Palbociclib Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Dec 3, 2024.

Applies to palbociclib: capsule oral, oral capsule, oral tablet.

Serious side effects of palbociclib

Along with its needed effects, palbociclib 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 palbociclib:

More common side effects

• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• chest pain
• chills
• cough
• difficulty breathing
• fever
• hoarseness
• loss of voice
• lower back or side pain
• nosebleeds
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• swelling or inflammation of the mouth
• swollen glands
• trouble breathing
• ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• redness, swelling, or pain of the skin
• scaling of the skin on the hands and feet
• thickening of bronchial secretions
• tingling of the hands and feet
• ulceration of the skin

Other side effects of palbociclib

Some side effects of palbociclib 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 side effects

• blurred vision
• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• dry skin
• hair loss or thinning of the hair
• increased tearing
• lack or loss of strength
• loss of or change in taste
• nausea
• skin rash
• vomiting

Less common side effects

• dry eye

For healthcare professionals

Applies to palbociclib: oral capsule, oral tablet.

General adverse events

Most common adverse reactions (10% or greater incidence): Neutropenia, leukopenia, fatigue, anemia, infections, nausea, stomatitis, alopecia, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, decreased appetite, vomiting, asthenia, peripheral neuropathy, and epistaxis.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Upper respiratory infection (up to 31%), epistaxis (up to 11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pulmonary embolism, interstitial lung disease, pneumonitis^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (37%), asthenia (17%), pyrexia (12%)^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased white blood cells (95%), decreased neutrophils (94%), decreased hemoglobin (83%), decreased lymphocytes (81%), neutropenia (80%), decreased platelets (61%), leukopenia (39%), anemia (24%), thrombocytopenia (16%)
• Frequency not reported: Febrile neutropenia^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (35%), stomatitis (30%), diarrhea (26%), vomiting (16%)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Alopecia (33%), rash (18%), dry skin (12%)^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (16%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Peripheral neuropathy (13%), dysgeusia (10%)^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Infections (e.g., nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, oral herpes, sinusitis, rhinitis, bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia, gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis, herpes zoster, pharyngitis, cellulitis, cystitis, lower respiratory tract infection, tooth infection, gingivitis, skin infection, gastroenteritis viral, respiratory tract infection, respiratory tract infection viral, folliculitis) (60%)^[Ref]

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Further information

Palbociclib side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer