Palbociclib Side Effects

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

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

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Women must have a pregnancy test before using this medicine. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose. Males who are using this medicine with female partners who can become pregnant must use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose. If you think you or your partner have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine. Some men using this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).

Palbociclib can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. If you can, avoid people with infections. Check with your doctor immediately if you think you are getting an infection or if you get a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination.

Interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis can occur while using this medicine. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have chest pain, cough, difficulty with breathing, fever or chills while using this medicine.

Do not change your dose or stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal (eg, St. John's wort) or vitamin supplements.

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:

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:

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]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Will insurance pay for the cost of Ibrance?
• Is Verzenio better than Ibrance?
• Can you take Verzenio after Ibrance fails?
• Is Ibrance a form of chemo?
• How common is hair loss with Ibrance?

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