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Overview: Verzenio is used to treat certain types of breast cancer. It works by blocking the action of proteins that help cancer cells grow and multiply. Common side effects may include diarrhea, infections, blood disorders, tiredness, stomach pain, and nausea and vomiting. Tell your health care provider right away if you have diarrhea, a fever or chills, or other signs of an infection. Keep all appointments with your health care provider while you are taking this medicine. Verzenio is a tablet that is taken by mouth.

Uses

What is Verzenio used for?

Verzenio (abemaciclib) is commonly used for treating breast cancer that is hormone receptor (HR)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative. It treats early breast cancer as well as cancer that is advanced or has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). It is usually given in combination with other medicines, but it may also be used alone. 

It may also be used for breast cancer that is advanced or has spread and has a specific gene change called an ESR1 mutation, in people whose cancer kept growing after at least one hormone therapy.

Learn more about How Verzenio Works for Metastatic Breast Cancer and Early Breast Cancer.

Verzenio may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Verzenio work (mechanism of action)?

Verzenio is a type of medicine called a kinase inhibitor. It blocks the action of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4 and CDK6). CDK4 and CDK6 help cancer cells to grow and multiply. Verenzio blocks the activity of CDK4 and CDK6 to help stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying and to make tumors shrink in size. 

How is Verzenio supplied (dosage forms)?

 Brands and other names

  • Verzenio

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg oral tablets

How should I store Verzenio?

Verenzio should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Verzenio?

The most common side effects of Verzenio are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea (see below)
  • Infections
  • Blood disorders (see below)
  • Tiredness
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Decreased appetite
  • Headache
  • Hair loss

There may be other side effects of Verzenio that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Verzenio?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Verzenio are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Verzenio may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Verzenio and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Diarrhea. Diarrhea is common with Verzenio. It can sometimes be severe and lead to dehydration. Follow all instructions from your health care provider about how to take the medicine to lessen the effect of diarrhea. Call your health care provider right away if you have any loose stools or diarrhea. If you are given medicine to prevent or treat diarrhea, take it exactly as your health care provider tells you. 

Blood Disorders. Verzenio can cause blood disorders, such as low white blood cell levels (neutropenia and leukopenia) or low red blood cell levels (anemia). Having a low level of white blood cells may increase your risk of infections. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Mouth or throat sores
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Lung Inflammation. Verzenio can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing or shortness of breath. You may also have a cough, fever, or chest pain. 

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Verenzio. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Blood Clots. Verzenio may increase your risk of a blood clot and could cause a venous thromboembolism, including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Pain or swelling in the arms or legs
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Breathing that is faster than normal
  • Heartbeat that is faster than normal

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Verzenio?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Verzenio.

  • Abemaciclib
  • Verzenio
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Verzenio.

What should I know about Verzenio before using it?

Do not take Verzenio unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Verzenio with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Verzenio out of the reach of children.

Try to take your Verzenio doses at the same times every day. If you vomit after you take Verzenio, you should not take another dose. Take your next dose as scheduled. 

It is important to keep all appointments with your health care provider, including for blood work, before starting and while you are taking Verzenio. This can help make sure the medicine is safe and working well for you.

Do not chew, cut, or crush Verzenio. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not take your Verzenio tablets if they look damaged, broken, or cracked. Contact your pharmacy to get the damaged, broken, or cracked Verzenio tablets replaced.

Verzenio may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers that you are taking this medicine before any blood work. 

Verzenio may make it hard for you to get your partner pregnant. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Verzenio?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Verzenio is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Fever, chills, or any other signs or symptoms of an infection
  • Blood clots
  • Breathing or lung problems
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Verzenio may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Verzenio, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Verzenio may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. You must not be pregnant before starting Verzenio. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment with Verzenio and for 3 weeks after your last dose. 

Breastfeeding. Do not undergo treatment with Verzenio while you are breastfeeding and for 3 weeks after your last dose. It is not known if Verzenio passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Verzenio?

For more information about Verzenio, you can visit the drugmaker's website at www.verzenio.com or call them at 800-545-5979.

Interactions

Does Verzenio interact with foods or drinks?

Grapefruit can increase the amount of Verzenio in your body and increase your risk of side effects. It is important to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking any grapefruit juice while taking Verzenio. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Verzenio, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer.

Does Verzenio interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. 

In particular, make sure you discuss if you are taking ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infections, before taking Verzenio. 

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Verzenio. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Verzenio. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Verzenio?

If you or someone else has used too much Verzenio, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Verzenio?

If you miss a dose, do not take the missed dose. Instead, take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take 2 doses of Verzenio at the same time to make up for a missed dose.