Compare Kisqali vs. Verzenio
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Kisqali (ribociclib)Verzenio (abemaciclib)
- Kisqali (ribociclib)Verzenio (abemaciclib)
Summary of Kisqali vs. Verzenio
Summary for Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitorPrescription onlyKisqali (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.
Summary for Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitorPrescription onlyVerzenio (abemaciclib) is a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor. It’s a targeted therapy used to treat HR+/HER2- breast cancer, including early and advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Verzenio (abemaciclib) is sometimes taken alone and sometimes along with hormone therapy, depending on the stage of cancer. It comes as a pill that’s taken by mouth twice a day. Some of the more common side effects of Verzenio (abemaciclib) include nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. Verzenio (abemaciclib) is only available as a brand-name medication.
Indications of Kisqali vs. Verzenio
Indications for•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 treatmentIndications for•Early breast cancer in people with a high risk of their cancer coming back•Advanced or metastatic breast cancerPros and Cons of Kisqali vs. Verzenio
Pros and Const for Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitorPros•Taken by mouth once a day•A first-choice treatment option for HR+, HER2- breast cancer•Can be taken with or without foodCons•Common side effects include nausea, tiredness, and headache•Requires regular blood tests to monitor for side effects•Interacts with many medicationsPros and Const for Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitorPros•Comes as a pill so it’s more convenient than an injection•Can be taken with or without foodCons•Taken twice a day•Only available as a brand-name medication•Commonly causes diarrheaCommon Side Effects of Kisqali vs. Verzenio
Common Side Effects forEarly 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.
Common Side Effects for•Signs of stress to the kidney on blood tests (up to 99%)•Diarrhea (up to 90%)•Lower blood cell counts (up to 91%)•Tiredness (up to 65%)•Nausea (up to 64%)•Infection (up to 51%)•Signs of stress to the liver on lab tests (up to 31%)•Lower appetite (up to 45%)•Stomach pain (up to 39%)•Vomiting (up to 35%)•Hair loss (up to 27%)•Headache (up to 20%)*Note: Side effect information taken from a study of Verzenio (abemaciclib) by itself for metastatic breast cancer. *
Warnings of Kisqali vs. Verzenio
Common Side Effects for•Lung problems•Severe skin reactions•Heart rhythm problem (QT prolongation)•Liver problems•Low white blood cell counts•Harm to unborn babyCommon Side Effects for•Diarrhea•Low white blood cell counts•Lung problems•Liver problems•Blood clots•Harm to unborn babyPrices with our coupons for Kisqali vs. Verzenio
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