Palbociclib: Uses, Side Effects, and Medicines

How Palbociclib Works

Palbociclib is an oral medication that is used to treat certain breast cancer. Palbociclib is a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor medication. The enzymes are extremely crucial in the cell cycle and cell division. Palbociclib inhibits CDK4 and CDK6, thereby inhibiting or slowing the proliferation of cancer cells in certain hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced or metastatic breast cancer. It is usually administered with hormone therapy, i.e., letrozole or fulvestrant, to boost its effectiveness.

Palbociclib Indications

Palbiciclib is indicated in the treatment of HR+, HER2-advanced breast cancer in women and men and postmenopausal women. Palbociclib is administered with:

  • Aromatase inhibitors (e.g., Letrozole) – utilized in advanced-stage breast cancer of early stage.
  • Fulvestrant – utilized in the relapse which develops after a previous hormone therapy.

Doctors typically give Palbociclib for 28 days, 21 days of treatment and 7 days of rest time so that the body is given a rest.

Side Effects of Palbociclib

Palbociclib is a strong cancer drug, yet Palbociclib also has side effects. Side effects are:

  • Fatigue – The patients would be very tired because it halts the growth of cells.
  • Nausea and Vomiting – Patients either get nauseated or vomit.
  • Thinning of Hair – Thins the hair to thicker than the loss of hair due to chemotherapy.
  • Diarrhea or Constipation – Gastrointestinal side effects in patients taking this drug.
  • Loss of Appetite – Loss of appetite in certain patients.
  • Mouth Sores (Stomatitis) – Redness of the mouth which is sore.
  • Should be reported to a health practitioner any continuing side effects.

 

AVAILABLE MEDICINE FOR PALBOCICLIB

Bdpalbo 100mg Capsule
Paleno 75mg Capsule
Piciclib 125mg Capsule
Piclib 125mg Capsule

Severe Side Effects and Palbociclib Warnings

Though rare, Palbociclib does have some serious side effects that need to be treated by a physician immediately. They are:

1. Severe Neutropenia

Palbociclib leads to an extreme decrease in white blood cells, and that puts one at risk of infection.

Signs of infection are fever, chills, cough, and sore throat.

2. Lung Difficulty (Pneumonitis)

Palbociclib, in a rare case, results in lung inflammation.

Symptoms are shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain.

3. Liver Damage

The medication can lead to liver damage and increased liver enzymes.

Signs and symptoms are jaundice, dark urine, and pain in the abdomen.

4. Abnormalities in coagulation

Certain patients are at risk of clot formation which can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).

Signs and symptoms are pain in the leg, swelling, and shortness of breath.

Patients should be brought to the physician if any of the signs and symptoms are noticed.

Drugs That Interact with Palbociclib

Certain drugs interact with Palbociclib and reduce its effectiveness or increase its side effects. They are:

  • Strong CYP3A Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin) – Can increase the concentration of Palbociclib in the blood, thus producing more side effects.
  • CYP3A Inducers: Strong (e.g., Phenytoin, Rifampin, St. John's Wort, Carbamazepine) – They can decrease the effectiveness of Palbociclib.
  • Some Antibiotics (e.g., Rifampicin, Erythromycin) – Have a potential effect on the drug metabolism.
  • Grapefruit Juice, Grapefruit – Avoid as it raises the drug body level.
  • Inform your doctor of all the medicine you are taking before Palbociclib's administration.

Conclusion

Palbociclib is an HR+, HER2- metastatic breast cancer-safe medication. While the medicine is extremely useful in inhibiting cancer growth, the patient needs to be given a full knowledge of its side effects and potential harmful complications. Always talk with your doctor first before using or stopping this drug, and follow guidelines for the greatest safety and results. In instances of major side effects, report to a doctor at once. For more info, contact Singhla Medicos, your trustworthy healthcare companion.

FAQ

Take Palbociclib at the same time every day with food. Swallow the tablet whole without breaking or crushing.

If a dose is missed, take the next dose on a regular schedule. Don't take an extra dose for the skipped dose. Simply miss the missed dose and then get back on a regular schedule with the following one. Take as directed for optimal effect.

No, Palbociclib is not safe for an unborn baby. Pregnant or becoming pregnant shouldn't take it. Contraception needs to be taken while and after the drug is being taken for several weeks.

Treatment will be ongoing as long as the cancer is being controlled by the drug and side effects are manageable. That will be determined by your doctor.

No, Palbociclib is not typical chemotherapy. Palbociclib is a targeted cancer therapy that blocks CDK4/6 proteins from functioning, and this works to slow down cancer growth.

No, Palbociclib is never taken by itself as a breast cancer drug. It's always combined with hormone therapy.

Palbociclib will cause less hair thinning but no hair loss.

Do not take grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they will influence the effect of the drug. Do not consume too much alcohol and tell your doctor if you are on other medication.

Palbociclib will affect the fertility of men and women. If you would like to have a child, let your doctor know before you receive treatment.

Most insurances cover palbociclib, but the price is not set. Ask your healthcare provider or your insurance provider.