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Palbociclib - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Palbociclib

Generic Name : Palbociclib
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Palbociclib are provided here.

Understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


Trade Names/Brand Names of Palbociclib

India :


Ibrance

Why is Palbociclib Prescribed? (Indications)

Palbociclib is a kinase inhibitor which is prescribed along with letrazole (an aromatase inhibitor) for the treatment of certain type of hormone receptor positive breast cancer (estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer) in postmenopausal women that is in an advanced stage or has spread to other parts of the body. It is also used along with fulvestrant in women in whom the cancer continues to worsen despite hormonal treatment. Palbociclib blocks the action of a specific protein that plays a role in the multiplication of cancer cells.

When should Palbociclib not be taken? (Contraindications)

Palbociclib should not be used in patients who are allergic to the drug, along with certain medications, grapefruit juice and St. John’s Wort, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you suffer from liver or kidney disease before taking the medication.

What is the dosage of Palbociclib?

The recommended dose of palbociclib is 125mg to be taken once daily for 21 days followed by 7 days off treatment to complete a 28 days cycle.

How should Palbociclib be taken?

Palbociclib comes in the form of a capsule to be taken orally by mouth with food. It is taken in combination with letrazole (2.5mg) once daily. Swallow the capsule as a whole. Do not crush, chew or open the capsule before swallowing.

What are the warnings and precautions for Palbociclib?

• Palbociclib may cause neutropenia (reduced count of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils). Monitor blood cell count from time to time while taking the drug.

• Consult a doctor immediately if there are any signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) after taking palbociclib with letrazole.

• Palbociclib should be avoided during pregnancy as it may harm the fetus. Effective contraception should be used by females of reproductive age while taking the drug.

What are the side effects of Palbociclib?

General: Fatigue
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, stomatitis (inflammation of the mucus membrane of the mouth).
Respiratory: Shortness of breath, sudden chest pain due to pulmonary embolism, bleeding from the nose (epistaxis).
Blood: Reduced counts of blood cells i.e. red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Nervous system: Peripheral neuropathy (damage to the peripheral nerves).
Hair: Unusual thinning of hair or hair loss.

What are the other precautions for Palbociclib?

• Do not breastfeed your baby while taking palbociclib as there is no clear data on whether the drug could pass through the breastmilk and harm the baby.
• Patients should be advised to avoid grapefruit juice while taking the drug as it might increase the plasma concentration of the drug.
• It is advisable that the patient does not take an extra dose of palbociclib on the same day if he/she vomits or misses the dose on that day.

What are the Drug Interactions of Palbociclib?

Palbociclib should be avoided with:

CYP3A enzyme inhibitors
Antibiotics like clarithromycin, telithromycin and nafcillin
Antifungals like itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole
Antiviral drugs like indinavir and lopinavir
These drugs increase the plasma concentration of palbociclib.

CYP3A enzyme inducers
Drugs like phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin, bosentan, efavirenz and modafinil which are CYP3A inducers are found to decrease the plasma concentration of palbociclib.

Drugs whose plasma concentrations are altered by Palbociclib
The plasma concentration of midazolam and certain drugs with narrow therapeutic index like alfentanil, dihydroergotamine, cyclosporine, pimozide, quinidine, ergotamine and everolimus may be increased by palbociclib.

What are the storage conditions for Palbociclib?

Store the medicine in a tightly closed container at room temperature.Protect it from excess heat and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
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