqali

Warnings for Kisqali

Summary for Ibrance

Indications for Ibrance

Pros and Cons for Ibrance

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ibrance

Warnings for Ibrance

Prices with our coupons for Kisqali vs. Ibrance

Compare other Breast Cancer drugs

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Kisqali

Ibrance

Summary for Kisqali

Indications for Kisqali

Pros and Cons for Kisqali

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Kisqali

Warnings for Kisqali

Summary for Ibrance

Indications for Ibrance

Pros and Cons for Ibrance

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ibrance

Warnings for Ibrance