Palbociclib
Information about Palbociclib
Palbociclib uses
Palbociclib is used in the treatment of breast cancer. It is also used to treat patients with certain types of breast cancer (estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative) which have spread to other organs. It is given together with hormonal anticancer therapies.
How palbociclib works
Palbociclib is an anti-cancer medication. Cyclin dependent kinase 4 and 6
(chemical messengers) are downstream of signaling pathways which lead to the proliferation of cells. This medicine works by inhibiting cyclin dependent kinase 4 and 6, thus arrests the cancer cell cycle (cell growing process). It also targets the estrogen (hormone) receptor-positive breast cancer cells by disrupting the cell cycle.
Common side effects of palbociclib
Fatigue, Hair loss, Rash, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Nausea, Decreased appetite, Infection, Decreased white blood cell count, Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth), Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Weakness, Fever
Available Medicine for Palbociclib
Expert advice for Palbociclib
- Take it with food, preferably at the same time every day.
- If you forget to take the medicine or vomit, skip the missed dose and follow a regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up missed dose
- Use effective contraception method to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
- It may cause dizziness. Avoid driving or any activity requiring mental focus until you know how it affects you.
- You may be asked for regular blood tests while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of infection like fever, chills, and weakness.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first.
Frequently asked questions for Palbociclib
Palbociclib
Q. What kind of medicine is Palbociclib?
Palbociclib is an anti-cancer medicine. Palbociclib blocks proteins known as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Blocking these proteins can slow down the growth of cancer cells and delay the progression of the cancer.
Q. How long do I have to take Palbociclib?
The duration of treatment varies from person to person. Your doctor will decide the number of cycles you need to receive based on your condition, response to treatment and your tolerance to side effects. Your doctor may decrease your dose or stop your treatment temporarily or permanently if you experience certain side effects.
Q. Are the side effects of Palbociclib irreversible?
No, most of the side effects are reversible and disappear when the medicine is stopped. Neutropenia is a well-recognized adverse effect of Palbociclib in which the number of your white blood cells get reduced and your immune system gets weakened. As a result, you may be at greater risk of getting an infection while you are taking Palbociclib. However, this side effect disappears rapidly once you stop taking the medicine.