Uses
What is Verzenio used for?
Verzenio (abemaciclib) is commonly used for treating breast cancer that is hormone receptor (HR)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative. It treats early breast cancer as well as cancer that is advanced or has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). It is usually given in combination with other medicines but may also be used alone.
Learn more about How Verzenio Works for Metastatic Breast Cancer.
Verzenio may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Verzenio work (mechanism of action)?
Verzenio is a type of medicine called a kinase inhibitor. It blocks the action of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4 and CDK6). CDK4 and CDK6 help cancer cells to grow and multiply. Verenzio blocks the activity of CDK4 and CDK6 to help stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying and to make tumors shrink in size.
How is Verzenio supplied (dosage forms)?
Verzenio is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 50 mg oral tablets
- 100 mg oral tablets
- 150 mg oral tablets
- 200 mg oral tablets
How should I store Verzenio?
Verenzio should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Verzenio?
The most common side effects of Verzenio are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Diarrhea (see below)
- Blood disorders (see below)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Infections
- Tiredness
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Hair loss
There may be other side effects of Verzenio that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Verzenio?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Verzenio are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Verzenio may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Verzenio and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Diarrhea. Diarrhea is common with Verzenio. You will be told how to take the medicine to lessen the effect of diarrhea. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop diarrhea or if you have more than two bowel movements in one day. If you are given medicine to prevent or treat diarrhea, take it exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following.
- Severe diarrhea
- Diarrhea that does not go away
- Diarrhea with weakness, dizziness, or fever
Blood Disorders. Verzenio can cause blood disorders, such as low neutrophils (neutropenia). Stop taking Verzenio and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Frequent infection
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
- Headache
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Lung Inflammation. Verzenio can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Tell your healthcare provider if you have trouble breathing. You may also have a cough and/or fever.
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Verenzio. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine (pee)
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Blood Clots. Verzenio may increase your risk of a venous thromboembolism (VTE). This can occur when you have a blood clot in your body. This can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Pain or swelling in arms or legs
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Breathing that is more rapid than normal
- Heart beating faster than normal
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Verzenio?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Verzenio.
- Abemaciclib
- Verzenio
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Verzenio.
What should I know about Verzenio before using it?
Do not take Verzenio unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Verzenio with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Verzenio out of the reach of children.
Try to take your Verzenio doses at the same times every day. If you vomit after you take Verzenio, you should not take another dose. Take your next dose as scheduled.
Do not chew, cut, or crush Verzenio. Do not take your Verzenio tablets if they look damaged, broken, or cracked. Contact your pharmacy to get the damaged, broken, or cracked Verzenio tablets replaced.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Verzenio?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Verzenio is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Have a fever, chills, or any other signs of an infection
- Blood clots
- Breathing or lung problems
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
Other Medicines and Supplements. Verzenio may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Verzenio, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. Verzenio may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You must not be pregnant before starting Verzenio. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment with Verzenio and for 3 weeks after your last dose.
Infertility. Verzenio may cause fertility problems in people who were assigned male at birth. Talk with your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.
Breastfeeding. Do not undergo treatment with Verzenio while you are breastfeeding and for 3 weeks after your last dose. It is not known if Verzenio passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Verzenio?
For more information about Verzenio, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.verzenio.lilly.com or call them at 800-545-5979.
Interactions
Does Verzenio interact with foods or drinks?
Grapefruit interacts with Verzenio by making it harder for your body to break down the medicine. This can cause the level of Verzenio to be too high and increase your risk of side effects. It is important to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking any grapefruit juice while taking Verzenio.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Verzenio.
Does Verzenio interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Verzenio.
- Ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infections
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Verzenio. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Verzenio?
If you or someone else has used too much Verzenio, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Verzenio?
If you miss a dose, do not take the missed dose. Instead, take your next dose as scheduled. It is important to not take 2 doses of Verzenio at the same time to make up for a missed dose.