Abemaciclib

Abemaciclib is a chemotherapy drug to treat breast cancer. This drug can be used as a single drug or combined with other drugs that are also from the chemotherapy group.

Abemaciclib is used to treat advanced stage breast cancer that has spread to other organs (metastasis). This drug works by inhibiting protein kinase, which is a protein that helps cancer cells divide. That way, the growth and spread of cancer cells can be inhibited.

Abemaciclib can also be combined with aromatase inhibitor drugs as hormone therapy for breast cancer.

Abemaciclib is available in tablet form. This medicine can only be consumed according to the doctor’s prescription and instructions.

Abemaciclib trademark : Yulareb

Warnings Before Consuming Abemaciclib

Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking abemaciclib:

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Abemaciclib should not be used by people who are allergic to this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had or are currently suffering from liver disease , kidney disease, or respiratory disorders.
• Tell your doctor if you are experiencing an active infection, such as the flu, cough, cold, or urinary tract infection, as well as a chronic infection, such as hepatitis B or HIV/AIDS.
• Inform the doctor if you have ever been or are pregnant, may be pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Use contraception while taking abemaciclib for at least 3 weeks after the last dose. Consult your doctor about the right type of contraception for you.
• Tell your doctor if you are using other medicines, including supplements and herbal products. The purpose is to avoid unwanted drug interactions.
• Consult a doctor about the consumption of abemaciclib if you plan to have offspring. This drug can reduce fertility.
• See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction or serious side effects after consuming abemaciclib.

Dosage and Administration of Abemaciclib

The dose of abemaciclib given by the doctor depends on the condition to be treated, as explained below:

Condition: Breast cancer

• Dose: 150 mg, 2 times a day, every day for a maximum of 2 years. The drug is combined with anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole, or tamoxifen .

Condition: Advanced breast cancer that has spread (metastasis)

• As a single dose: 200 mg 2 times a day.
• When combined with anastrazole, exemestane, fulvestrant, or letrozole: 150 mg 2 times a day.

How to Take Abemaciclib Correctly

Follow your doctor’s advice and read the instructions on the packaging before taking abemaciclib. Do not increase or decrease the dose without the doctor’s approval.

For maximum treatment results, pay attention to the following when consuming abemaciclib:

• Consume abemaciclib before or after a meal. Swallow abemaciclib capsules whole with water. Do not chew, split, or crush the capsule.
• Take abemaciclib at the same time every day. If you forget to take the medicine on your usual schedule, ignore the missed dose and do not double the next dose.
• Perform controls according to the schedule given by the doctor so that the condition and response to therapy can be monitored. While taking abemaciclib, you will be asked to undergo regular blood tests.
• See a doctor immediately if you vomit after taking abemaciclib. It is possible that you will need to take abemaciclib again.
• Store abemaciclib at room temperature, dry, and away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Abemaciclib Interactions with Other Drugs

Here are some drugs that can increase the effect of abemaciclib if used together:

• Increased risk of side effects of abemaciclib if used with clarithromycin , itraconazole , ketoconazole , lopinavir-ritonavir , posaconazole, or voriconazole .
• Decreased effectiveness of abemaciclib if used with carbamazepine , phenytoin , or rifampicin .
• Decreased absorption of abemaciclib if used with drugs that reduce stomach acid, such as antacids, famotidine, or ranitidine.

If you are also taking other medicines for heartburn, take abemaciclib at least 2 hours before or after.

Side Effects and Dangers of Abemaciclib

There are several side effects that can arise after consuming abemaciclib, namely:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Stomach ache
• Constipation or even diarrhea
• Canker sores
• Joint or muscle pain
• Bruises
• Itching
• Hair loss

Check yourself with a doctor if the complaints above do not subside or worsen. Immediately seek medical help if you experience a drug allergic reaction or serious side effects below:

• Drowned
• Bewildered
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin ( jaundice )
• The stool is black and liquid like asphalt
• Dark colored urine
• Irregular heartbeat ( arrhythmia )
• Numbness or tingling in the face, arms, or legs
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Easy to bruise and bleed
• Symptoms of infection, such as cough, sore throat, fever, chills
• Pale skin

SOURCE :
Tolaney, et al. (2022). Abemaciclib in Combination With Endocrine Therapy for Patients With Hormone Receptor-Positive, HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Phase 1b Study. Frontiers in Oncology, 11, pp. 810023.
Johnston, et al. (2021). Abemaciclib as Initial Therapy for Advanced Breast Cancer: MONARCH 3 Updated Results in Prognostic Subgroups. NPJ Breast Cancer, 7(1), pp. 80.
National Institute of Health (2023). Medline Plus. Abemaciclib.
Mayo Clinic (2023). Abemaciclib (Oral Route).
Drugs (2023). Abemaciclib.
MIMS Malaysia. Abemaciclib.