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Verzenio Side Effects

Generic name: abemaciclib

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Apr 4, 2022.

Note: This document contains side effect information about abemaciclib. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Verzenio.

Applies to abemaciclib: oral tablets.

Side effects include:

In combination with an aromatase inhibitor (i.e., anastrozole or letrozole) for initial treatment of hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer: Diarrhea, neutropenia, fatigue, infection (most commonly upper respiratory tract infection, lung infection, and pharyngitis), nausea, abdominal pain, anemia, vomiting, alopecia, decreased appetite, leukopenia, constipation, rash, cough, pruritus, dyspnea, dizziness, decreased weight, influenza-like illness, thrombocytopenia, elevated Scr concentrations (see Renal Impairment under Cautions), decreased lymphocyte count, elevated AST and/or ALT concentrations, decreased platelet count.

In combination with fulvestrant for treatment of hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer in patients with disease progression following endocrine therapy: Diarrhea, fatigue, neutropenia, nausea, infection (includes urinary tract and upper respiratory tract infection, lung infection, pharyngitis, conjunctivitis, sinusitis, vaginal infection, sepsis), abdominal pain, anemia, leukopenia, decreased appetite, vomiting, headache, dysgeusia, alopecia, thrombocytopenia, stomatitis, cough, pruritus, constipation, dizziness, peripheral edema, pyrexia, rash, decreased weight, myasthenia, elevated Scr concentrations (see Renal Impairment under Cautions), decreased lymphocyte count, decreased platelet count, elevated AST and/or ALT concentrations.

Monotherapy in patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer with disease progression following endocrine therapy and prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease: Diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, neutropenia, vomiting, infection, anemia, headache, thrombocytopenia, cough, constipation, leukopenia, arthralgia, decreased weight, dry mouth, stomatitis, alopecia, dysgeusia, dizziness, pyrexia, dehydration, elevated Scr concentrations (see Renal Impairment under Cautions), decreased leukocyte count, decreased neutrophil count, decreased lymphocyte count, elevated AST and/or ALT concentrations, hypokalemia, hyponatremia.

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 (2017):

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.

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