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Kisqali vs. Verzenio

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.

• 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

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.

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

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.

• 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

• 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.

• Diarrhea
• Low white blood cell counts
• Lung problems
• Liver problems
• Blood clots
• Harm to unborn baby