What type of drug is Verzenio?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on March 31, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Verzenio (abemaciclib) is a small molecule drug and kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of both early breast cancer, and advanced or metastatic (cancer that has spread) breast cancer. Verzenio is used to treat both men and women. It works as an ATP-competitive inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4 and CDK6), which play a key role in cancer cell growth.

Uses of Verzenio

Verzenio is approved for the treatment of:

1. Early breast cancer:

For patients at high risk of it coming back who have hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, node-positive cancer.
Used in combination with endocrine therapy (tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor).

2. Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer

First-line therapy: In combination with an aromatase inhibitor for HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer that has worsened or spread.
After endocrine therapy failure: In combination with fulvestrant (Faslodex) for HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer that has progressed.
Monotherapy: For HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer that has progressed after both endocrine therapy and prior chemotherapy.

Administration

Verzenio comes as an oral tablet that is taken with or without food. It is usually taken by mouth twice a day, but dose interruptions or reductions may be required at times. This medication comes in the following doses:

50 mg
100 mg
150 mg
200 mg

The dose depends on your condition and how well you tolerate the medication.

Summary

Verzenio helps slow the progression of breast cancer by inhibiting key enzymes involved in tumor growth. Consult your healthcare provider for specific treatment recommendations.

References

Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Verzenio. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/208716s010s011lbl.pdf [Accessed March 20, 2023].
Gelbert LM, Cai S, Lin X, et al. Preclinical characterization of the CDK4/6 inhibitor LY2835219: in-vivo cell cycle-dependent/independent anti-tumor activities alone/in combination with gemcitabine. Invest New Drugs. 2014;32(5):825-837. doi:10.1007/s10637-014-0120-7.

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.

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

How effective is Verzenio?

Trials have indicated that Verzenio plus endocrine therapy (ET) is more effective than ET alone at decreasing the risk of breast cancer recurrence and death by improving rates of invasive disease-free survival (IDFS). 4-year data from the monarchE trial showed 85.5% of patients remained recurrence-free after 4 years compared to 78.6% of those assigned ET alone (an absolute difference of 6.9%). Verzenio plus ET reduces the risk of recurrence by 35% compared to ET alone. Continue reading

What type of drug is Verzenio?

Uses of Verzenio

Related questions

Administration

Summary

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How long does it take Verzenio to work?

Is Verzenio (abemaciclib) a chemo drug?

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