Skip to main content

How effective is Verzenio?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on March 10, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Verzenio (abemaciclib) is a targeted treatment that helps to reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. It may be used to treat men or women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative (HR+ HER2-), node-positive, early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence. It is also approved for HR+ HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer in men or women. Verzenio may be given when cancer has progressed or spread to other parts of the body after treatments such as anti-estrogens or chemotherapy have already been given.

Verzenio belongs to the class of medicines known as CDK 4/6 inhibitors which help to reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Clinical trials have shown favorable results for men or women with early breast cancer and high-risk clinical and pathological factors taking Verzenio plus tamoxifen or ET.

For women taking Verzenio plus anastrozole or letrozole:

For women taking Verzenio in combination with fulvestrant:

For women taking Verzenio as monotherapy:

Verzenio is usually taken twice daily. When taken regularly, consistent blood levels are achieved within five days. Gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea, typically occur in the first month of treatment and can affect up to 81% of patients. The average time to onset of diarrhea was 6 to 8 days. Diarrhea can be severe and requires monitoring and proper management.

Related questions

Who can use Verzenio?

Verzenio is indicated for the treatment of HR+ HER2- early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence in combination with endocrine treatment (tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor). It may also be used to treat HR+ HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer:

References

Read next

How long does it take Verzenio to work?

Although Verzenio starts inhibiting CDK4/6 enzymes quickly, it may take up two to four months before any change in outcomes, such as progression-free survival, are noted. Side effects, such as diarrhea usually occur within the first week or month of treatment. Verzenio reaches consistent blood levels within five days of taking it twice a day.

Continue reading

Is Verzenio (abemaciclib) a chemo drug?

Verzenio is considered a targeted treatment, rather than being a chemo drug, but it may be used to treat certain types of breast cancer. Verzenio belongs to the class of medicines known as CDK 4/6 inhibitors which help to reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. Continue reading

What type of drug is Verzenio?

Verzenio (abemaciclib) is a small molecule drug and kinase inhibitor used to treat patients with early breast cancer, and advanced or metastatic breast cancer. It is used to treat both men and women. Verzenio is an ATP-competitive inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK 4 and CDK6). Continue reading

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups