Abemaciclib

Generic Name: abemaciclib

Kinase Inhibitor [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Verzenio

11 DESCRIPTION Abemaciclib is a kinase inhibitor for oral administration. It is a white to yellow powder with the empirical formula C 27 H 32 F 2 N 8 and a molecular weight 506.59. The chemical name for abemaciclib is 2-Pyrimidinamine, N -[5-[(4-ethyl-1-piperazinyl)methyl]-2-pyridinyl]-5-fluoro-4-[4-fluoro-2-methyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-1 H -benzimidazol-6-yl]-.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Abemaciclib is a kinase inhibitor for oral administration. It is a white to yellow powder with the empirical formula C 27 H 32 F 2 N 8 and a molecular weight 506.59. The chemical name for abemaciclib is 2-Pyrimidinamine, N -[5-[(4-ethyl-1-piperazinyl)methyl]-2-pyridinyl]-5-fluoro-4-[4-fluoro-2-methyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-1 H -benzimidazol-6-yl]-.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE VERZENIO ® is a kinase inhibitor indicated: in combination with endocrine therapy (tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor) for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, node-positive, early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence. ( 1.1 , 14.1 ) in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION VERZENIO tablets are taken orally with or without food. ( 2.1 ) Recommended starting dose in combination with fulvestrant, tamoxifen, or an aromatase inhibitor: 150 mg twice daily. ( 2.1 ) Recommended starting dose as monotherapy: 200 mg twice daily. ( 2.1 ) Dosing interruption and/or dose reductions may be required based on individual safety and tolerability. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dose and Schedule When used in combination with fulvestrant, tamoxifen, or an aromatase inhibitor, the recommended dose of VERZENIO is 150 mg taken orally twice daily. Refer to the Full Prescribing Information for the recommended dose of the fulvestrant, tamoxifen, or aromatase inhibitor being used.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) or Pneumonitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Venous Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) were diarrhea, neutropenia, nausea, abdominal pain, infections, fatigue, anemia, leukopenia, decreased appetite, vomiting, headache, alopecia, and thrombocytopenia.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of ketoconazole. Reduce the VERZENIO dose with concomitant use of other strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors. ( 2.2 , 7.1 ) CYP3A Inducers: Avoid concomitant use of strong and moderate CYP3A inducers. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on VERZENIO CYP3A Inhibitors Strong and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors increased the exposure of abemaciclib plus its active metabolites to a clinically meaningful extent and may lead to increased toxicity. Ketoconazole Avoid concomitant use of ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is predicted to increase the AUC of abemaciclib by up to 16-fold [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Diarrhea: VERZENIO can cause severe cases of diarrhea, associated with dehydration and infection. Instruct patients at the first sign of loose stools to initiate antidiarrheal therapy, increase oral fluids, and notify their healthcare provider. ( 2.2 , 5.1 ) 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. ( 2.2 , 5.2 ) 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. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings in animals and its mechanism of action, VERZENIO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . There are no available human data informing the drug-associated risk. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In animal reproduction studies, administration of abemaciclib during organogenesis was teratogenic and caused decreased fetal weight at maternal exposures that were similar to human clinical exposure based on AUC at the maximum recommended human dose ( see Data).

Storage

Storage and Handling Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Abemaciclib used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE VERZENIO ® is a kinase inhibitor indicated: in combination with endocrine therapy (tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor) for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, node-positive, early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence. ( 1.1 , 14.1 ) in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

What are the side effects of Abemaciclib?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) or Pneumonitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Venous Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) were diarrhea, neutropenia, nausea, abdominal pain, infections, fatigue, anemia, leukopenia, decreased appetite, vomiting, headache, alopecia, and thrombocytopenia.

Can I take Abemaciclib during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings in animals and its mechanism of action, VERZENIO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . There are no available human data informing the drug-associated risk. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In animal reproduction studies, administration of abemaciclib during organogenesis was teratogenic and caused decreased fetal weight at maternal exposures that were similar to human clinical exposure based on AUC at the maximum recommended human dose ( see Data).

What are the important warnings for Abemaciclib?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Diarrhea: VERZENIO can cause severe cases of diarrhea, associated with dehydration and infection. Instruct patients at the first sign of loose stools to initiate antidiarrheal therapy, increase oral fluids, and notify their healthcare provider. ( 2.2 , 5.1 ) 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. ( 2.2 , 5.2 ) 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. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.