Ibrance 125mg Tablets

Manufacturer PFIZER Active Ingredient Palbociclib Tablets(pal boe SYE klib) Pronunciation PAL-boe-SYE-klib
It is used to treat breast cancer.
🏷️
Drug Class
Antineoplastic agent
🧬
Pharmacologic Class
Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor
🤰
Pregnancy Category
Not assigned; risk of fetal harm based on animal data
FDA Approved
Feb 2015
⚖️
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

ℹ️

What is this medicine?

Ibrance is a medicine used to treat a certain type of advanced breast cancer. It works by blocking specific proteins (CDK4 and CDK6) that help cancer cells grow and divide. This helps to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells. It is usually taken along with another hormone therapy medicine.
📋

How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication Correctly

To get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided with your prescription and follow the instructions closely. You can take this medication with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole - do not chew, break, or crush it. If the tablet is broken, cracked, or looks damaged, do not take it.

Take your medication at the same time every day to establish a routine. Continue taking your medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start feeling well. If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take an extra dose. Instead, take your next dose at the usual time.

Storing and Disposing of Your Medication

Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom. Keep it in its original container to maintain its quality and safety.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose

If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
💡

Lifestyle & Tips

  • Take Ibrance with food, preferably with a meal, to help with absorption and reduce stomach upset.
  • Take your dose at approximately the same time each day.
  • Swallow tablets whole; do not chew, crush, or split them.
  • Do not take a missed dose if it is close to the next scheduled dose. Skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they can increase the amount of Ibrance in your body.
  • Avoid St. John's Wort, as it can decrease the amount of Ibrance in your body.
  • Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
  • Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose for females of reproductive potential, and for at least 3 months after the last dose for males with female partners of reproductive potential.
  • Report any signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat) immediately.
  • Report any new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain.

Dosing & Administration

👨‍⚕️

Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: 125 mg orally once daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by 7 days off treatment (28-day cycle). Administered in combination with an aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant.
Dose Range: 125 - 125 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer: 125 mg orally once daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by 7 days off treatment (28-day cycle). Administered in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy or fulvestrant in patients with disease progression following endocrine therapy.
👶

Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established
Infant: Not established
Child: Not established
Adolescent: Not established
⚕️

Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: No dose adjustment required.
Moderate: No dose adjustment required.
Severe: 75 mg orally once daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by 7 days off treatment (28-day cycle).
Dialysis: No data available; avoid use if possible.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No dose adjustment required (Child-Pugh A).
Moderate: 75 mg orally once daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by 7 days off treatment (28-day cycle) (Child-Pugh B).
Severe: 50 mg orally once daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by 7 days off treatment (28-day cycle) (Child-Pugh C).
Confidence: High

Pharmacology

🔬

Mechanism of Action

Palbociclib is a selective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4 and 6. These kinases are activated by binding to D-cyclins and play a crucial role in cell cycle progression from G1 to S phase. Inhibition of CDK4/6 by palbociclib prevents retinoblastoma protein (Rb) phosphorylation, thereby blocking cell cycle progression and inhibiting tumor cell proliferation.
📊

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Not directly reported, but Tmax suggests good absorption.
Tmax: 6 to 12 hours
FoodEffect: Absorption is increased when taken with food, especially high-fat food. Taking with food reduces inter-patient variability. Should be taken with food.

Distribution:

Vd: 2583 L (apparent volume of distribution)
ProteinBinding: Approximately 85%
CnssPenetration: Limited

Elimination:

HalfLife: Approximately 29 hours
Clearance: Not directly reported, but primarily hepatic metabolism and excretion.
ExcretionRoute: Feces (approximately 74%), Urine (approximately 17%)
Unchanged: Approximately 2.2% (feces), 1.9% (urine)
⏱️

Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Not directly applicable for chronic oncology treatment; effect on cell cycle arrest is rapid.
PeakEffect: Not directly applicable for chronic oncology treatment; clinical effect is observed over cycles.
DurationOfAction: Not directly applicable for chronic oncology treatment; sustained inhibition required.
Confidence: Medium

Safety & Warnings

⚠️

Side Effects

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:

Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of infection: fever, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased or changed sputum production, painful urination, mouth sores, or a wound that won't heal
Signs of bleeding: vomiting or coughing up blood, coffee ground-like vomit, blood in the urine, black, red, or tarry stools, bleeding gums, abnormal vaginal bleeding, unexplained bruises or bruises that enlarge, or uncontrollable bleeding
Dizziness
Lung problems: new or worsening symptoms such as chest pain, cough (with or without mucus), shortness of breath, or other breathing difficulties (note: lung problems can be fatal)
Signs of a blood clot: chest pain or pressure, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, swelling, warmth, numbness, color change, or pain in a leg or arm, or difficulty speaking or swallowing

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you're bothered by any of the following side effects or if they persist, consult your doctor:

Hair loss
Hair thinning
Mouth irritation or mouth sores
Fatigue or weakness
Dry skin
Changes in taste
Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach upset, and decreased appetite (common side effects; discuss ways to minimize them with your doctor)
If any of these side effects bother you, don't improve, or are severe, contact your doctor for guidance

Reporting Side Effects

This list is not exhaustive. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
🚨

Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Fever (100.4°F or higher) or other signs of infection
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Extreme tiredness or weakness
  • Shortness of breath, cough, chest pain (signs of lung problems)
  • Severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
  • Mouth sores
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Dark urine, light-colored stools
📋

Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This is crucial because certain medications, such as those used to treat HIV, infections, seizures, and other conditions, should not be taken with this drug. There are many medications that interact with this drug, so it is vital to disclose all medications you are taking.
* If you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 3 weeks after your last dose.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications and health problems to ensure safe treatment. Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, consult with your doctor to confirm that it is safe to do so with this medication.
⚠️

Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

While taking this drug, you may be at a higher risk of developing infections, some of which can be severe or even life-threatening. To minimize this risk, practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoid close contact with individuals who have infections, colds, or flu.

Additionally, this medication may increase your tendency to bleed easily. To reduce the risk of injury and bleeding, exercise caution in your daily activities and use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor for personal grooming.

Regular monitoring of your blood work and other laboratory tests is crucial while taking this medication. Adhere to the schedule recommended by your doctor for these tests.

This drug is often prescribed in conjunction with other medications. It is vital to understand the warnings, benefits, and risks associated with these other drugs. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor.

To avoid potential interactions, refrain from consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking this medication.

Men taking this drug should be aware that it may affect their fertility. If you have concerns about fathering a child, consult your doctor.

For women, it is crucial to note that this medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. A pregnancy test will be conducted before initiating treatment to confirm that you are not pregnant. If you are capable of becoming pregnant, use effective birth control methods during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose. If you become pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, notify your doctor immediately.

Similarly, if your sexual partner may become pregnant, it is recommended that they use birth control during your treatment and for 3 months after your last dose. If your partner becomes pregnant, contact the doctor right away.
🆘

Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Exaggerated adverse effects, particularly neutropenia and other hematologic toxicities.

What to Do:

There is no specific antidote for Ibrance overdose. Management should involve general supportive measures and close monitoring of hematologic parameters. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control).

Drug Interactions

🔴

Major Interactions

  • Strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, grapefruit juice): May significantly increase palbociclib exposure, leading to increased toxicity. Avoid concomitant use or reduce palbociclib dose.
  • Strong CYP3A inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John's Wort): May significantly decrease palbociclib exposure, leading to reduced efficacy. Avoid concomitant use.
🟡

Moderate Interactions

  • Moderate CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin, diltiazem, verapamil, fluconazole): May increase palbociclib exposure. Consider dose reduction if co-administration is unavoidable.
  • Moderate CYP3A inducers (e.g., bosentan, efavirenz, modafinil): May decrease palbociclib exposure. Avoid if possible or monitor for reduced efficacy.
🟢

Minor Interactions

  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2-receptor antagonists: May reduce palbociclib solubility and absorption, as palbociclib solubility is pH-dependent. Take palbociclib with food to mitigate this effect.

Monitoring

🔬

Baseline Monitoring

Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential

Rationale: To establish baseline neutrophil, platelet, and hemoglobin levels, as neutropenia is a common and dose-limiting toxicity.

Timing: Prior to the start of Ibrance treatment.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Rationale: To assess baseline hepatic function, as palbociclib is metabolized in the liver.

Timing: Prior to the start of Ibrance treatment.

📊

Routine Monitoring

Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential

Frequency: Every 2 weeks for the first 2 cycles, then prior to the beginning of each cycle, and as clinically indicated.

Target: Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) ≥ 1000/mm³, Platelets ≥ 50,000/mm³

Action Threshold: Dose interruption or reduction for Grade 3/4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, or anemia.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Frequency: Periodically, as clinically indicated.

Target: Within normal limits or stable.

Action Threshold: Monitor for significant elevations; dose adjustment may be considered for severe hepatic impairment.

Renal Function Tests (e.g., creatinine, eGFR)

Frequency: Periodically, as clinically indicated.

Target: Within normal limits or stable.

Action Threshold: Monitor for significant changes; dose adjustment required for severe renal impairment.

👁️

Symptom Monitoring

  • Signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat)
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Fatigue, weakness, dizziness (signs of anemia)
  • Shortness of breath, cough, chest pain (signs of interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis)
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Stomatitis/mouth sores
  • Hair thinning/loss
  • Rash
  • Peripheral neuropathy

Special Patient Groups

🤰

Pregnancy

Ibrance can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Based on animal studies and its mechanism of action, Ibrance is expected to cause fetal harm. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: Potential for major birth defects and miscarriage due to interference with cell division.
Second Trimester: Potential for developmental abnormalities.
Third Trimester: Potential for developmental abnormalities and adverse effects on fetal growth.
🤱

Lactation

It is not known whether palbociclib is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise lactating women not to breastfeed during Ibrance treatment and for 3 weeks after the last dose.

Infant Risk: High risk (L5 - Contraindicated)
👶

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of Ibrance in pediatric patients have not been established. Not indicated for pediatric use.

👴

Geriatric Use

No dose adjustment is required for patients ≥65 years of age. Clinical studies did not identify differences in safety or effectiveness between elderly and younger patients.

Clinical Information

💎

Clinical Pearls

  • Always administer Ibrance with food to optimize absorption and reduce variability.
  • Strict adherence to the 21-day on, 7-day off schedule is crucial for efficacy and managing toxicities.
  • Neutropenia is the most common and dose-limiting toxicity; monitor CBCs frequently, especially during the first two cycles.
  • Educate patients on signs of infection and to report fever immediately.
  • Counsel patients on drug interactions, especially with strong CYP3A inhibitors/inducers and grapefruit products.
  • Dose reductions are primarily based on hematologic toxicities; follow specific dose modification guidelines provided in the prescribing information.
  • Consider the potential for interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis and advise patients to report new or worsening respiratory symptoms.
🔄

Alternative Therapies

  • Everolimus (Afinitor) + Exemestane
  • Chemotherapy (e.g., capecitabine, eribulin)
  • Other endocrine therapies (e.g., tamoxifen, letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane, fulvestrant)
  • PI3K inhibitors (e.g., alpelisib)
💰

Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: $14,000 - $16,000 per 21 tablets (one cycle)
Insurance Coverage: Specialty Tier (requires prior authorization, may have high co-pay/co-insurance)
📚

General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.