Is Kisqali Chemotherapy? Plus Answers to 5 Other Top Kisqali FAQs

Kisqali (ribociclib) is an oral medication used to treat hormone-receptor positive, HER2-negative (HR+, HER2-) breast cancer. It’s taken with a hormone-blocking medication such as anastrozole (Arimidex), letrozole (Femara), or fulvestrant (Falsodex). This combination is a preferred treatment option for advanced HR+, HER2- breast cancer.

Nearly 70% of all breast cancers are HR-positive. These cancers depend on hormones such as estrogen and progesterone to grow. Hormone-blocking medications prevent cancer cells from using estrogen, causing them to die. But, HR+, HER2- breast cancer can grow in other ways, too. Kisqali offers an extra layer of support by affecting a different protein that helps these cancers grow. Because of this, taking Kisqali with a hormone blocker is more effective than taking either medication alone.

If you’ve been diagnosed with HR+, HER2- breast cancer, Kisqali is a treatment option your oncologist may consider prescribing. Below, we’ll answer some common questions about Kisqali, including how the medication works and what you can expect while taking it.

1. Is Kisqali chemotherapy?

No, Kisqali is not chemotherapy. It’s a different type of cancer medication called a targeted therapy.

Chemotherapy affects both healthy and cancer cells. But targeted therapies only attack cells with specific cancer characteristics. Since targeted therapies don’t impact healthy cells, side effects are usually less severe and easier to manage than chemotherapy side effects.

Kisqali’s mechanism of action: How does Kisqali work?

Kisqali belongs to a class of medications called cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitors. CDK 4/6 is an important protein that helps cells grow. Many HR+, HER2- breast cancers have too much CDK 4/6 protein, contributing to cancer growth. Kisqali works by blocking CDK 4/6 and slowing down the cancer’s ability to keep growing.

2. How long does Kisqali take to work?

Kisqali begins working as soon as you start taking it. But it can take a few months to notice any improvements in your cancer. In clinical trials, some people saw their tumors shrink as soon as 3 months after starting Kisqali. A more standard time to see a response was about 4 to 5 months by comparison.

It’s important to continue to take Kisqali as prescribed by your oncologist during this time. And be sure to attend all follow-up appointments — this is when your oncology care team can assess how well the medications are working against your cancer. They’ll run routine tests to see how your body is responding.

3. Does Kisqali extend life expectancy?

Yes, Kisqali can extend life expectancy in people with advanced HR+, HER2- breast cancer. In clinical studies, adding Kisqali to hormone-blocking medications increased life expectancy by more than 1 year.

Remember, results can vary from person to person. And you’re much more than a statistic. It’s important to talk to your oncology specialist for personalized information about what to expect with Kisqali for your specific situation.

4. What is a typical Kisqali dosage?

The typical dosage for Kisqali is 600 mg taken orally once daily along with a hormone-blocking medication. Since Kisqali comes as 200 mg tablets, you’ll need to take 3 tablets at a time to get the full 600 mg dose. You can take it with or without food, but Kisqali works best if you take it around the same time every day. What’s more, since oral hormone-blocking medications are taken once daily, it may be helpful to take them at the same time as Kisqali to ensure you don’t miss a dose.

Each treatment cycle for Kisqali lasts 28 days. In other words, you’ll take the medication for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break from the medication. You’ll continue these cycles as long as the medication continues to be effective and you don’t experience any serious side effects.

5. What is the Kisqali Femara Co-Pack?

The Kisqali Femara Co-Pack includes a full 28-day cycle of Kisqali and a hormone blocker, Femara, in a single, convenient package. This may be a more affordable approach than receiving both medications separately, too.

The Kisqali Femara Co-Pack is available in three different dosages:

• Kisqali 600 mg / Femara 2.5 mg

• Kisqali 400 mg / Femara 2.5 mg

• Kisqali 200 mg / Femara 2.5 mg

The full dose of Kisqali is 600 mg. But lower dosages are available in the co-pack if you need a dose adjustment because of side effects or interactions. Your oncologist will be in charge of determining the dosage that you need.

6. What are the notable Kisqali side effects to expect?

Like with any other cancer medication, side effects can happen while taking Kisqali. Most side effects are easily managed by temporarily stopping or lowering the dose of the medication. But if you experience a serious side effect, you may have to stop taking Kisqali altogether. Below are some of the common and serious side effects reported in Kisqali’s clinical trials.

Common Kisqali side effects include:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fatigue or tiredness

• Hair loss

• Infection

• Diarrhea

• Headache

• Cough

• Rash

Rare but serious Kisqali side effects include:

• Liver problems

• Changes in blood counts

• Lung problems, including pneumonitis (lung inflammation)

• Heart rhythm changes known as QT prolongation

• Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)

Managing severe Kisqali side effects

Regular scans and blood work can usually detect issues or side effects before they become serious. 

However, some serious side effects can occur suddenly. So, it’s important to be aware of concerning signs and symptoms and know when you should give your oncologist a call. Concerning signs and symptoms include:

• Chest pain

• Fever or chills

• Trouble breathing

• Skin peeling or blistering

• New or worsening cough

• Severe or worsening rash

• Yellowing of skin or eyes

If you develop any of these signs or symptoms, seek medical care immediately. If not treated early, these side effects can lead to serious complications, which can be life threatening.

What’s more, be sure to let your oncologist know about any side effects you experience, even if they feel mild. And don’t be discouraged if you need a lower dose of the medication — clinical trials show that lower doses of Kisqali are still effective and increase life expectancy in people with HR+, HER2- breast cancer.

How to save on Kisqali

There are ways to save on Kisqali, which is available as a brand-name medication. GoodRx can help you navigate between copay savings cards and patient assistance programs to save money on your prescription.

• Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $25 for Kisqali using a savings card from the manufacturer. The same goes for the Kisqali Femara Co-Pack.

• Save with a free trial. You may be able to qualify for a free treatment cycle of Kisqali or the Kisqali Femara Co-Pack with a manufacturer voucher.

• Save with patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Kisqali’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of charge.

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Written by:

Vanessa Carranza, PharmD

Vanessa Carranza, PharmD, is a pharmacist who has dedicated her career to the advancement of medical education for healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers, most notably in the oncology space.

Edited by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Sonja Jacobsen, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP

Sonja Jacobsen, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP,  is a clinical oncology pharmacy specialist currently practicing in Seattle. She has been practicing as a pharmacist since 2015 and is licensed to practice in Washington state and North Carolina.

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