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Ibrance

palbociclib

Used for Breast Cancer

Ibrance (palbociclib) is an oral medication used to treat certain types of advanced or metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body). It works by stopping the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. Ibrance (palbociclib) is taken once a day for 21 days in a 28 day cycle. But it should be used in combination with other medications that block or lower the amount of estrogen in your body.

Reviewed by:

Lauren Morton, PharmD, BCPS

Daisy Chau, PharmD

Last reviewed on September 14, 2022

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Alternatives Latest news Prices Medicare

What is Ibrance (palbociclib)?

What is Ibrance (palbociclib) used for?

HR+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer

How Ibrance (palbociclib) works

Ibrance (palbociclib) is a specific type of kinase inhibitor, called a cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor. CDK 4/6 are proteins that control cell growth in both normal and cancer cells. These proteins can become overactive in cancer cells and cause the cancer to uncontrollably divide and grow. By blocking CDK 4/6, Ibrance (palbociclib) slows the growth of cancer cells.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsIbrance

Drug ClassKinase inhibitor

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

What are the side effects of Ibrance (palbociclib)?

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

Infection (up to 60%)
Low white blood cell counts (up to 83%)
Tiredness (up to 41%)
Nausea (up to 35%)
Hair loss (up to 33%)
Swollen or sore mouth (up to 30%)
Low red blood cell count (anemia) (up to 30%)
Diarrhea (up to 26%)
Low platelet counts (up to 23%)

Side effects listed were reported when Ibrance (palbociclib) was taken at the same time as letrozole (Femara) or fulvestrant (Faslodex).

Other Side Effects

Vomiting
Lower appetite
Rash
Weakness or lack of energy
Fever
Dry skin
Change in how things taste

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Serious infections: fever, chills, dizziness, shortness of breath, weakness, bruising or bleeding more often
Lung problems: cough, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain

Source: DailyMed

The following 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
Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing
Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Diarrhea
Fatigue
Hair loss
Nausea
Pain, redness, or swelling with sores inside the mouth or throat
Skin rash
Unusual weakness or fatigue

Pros and cons of Ibrance (palbociclib)

Pros

Available as a pill that’s swallowed once a day

Recommended treatment option for breast cancer HR+, HER- advanced or metastatic breast cancer

Compared with other similar medications, causes less diarrhea and has lower risk of affecting your heart rhythm

Cons

Only available as a brand medication so it might be expensive

Can cause infections, some of which can be serious

Not safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding

Pharmacist tips for Ibrance (palbociclib)

If you're taking the capsule form of Ibrance (palbociclib), take it with food at the same time every day. This helps more of the medication get absorbed in your body. If you’re taking the tablet form, you can take it with or without food.

If you miss a dose of Ibrance (palbociclib), or vomit after taking a dose, don’t take another dose that day. Take your next dose at the normally scheduled time.

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Ibrance (palbociclib). These foods or drinks can raise the levels of the medication in your body and raise your risk for more side effects.

Certain medications can interact with Ibrance (palbociclib), so it’s important to tell your provider and pharmacist about all the medications you take, including supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Your provider can guide you to safer alternatives or recommend how to best take your medications.

You should be taking Ibrance (palbociclib) at the same time as a medication that blocks or lowers the amount of estrogen in your body (like an aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant [Faslodex]). Check with your provider if you aren’t receiving one of these medications.

Ask your provider or pharmacist about the best way to handle and throw away Ibrance (palbociclib) safely. Anticancer medications can be very harmful to people who handle or come into contact with them.

Frequently asked questions about Ibrance (palbociclib)

Is Ibrance (palbociclib) a kind of chemotherapy?

Ibrance (palbociclib) is not a chemotherapy medication. Chemotherapy is a class of medication kills cancer cells in your body. Ibrance (palbociclib) doesn’t kill cancer cells. Instead, it works by telling cancer cells to stop growing.

Can Ibrance (palbociclib) be used to treat any type of breast cancer?

No. Although there are many different types of breast cancer, Ibrance (palbociclib) is used to treat HR+/HER2- (hormone receptor positive (HR+) / human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-)) advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Your provider will perform a biopsy or surgery to help figure out the receptor type of your cancer. Knowing what type of receptor your cancer has will help your provider decide what treatment is best for you.

Is Ibrance (palbociclib) safe in pregnancy?

Ibrance (palbociclib) isn’t recommended for use in pregnancy because it might cause harm to your unborn baby. If you’re a female of childbearing age taking Ibrance (palbociclib), you should use birth control while taking Ibrance (palbociclib) and for 3 weeks after the last dose. Males with female partners of childbearing age should use birth control while taking Ibrance (palbociclib) and for at least 3 months after the last dose. Let your provider know right away if you become pregnant while taking this medication.

Is Ibrance (palbociclib) safe while breastfeeding?

It isn’t recommended to breastfeed while taking Ibrance (palbociclib). We don’t know if the medication can pass into your breast milk, but there’s a risk of serious harm to nursing infants if it does. Because of this risk, you shouldn’t breastfeed while taking Ibrance (palbociclib) and for 3 weeks after your last dose. Talk with your provider about other ways to feed your baby during treatment.

Can Ibrance (palbociclib) affect my ability to have a baby?

Maybe. Based on animal studies, Ibrance (palbociclib) might lower your fertility, especially if you’re male. Although what happens in animals might not necessarily be the same in humans, it’s important to be aware of this risk. Talk to your provider if you have questions or concerns about the possible impact of Ibrance (palbociclib) on your fertility.

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What are the risks and warnings for Ibrance (palbociclib)?

Ibrance (palbociclib) 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.

Low white blood cell counts

Ibrance (palbociclib) can cause your white blood cell count to drop. When these cell counts are lower than normal, you might be at risk of developing infections. Your provider will check your blood counts often while you’re taking Ibrance (palbociclib). Let your provider know if you develop a fever or start to feel sick. If this happens you might need to have your dose lowered or stop this medication all together.

Lung problems

Rarely, Ibrance (palbociclib) can cause serious lung problems, like inflammation of your lungs or interstitial lung disease. Let your provider know if you develop any new or worsening breathing problems (e.g., shortness of breath, dry cough, or breathing faster). Your provider might tell you to stop taking Ibrance (palbociclib) while they figure out what’s causing the lung problems.

Harm to unborn baby

Based on animal studies, Ibrance (palbociclib) can harm an unborn baby. Because of this risk, females of childbearing age should use birth control while taking Ibrance (palbociclib) and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose. Males with female partners of childbearing age should use birth control while taking Ibrance (palbociclib) and for at least 3 months after the last dose. Let your provider know right away if you become pregnant during this time.

Ibrance (palbociclib) dosage forms

Typical dosing for Ibrance (palbociclib)

Ibrance (palbociclib) is taken in a cycle of 28 days. For the first 21 days of the cycle, the typical dose is 125 mg taken by mouth once a day. During the last 7 days of the cycle, you won't take any Ibrance (palbociclib). At the end of the 28 days, the cycle typically starts over again.

Your dose might be different if you have liver problems or if you’re taking medications that might interact with Ibrance (palbociclib) (see Pharmacist Tips).

You’ll also need to take either an aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant (Faslodex) for treatment. In addition, if you’re a male or a female who hasn’t undergone menopause, your provider might also recommend you take a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist.