What is IBRANCE® (palbociclib)?
IBRANCE® is a prescription medicine used to treat hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-negative) breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer).1
How does IBRANCE® (palbociclib) work?
IBRANCE® is a targeted therapy known as a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6 inhibitor). It works by blocking two proteins, called CDK 4 and CDK 6, which are found in the nucleus of cells.1
Are there side effects with IBRANCE® (palbociclib)?
All medicines can have side effects, and IBRANCE® is no different. Because IBRANCE® acts on both healthy cells and breast cancer cells it can cause side effects, some of which can be serious.1
How can I manage IBRANCE® (palbociclib) side effects?
Always tell your doctor or nurse how you are feeling and any side effects you experienced. They can advise you how to best manage them. Some side effects can be serious – your doctor may adjust your IBRANCE® dose to help reduce any side effects that are unmanageable.
Will my hair fall out with IBRANCE® (palbociclib)?
Alopecia (hair thinning or hair loss) is a common side effect of IBRANCE®. The majority of women who experienced alopecia with IBRANCE® had hair thinning rather than hair loss.1
What should I tell my doctor before I start IBRANCE® (palbociclib)?
Before you take IBRANCE®, tell your doctor if you:1
- have fever, chills, or any other signs or symptoms of infection
- have liver or kidney problems
- have any other medical conditions
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant; IBRANCE® can harm your unborn baby
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
How do I take IBRANCE® (palbociclib)?
IBRANCE® is taken in 28-day (4-week) cycles.1
The recommended dose of IBRANCE® is one 125 mg tablet taken orally once a day for 21 days (three weeks) followed by 7 days (one week) off treatment.1
IBRANCE® is taken in combination with another medicine known as an anti-hormonal therapy (or endocrine therapy). Your doctor will have prescribed either an aromatase inhibitor (eg letrozole) or fulvestrant.1
Always take IBRANCE® as exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not change your dose or stop taking IBRANCE®unless your doctor tells you.1
What else should I know about taking IBRANCE® (palbociclib)?
IBRANCE® should be taken with or without food at approximately the same time each day. Swallow IBRANCE® tablet whole – do not chew or crush IBRANCE® tablet before swallowing them. Do not take any IBRANCE® tablet that are broken, cracked or look damaged.1
You should also avoid grapefruit and grapefruit products during treatment with IBRANCE® as grapefruit may increase the amount of IBRANCE® in your blood.1
What should I do if I vomit or miss a dose of IBRANCE® (palbociclib)?
If you vomit shortly after taking your IBRANCE®, or if you miss a dose, do not take an additional dose that day – take your next scheduled dose at the usual time.1
What should I do if I take too much IBRANCE® (palbociclib)?
If you take too much IBRANCE®, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.1
What monitoring will I need while taking IBRANCE® (palbociclib)?
A regular blood test to check your complete blood count (CBC) is used to monitor for side effects and is the most common monitoring requirement for IBRANCE®.1 However, in some circumstances your doctor may determine additional monitoring is needed. Based on your results, your doctor may temporarily stop your treatment, decrease your dose, or tell you to wait to begin your treatment cycle.
Is there any support available to help cover the cost of IBRANCE® (palbociclib)?
Pfizer Oncology is committed to helping you to access the Pfizer metastatic breast cancer medicine you have been prescribed by your oncologist.
We have collected information on financial assistance programs and resources provided by government/charitable organizations that may be able to help you.
Find out if you are eligible for support to help you with the cost of your medicine.
References
- IBRANCE® (palbociclib) Tablets Prescribing Information. Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited. Version: January 2021.
Disclaimer
The information enclosed is for your understanding of the disease and is provided via your Healthcare Provider. The information is for patients who receive Ibrance®. It cannot replace a consultation with medical professional nor as a basis of self-diagnosis or for treatment decision. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Ibrance® is a prescription only medication. The effectiveness and side effects to medication may vary among individuals. Please consult your doctor or your pharmacist for more information.
Drug Safety
How to report adverse events of Pfizer products?
Patient safety is of paramount importance throughout the life cycle of a medicine - and pharmaceutical companies have ethical and regulatory responsibilities to monitor the safety of the products they sell for as long as they are used by consumers anywhere in the world. The Drug Safety Unit at Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Ltd addresses product experience reports /including adverse events. If you have any experience pertinent to the above, please contact us at +852 2811 9711 as soon as possible.
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