Abemaciclib Oral Tablet

Brands: Verzenio

Uses

For treating cancer.

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.

Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.

Avoid grapefruit and Seville oranges (often found in marmalade) while on medicine.

If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take an extra dose. Take your next dose at the usual time.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget a dose, just wait. Use the next dose at the usual time. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Avoid touching any powder from a broken tablet. If the powder touches the skin, nose, or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

Wear disposable gloves when handling this medicine.

If any powder spills from broken tablets, wipe it up with a damp paper towel and throw away immediately in a closed plastic bag.

Always wash your hands after handling this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

If you drink alcohol regularly, please speak with your doctor.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 3 weeks after stopping treatment.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 3 weeks after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• decreased appetite
• constipation
• hair loss
• headaches
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach upset or abdominal pain
• changes in taste or unpleasant taste
• weakness
• weight loss

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• increased risk of bruising and bleeding
• chest or jaw pain
• confusion
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fainting
• severe or persistent headache
• rapid heartbeat
• sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
• lightheadedness
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• rapid breathing
• shortness of breath
• difficulty speaking
• sweating
• persistent or unusual thirst
• urinating less often
• blurring or changes of vision
• weakness on one side of the body

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Extra

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice. There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist. The display and use of this drug information is subject to Terms of Use. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.