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Abemaciclib Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 20, 2022.

For the Consumer

Applies to abemaciclib: oral tablet

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention

Along with its needed effects, abemaciclib may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking abemaciclib:

More common

  • Black, tarry stools
  • bleeding gums
  • bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
  • blood in the urine or stools
  • chest pain
  • chills
  • confusion
  • cough
  • decreased urination
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty with breathing
  • dizziness
  • dry mouth
  • fainting
  • fever
  • hoarseness
  • increased heart rate
  • irregular heartbeat
  • lightheadedness
  • lower back or side pain
  • pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves
  • painful or difficult urination
  • pale skin
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • rapid breathing
  • rapid weight gain
  • severe, sudden headache
  • slurred speech
  • sore throat
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
  • stomach pain
  • sudden loss of coordination
  • sudden, severe weakness or numbness in the arm or leg
  • sunken eyes
  • swollen glands
  • thirst
  • tingling of the hands or feet
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • unusual weight gain or loss
  • vision changes
  • wrinkled skin

Less common

  • Anxiety
  • bloated stomach
  • numbness of the hands
  • pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
  • pain and fullness in the right upper abdomen or stomach
  • weight gain
  • yellow eyes and skin

Rare

  • Blurred vision
  • clay-colored stools
  • dark urine
  • decreased appetite
  • fast heartbeat
  • general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • itching or skin rash
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea
  • numbness or tingling in the face, arms, or legs
  • rapid, shallow breathing
  • severe headache
  • stomach pain or tenderness
  • swelling of the feet or lower legs
  • thickening of bronchial secretions
  • trouble speaking or walking
  • vomiting

Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention

Some side effects of abemaciclib may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • Change in taste
  • discoloration of the fingernails or toenails
  • loss of taste
  • loss or thinning of the hair
  • redness or soreness around the fingernails or loosening of the fingernails
  • swelling or inflammation of the mouth

Managing side effects (general information)

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to abemaciclib: oral tablet

General

The most common adverse reactions reported (20% or greater incidence) were increased creatinine (98%), decreased white blood cell count (91%), diarrhea (90%), decreased neutrophil count (88%), anemia (84%), fatigue/asthenia (65%), nausea (64%), decreased lymphocyte count (63%), decreased platelet count (53%), neutropenia (46%), decreased appetite (45%), infections (43%), increased ALT (41%), abdominal pain (39%), increased AST (37%), vomiting (35%), leukopenia (28%), and thrombocytopenia (20%).[Ref]

Renal

Very common (10% or more): Increased creatinine (98%)[Ref]

Hematologic

Very common (10% or more): Decreased white blood cell count (91%), decreased neutrophil count (88%), anemia (84%), decreased lymphocyte count (63%), decreased platelet count (53%), neutropenia (46%), leukopenia (28%), thrombocytopenia (20%)

Common (1% to 10%): Febrile neutropenia, lymphopenia

Frequency not reported: Neutropenic sepsis[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (85%), nausea (64%), abdominal pain (39%), vomiting (28%), constipation (17%), stomatitis (15%), dry mouth (14%)[Ref]

Other

Very common (10% or more): Fatigue/asthenia (65%), infections (43%), peripheral edema (12%), pyrexia (11%)[Ref]

Metabolic

Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (27%), decreased weight (14%), dehydration (10%)[Ref]

Hepatic

Very common (10% or more): Increased ALT (41%), increased AST (37%)[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Cough (19%)

Common (1% to 10%): Interstitial lung disease, pneumonitis[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache (20%), dysgeusia (14%), dizziness (13%)[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Alopecia (21%), pruritus (14%), rash (13%)[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia (15%)[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Venous thromboembolic events[Ref]

Immunologic

Very common (10% or more): Infections (44%)

Frequently asked questions

References

1. "Product Information. Verzenio (abemaciclib)." Lilly, Eli and Company, Indianapolis, IN.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer