Palbociclib
About Palbociclib
Palbociclib belongs to the group of anti-cancer drugs used to treat certain types of breast cancer. Cancer is the uninhibited and uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breast. It can form in the lobules, ducts or tubules of the breast or in the breast tissue itself.
Palbociclib contains Palbociclib that works by blocking proteins necessary for cell growth, thereby causing cell death and arresting the uncontrolled production of new cells. Thus, Palbociclib is effective in controlling cancer cells from multiplying and is used in the treatment of breast cancer.
Take Palbociclib as prescribed. In some cases, Palbociclib may cause certain common side effects such as weakness, loss of appetite, infections and dry skin. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of its components. Do not take Palbociclib if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Palbociclib may cause tiredness, so drive only if you are alert. Palbociclib is not recommended for use in children below 18years. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any interactions.
Uses of Palbociclib
Medicinal Benefits
Palbociclib is an anti-cancer drug used in the treatment of a particular type of breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-negative. Palbociclib works by blocking the production of proteins called cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 that are responsible for cell growth and division. By blocking them, Palbociclib nips cell growth in the bud and prevents cancer cells from spreading further. Thus, Palbociclib helps treat breast cancer.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Palbociclib
- Loss of appetite
- Dry skin
- Weakness
- Infection
- Hair loss
- Fever
- Inflammation of the mouth and lips
Drug Warnings
Do not take St. John's wort or grapefruit/grapefruit juice with Palbociclib. It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of its components. Do not take Palbociclib if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Palbociclib may cause tiredness, so drive only if you are alert. Palbociclib is not recommended for use in children below 18years. If you experience any signs or symptoms of infections, inform your doctor. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any interactions. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as dry cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath as it could be an indication of lung inflammation
Drug Interactions
Drug-DrugInteractions: Palbociclib may interact antiviral/anti-HIV drug (lopinavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir, telaprevir, saquinavir), antidepressant (St John’s wort and nefazodone), antifungals (voriconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole), antibiotics (clarithromycin, telithromycin) anti-rheumatoid drug (abatacept), heart medicine (quinidine), anti-gout medicine (colchicine), anaesthetics (alfentanyl and fentanyl), immunosuppressants (tacrolimus, cyclosporine), antipsychotics (pimozide) and anti-migraine drugs (dihydroergotamine, ergotamine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Palbociclib may interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Palbociclib should be used with caution in patients with a known hypersensitivity disorder, HIV, epilepsy, lactose intolerance, kidney disease, liver disease, lung or breathing disorders, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, gout or a disease of the veins.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not recommended to use alcohol with Palbociclib. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
unsafePalbociclib is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Breast Feeding
unsafePalbociclib is not recommended during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Driving
cautionPalbociclib may cause tiredness and lethargy, which may affect your ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any side effects after using Palbociclib.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using Palbociclib in case of established liver disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
cautionExercise caution before using Palbociclib in case of established kidney disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Children
unsafePalbociclib is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Meditation and yoga have been proven very effective in helping cancer patients maintain a healthy attitude and body.
- Eat more lean meats, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods to give you more energy.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water as dehydration is often seen in cancers.
- Taking a stroll in the garden, or spending 30 minutes of your time doing some light physical activity can be very useful. However, do not over-exert yourself if you feel too tired.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- Discuss contraception with your doctor while taking Palbociclib.
- People on treatment with Palbociclib should use additional contraception (barrier method such as condoms). Contraception should be continued 3 weeks post-treatment for women and 14 weeks post-treatment for men.
- You may want to consider sperm storage before starting Palbociclib. Seek counsel on the same from a qualified healthcare individual and/or sperm bank.
- Regular complete blood count monitoring is advised.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in breast cells. Breast cancer may form in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), in the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. The tumour cells invade other healthy breast cells and can travel to lymph nodes which are a primary pathway for the cancer cells to move to other parts of the body. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast or tissue thickening which feels different than the normal surrounding tissues, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, bloody discharge, unexplained change in shape, size or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin, and a lump or swelling under the arm.
FAQs
Palbociclib belongs to the group of anti-cancer drugs used to treat certain types of breast cancer.
Palbociclib works blocking proteins responsible for cell growth and division, thereby arresting the progression of cancer cells.
Do not stop taking Palbociclib on your own. You are advised to take Palbociclib for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Palbociclib.
A fibroadenoma is a benign state. Palbociclib is indicated only in case of cancers. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Palbociclib can reduce fertility in men. Therefore, consider sperm preservation before starting Palbociclib if you wish to father a child in the future. Effects on female fertility have not been established. Please consult your doctor before using Palbociclib.
Palbociclib may reduce white blood cell count, thereby weakening the immune system. This might increase your risk of infections. If you notice any signs or symptoms of infections, consult your doctor.
Palbociclib is a type of targeted cancer drug. It is a treatment for breast cancer that is oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor-negative (HER2 -).
The duration of taking Palbociclib varies from person to person. You take it in cycles (21 days on, 7 days off.), and as long as it's working and manageable, you continue the treatment. Your healthcare team will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Most side effects associated with Palbociclib are temporary and can be effectively managed. However, certain side effects may persist or have a lasting impact in some cases. Common reversible side effects include fatigue, nausea, and hair loss, which typically resolve once treatment is stopped. In rare instances, more serious and potentially irreversible side effects may occur, such as permanent hair loss, increased infection risk, or heart problems. Regular monitoring and open communication with your healthcare team are essential to mitigate these risks and address any concerns that may arise during treatment.
Yes, Palbociclib treatment requires blood count monitoring. If neutropenia is mild in the first six cycles, monitor blood counts every 3 months afterwards. This monitoring schedule helps healthcare providers track potential changes in blood counts and adjust treatment accordingly.
Take Palbociclib exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Swallow the capsule whole with water on an empty stomach at the same time each day. Follow the treatment schedule.
While using Palbociclib, birth control is necessary to prevent pregnancy. Female patients must take a pregnancy test before starting treatment and use birth control during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the final dose. Male patients, along with their partners, should also use birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the final dose. It's crucial to inform your doctor if you're pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or plan to father a child so they can guide you on the appropriate measures to take.
While women's fertility may not be affected, Palbociclib can decrease fertility in men. Men taking palbociclib may want to talk to their treatment team about sperm preservation before starting treatment.
In some cases, side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment: fever, chills, or signs of infection; difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; cough with or without mucus; chest pain; dizziness; fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat; weakness; unusual bleeding or bruising; nosebleeds; or redness, pain, swelling, or blisters on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet, as well as skin blistering, peeling, or redness.
