Abemaciclib

USES:

This medication is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat hormone-related and HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer (locally advanced).

IUPAC name: N-[5-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]pyridin-2-yl]-5-fluoro-4-(7-fluoro-2-methyl-3-propan-2-yl benzimidazol-5-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine

Drug class: Antineoplastic; Kinase inhibitor

Route of administration: Oral

Is it a drug that needs a prescription? YES

Is it an OTC drug? NO

Mechanism of action

Abemaciclib inhibits or slows the formation of malignant cells in the breast by inhibiting the action of a malfunctioning protein that stimulates the cells to grow.

Side effects

Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, sore mouth, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, rash/itching, weight loss, hair loss, dehydration.

Serious side effects

Diarrhea, shortness of breath, swelling of feet/hands/ankles, abnormal heart rate, weakness, fever, chills, cough, chest pain, easily bruising.

Precautions

Before using this medication, take the following precautions and notify your doctor:

• If you are allergic to it or have any other allergies, you should avoid it.
• If you are taking any other medication (prescribed, non-prescribed, or herbal products),
• If you have a medical history of intestinal or stomach ulcers, hepatic disease, blood clots,
• Avoid coming into contact with people who have infectious diseases.
• Limit your alcohol consumption because it causes drowsiness.
• This medication should not be given during pregnancy as it may harm the baby.