Pronunciation: a BEM a SYE klib

Brand: Verzenio

What is the most important information I should know about abemaciclib?

Abemaciclib can cause severe diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration or infection. Call your doctor right away if you have diarrhea. Drink extra fluids and start taking anti-diarrhea medicine such as loperamide (Imodium).

Abemaciclib can cause blood clots, liver problems, or serious and sometimes fatal infections. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as: fever, chills, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, right-sided upper stomach pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, fast heartbeats, or pain or swelling in your arms or legs.

What is abemaciclib?

Abemaciclib is used to treat advanced hormone-related breast cancer. Abemaciclib is used for this condition only if your tumor tests negative for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). HER2 protein can speed the growth of cancer cells.

Abemaciclib is sometimes given with other cancer medicines.

Abemaciclib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking abemaciclib?

You should not use abemaciclib if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • a fever, chills, or other signs of infection; or
  • liver or kidney disease.


Using abemaciclib during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after your treatment ends. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during this time.


How should I take abemaciclib?




If you vomit shortly after taking abemaciclib, do not take another dose. Wait until your next scheduled dose time to take the medicine again.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking abemaciclib.

Abemaciclib can cause severe diarrhea, which can be life-threatening if it leads to dehydration or infection.

If you have diarrhea while taking abemaciclib: start taking anti-diarrhea medicine such as loperamide (Imodium) to quickly treat diarrhea. Drink extra fluids and call your doctor.


Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?


What happens if I overdose?


What should I avoid while taking abemaciclib?

Grapefruit may interact with abemaciclib and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

What are the possible side effects of abemaciclib?


Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe or ongoing diarrhea;
  • pain or burning when you urinate;
  • liver problems --right-sided upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, easy bruising or bleeding, feeling very tired;
  • signs of inflammation in the lungs --new or worsening cough, painful or difficult breathing, wheezing, feeling short of breath even while resting; or
  • signs of a blood clot --pain or swelling in an arm or leg, chest pain, fast heartbeats, feeling short of breath.


Common side effects may include:

  • diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
  • loss of appetite;
  • hair loss;
  • infections;
  • feeling tired;
  • headache; or
  • low blood cell counts.


What other drugs will affect abemaciclib?


Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

  • ketoconazole.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect abemaciclib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about abemaciclib.



Copyright 1996-2021 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01. Revision date: 9/15/2019.



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