Verzenio (abemaciclib)

Verzenio (abemaciclib) is abreast cancertreatment in oral tablet form that attackstumorcells in patients with HR+/HER2-breast cancer. Specialists prescribe it as part of a combination ofdrugsthat also includes an aromatase inhibitor.

Verzenio is a CDK4 and 6 inhibitor. CDK4 and 6 are proteins that govern how quicklycancercells need to grow and reproduce, and Verzenio attacks those proteins, making it difficult for thecancercells to continue growing.

Common side effects include:

• Diarrhea
• Low white blood cell count
• 间质性肺病
• Livertoxicity

Pregnantwomen andnursingmothers should not take Verzenio as it could harm the infant.

• Diarrhea: Instruct patients at the first sign ofloose stoolsto initiate antidiarrheal therapy, increase oral fluids, and notify their healthcare provider.
• Neutropenia: Monitor complete blood counts prior to the start of Verzenio therapy, every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, monthly for the next 2 months, and as clinically indicated.
• Interstitial Lung Disease(ILD)/Pneumonitis: Severe and fatal cases of ILD/pneumonitis have been reported. Monitor for clinical symptoms or radiological changes indicative of ILD/pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue Verzenio in all patients with Grade 3 or 4 ILD or pneumonitis.
• Hepatotoxicity: Increases in serum transaminase levels have been observed. Performliver functiontests (LFTs) before initiating treatment with Verzenio. Monitor LFTs every two weeks for the first two months, monthly for the next 2 months, and as clinically indicated.
• Venous Thromboembolism: Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of thrombosis andpulmonary embolismand treat as medically appropriate.
• Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of potential risk to a fetus and to use effectivecontraception

Verzenio tablets are taken orally with or without food.

• Recommended starting dose in combination with fulvestrant or an aromatase inhibitor: 150 mg twice daily.
• Recommended starting dose as monotherapy: 200 mg twice daily.

Dosing interruption and/or dose reductions may be required based on individual safety and tolerability.

• CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use ofketoconazole. Reduce the Verzenio dose with concomitant use of other strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors.
• CYP3A Inducers: Avoid concomitant use of strong and moderate CYP3A inducers.

• Do not take Verzenio if you arepregnantor may become pregnant. Verzenio can harm developing fetuses.
• Do not breastfeed while taking Verzenio, as the drug is excreted inbreast milkand could harm the infant.