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Ibrance

palbociclib
Used for Breast Cancer
Used for Breast Cancer

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
reviewer
Sonja Jacobsen, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP
Last reviewed on August 26, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Ibrance (palbociclib)?

What is Ibrance (palbociclib) used for?

How Ibrance (palbociclib) works

Ibrance (palbociclib) is a cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor. CDK 4/6 are proteins that help control how cells grow. In cancer, these proteins can become too active, causing cells to grow and divide too quickly. Ibrance (palbociclib)] blocks these proteins to help slow down the growth of cancer cells.

When does Ibrance (palbociclib) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsIbrance
Drug ClassCyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Ibrance (palbociclib) essentials

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How Much Is Ibrance Without Insurance?

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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

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%)

Other Side Effects

Ibrance (palbociclib) with letrozole:
  • Low platelet count
  • Reduced appetite
  • Changes in taste
  • Vomiting
  • Rash
  • Dry skin
  • Weakness
  • Fever
Ibrance (palbociclib) with fulvestrant:
  • Reduced appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Hair loss
  • Rash
  • Fever
Ibrance (palbociclib) with inavolisib and fulvestrant:
  • Vomiting
  • Hair loss
  • Dry skin
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Weight loss

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious infections: fever, chills, dizziness, trouble breathing, weakness, easy bruising or bleeding
  • Lung problems: cough, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain

Source: DailyMed

More on Ibrance (palbociclib) side effects

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8 Ibrance Side Effects and How to Manage Them

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The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

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

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Ibrance (palbociclib)

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Ibrance (palbociclib)

pharmacist

  • If you're taking the capsule form of Ibrance (palbociclib), take it with food at the same time every day. This helps your body absorb the medication better. Swallow the capsules whole — don’t chew, crush, or open them.

    • If you’re taking the tablet form, you can take it with or without food at the same time each day. Swallow the tablets whole — don’t chew, crush, or split them.

      • If you miss a dose of Ibrance (palbociclib) or vomit after taking it, don’t take an extra dose that day. Just take your next dose at your regular time.

        • You should take Ibrance (palbociclib) at the same time as another cancer medication like an aromatase inhibitor, fulvestrant, or inavolisib. These medications work together to treat your cancer. Ask your oncologist if you’re not sure whether you're taking one.

          • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Ibrance (palbociclib). They can raise the amount of the medication in your body and lead to more side effects.

            • Tell your oncologist and pharmacist about all medications and supplements you take while using Ibrance (palbociclib). Some medications can interact and cause more side effects or make the treatment not work as well.

              • Let your oncologist know right away if you have signs of low blood counts or infection while taking Ibrance (palbociclib). This includes fever, chills, dizziness, trouble breathing, weakness, or easy bruising or bleeding. These could be signs of a serious problem.

                • Tell your oncologist if you have new or worse breathing problems while taking Ibrance (palbociclib). Trouble breathing or shortness of breath might need medical attention.

                  • Ibrance (palbociclib) isn’t safe to take during pregnancy since it can harm an unborn baby. Use birth control while taking it and for 3 weeks after your last dose. Let your oncologist know right away if you become pregnant.

                    • Men with partners who can get pregnant should use birth control while taking Ibrance (palbociclib) and for at least 3 months after the last dose. If your partner becomes pregnant during this time, let your oncologist know right away

                      • Don’t breastfeed while taking Ibrance (palbociclib). It’s not known if it passes into breast milk, but it could be harmful to a baby. Avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 3 weeks after your last dose.

                        • Ibrance (palbociclib) might lower your ability to have children, especially for men. Talk to your oncologist if you have concerns about fertility.

                          faqs

                          Frequently asked questions about Ibrance (palbociclib)

                          How many years can you take Ibrance (palbociclib)?
                          There’s no set time limit on how long you can take Ibrance (palbociclib). Many people take it for months or even years. In clinical studies, some took it for over 2 years. Your oncologist will check regularly to make sure the medication is still working and that side effects don’t become too serious.
                          Is Ibrance (palbociclib) a kind of chemotherapy?
                          No, Ibrance (palbociclib) isn’t chemotherapy. Unlike chemotherapy, which kills many fast-growing cells (including healthy ones), Ibrance (palbociclib) is a targeted therapy. It blocks specific proteins called CDK4 and CDK6 that help cancer cells grow and divide. This slows down the growth of the cancer with usually fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
                          How long does Ibrance (palbociclib) work?
                          Ibrance (palbociclib) usually takes a few months to work. Some people might notice changes sooner, while for others it might take longer. Your oncologist will regularly check how well the treatment is working for you.
                          What happens if you stop taking Ibrance (palbociclib)?
                          If you stop taking Ibrance (palbociclib), the cancer might start to grow or spread again, especially if the medication was helping to control it. Always talk to your oncologist before making any changes. Stopping treatment without a new plan could lead to the cancer getting worse more quickly.
                          How long has Ibrance (palbociclib) been used?
                          Ibrance (palbociclib) has been used since 2015, when it received accelerated FDA approval for treating advanced or metastatic breast cancer. After more clinical data became available, it was fully approved in 2017.
                          How long can Ibrance (palbociclib) extend your life?
                          How long Ibrance (palbociclib) can extend your life depends on the person and their cancer. In clinical studies, Ibrance (palbociclib) helped people live 7 to 10 months longer without their cancer getting worse compared to hormone therapy alone. Your oncologist can give you the best idea based on your specific situation.
                          What foods should you avoid while taking Ibrance (palbociclib)?
                          While taking Ibrance (palbociclib), you should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Grapefruit can affect how your body breaks down the medication, which might raise the risk of side effects. If you're unsure about certain foods or drinks, ask your oncologist or pharmacist to be safe.
                          Does Ibrance (palbociclib) make you tired?
                          Yes. fatigue or feeling tired is a common side effect of Ibrance (palbociclib). If the tiredness is severe or gets in the way of your usual activities, let your oncology care team know. They might be able to adjust your treatment or suggest ways to help manage it.
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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.

                          risk-warning

                          Low white blood cell counts

                          Ibrance (palbociclib) often causes your white blood cell count to drop. When this happens, you might have a higher risk of getting an infection. Your oncologist will check your blood counts regularly during treatment. Let your care team know if you get a fever or start to feel sick. If your white blood cell count gets too low, your oncologist might pause your treatment, lower the dose, or delay your next cycle.

                          risk-warning

                          Lung problems

                          Rarely, Ibrance (palbociclib) can cause serious lung problems, like lung inflammation or interstitial lung disease. Tell your care team right away if you have new or worsening breathing problems like coughing or shortness of breath. They might have you stop taking the medication while they figure out what’s causing the problem.

                          risk-warning

                          Harm to unborn baby

                          Based on animal studies, Ibrance (palbociclib) might harm an unborn baby. If you can get pregnant, use birth control while taking it and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose. Men with partners who can get pregnant should use birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose. Let your oncologist know right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.

                          dosage

                          Ibrance (palbociclib) dosage forms

                          Typical dosing for Ibrance (palbociclib)

                          The typical dose is 125 mg by mouth for 21 days in a row, followed by 7 days off. Then, the cycle repeats every 28 days.

                          The dose might be different if you have liver problems or take other medications that interact with Ibrance (palbociclib).

                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Ibrance (palbociclib)?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ibrance (palbociclib). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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                          References

                          Best studies we found

                          American Cancer Society. (2024). Neutropenia (low white blood cell counts).

                          Conner, K. (2025). What are CDK4/6 inhibitors? Breastcancer.org.

                          Finn, R. S., et al. (2016). Palbociclib and letrozole in advanced breast cancer. The New England Journal of Medicine.

                          View All References (8)

                          National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Aromatase inhibitor.

                          National Cancer Institute. (2022). Targeted therapy to treat cancer.

                          National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2025). Invasive breast cancer.

                          Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc. (2025). Ibrance- palbociclib capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc. (2025). Ibrance- palbociclib tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          Turner, N. C., et al. (2018). Overall survival with palbociclib and fulvestrant in advanced breast cancer. The New England Journal of Medicine.

                          U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2017). Palbociclib (IBRANCE).

                          Zardavas, D., et al. (2014). PIK3CA mutations in breast cancer: Reconciling findings from preclinical and clinical data. Breast Cancer Research.

                          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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