Verzenio
Pronunciation: ver-ZEN-ee-oh
Generic name: abemaciclib
Dosage form: oral tablet
Drug class: CDK 4/6 inhibitors
What is Verzenio?
Verzenio is used to treat HR-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer in adults. It is a targeted treatment, not a chemotherapy drug (see Is Verzenio a chemo drug?).
Verzenio (abemaciclib) first gained FDA approval on September 28, 2017. There is no Verzenio generic.
Uses and FDA approvals
Verzenio is a prescription medicine approved to treat various types of hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2–) breast cancer, such as:
- Early breast cancer that is HR+, HER2– node-positive and has a high risk of coming back in combination with endocrine therapy (tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor)
- HR+, HER2– breast cancer that has worsened or spread (metastasized) in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (such as anastrozole, exemestane, or letrozole) as the first endocrine-based therapy
- HR+, HER2– breast cancer that has worsened or metastasized, and progressed despite endocrine therapy in combination with Fulvestrant.
Verzenio is also effective when used alone to treat HR+, HER2– breast cancer that has worsened, metastasized, or progressed despite endocrine treatment and chemotherapy.
Clinical trials have reported benefits for using Verzenio after Ibrance treatment fails.
Verzenio side effects
Most common side effects
Common side effects that patients may experience while taking Verzenio are:
Digestive system effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite.
Verzenio is more likely than Ibrance to cause diarrhea but appears better for progression-free survival (see Is Verzenio better than Ibrance?).
Blood-related side effects
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Leukopenia (low white blood cell count)
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).
Other frequent side effects
- Increased risk of infections
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Headaches
- Alopecia (hair thinning or hair loss).
Important note for male patients
Male patients should be aware that clinical trials have shown that Verzenio may affect their fertility and their ability to father a child. If you have concerns about fertility, talk to your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
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Serious side effects and warnings
Verzenio may cause the following serious side effects:
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is common with Verzenio and may sometimes be severe. It may cause dehydration or increase your risk of an infection. Diarrhea is more likely to happen in the first month of taking Verzenio. Tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you have any loose stools and start taking an antidiarrheal medicine (such as loperamide). Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
Low white blood cell counts (neutropenia)
Low white blood cell counts may cause serious infections that can lead to death. Your healthcare provider should check your white blood cell counts before and during treatment with Verzenio. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have signs and symptoms of low white blood cell counts or develop symptoms of an infection.
Lung problems
Verzenio may cause severe or life-threatening inflammation of the lungs that could be fatal. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or worsening lung symptoms, including:
- trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- cough with or without mucus
- chest pain.
Liver problems
Verzenio can cause serious liver problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs and symptoms of liver problems:
- feeling very tired
- pain on the upper right side of your stomach area (abdomen)
- loss of appetite
- bleeding or bruising more easily than normal.
Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to monitor your liver for elevations in liver enzymes during treatment with Verzenio, such as alkaline phosphatase or alanine aminotransferase (ALT).
Blood clots in your veins, or the arteries of your lungs
Verzenio may cause serious blood clots that may be fatal. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs and symptoms of a blood clot:
- pain or swelling in your arms or legs
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- tachycardia (a fast heartbeat).
Allergic reactions
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Verzenio such as hives; difficulty breathing; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
These are not all the possible side effects of Verzenio. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How does Verzenio work?
Verzenio's mechanism of action involves blocking proteins involved in cell division called cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK), specifically CDK 4 and 6. Blocking these prevents cancer cells from dividing and multiplying uncontrollably because HR+ breast cancer cells rely heavily on CDK 4/6 for growth.
Verzenio belongs to the drug class called CDK 4/6 inhibitors.
How much does Verzenio cost?
The cost of Verzenio depends on your insurance plan and if you are eligible for the Verzenio savings card. Some people with commercial insurance who meet other criteria pay as little as $0 a month. Verzenio is only available through a specialty pharmacy that can help you work out if you are eligible for the savings card. For more information, call 1-844-VERZENIO (1-844-837-9364).
If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover Verzenio, you may pay close to the list price for it. See Verzenio Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance for more information.
Before taking this medicine
Do not take Verzenio if you are allergic to Verzenio, abemaciclib, or any of the inactive ingredients in the Verzenio tablets.
Before taking Verzenio, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions including if you:
- have a fever, chills, or other signs of infection
- have lung or breathing problems
- have a history of blood clots in your veins
- have liver or kidney problems
- take any medications, such as ketoconazole, clarithromycin, itraconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, posaconazole, and voriconazole because these may affect Verzenio concentrations
- are pregnant or intending to become pregnant
- are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Pregnancy
Verzenio may harm an unborn baby. For females who can become pregnant, your healthcare provider will do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with Verzenio. You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with Verzenio and for 3 weeks after the last dose of Verzenio. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you are pregnant during treatment with Verzenio.
Breastfeeding
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose.
Male fertility
It may be harder for males to get a woman pregnant if they are taking Verzenio.
How should I take Verzenio?
Take Verzenio exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your Verzenio Package Insert and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
- Verzenio is usually taken 2 times a day.
- Take with or without food, at the same time each day.
- Swallow whole and do not crush, chew, or break it. Do not take a cracked, broken, or damaged tablet.
- If you vomit shortly after taking Verzenio, do not take another dose. Take your next dose as scheduled.
Call your doctor if you get loose stools (diarrhea) while taking Verzenio and start taking an antidiarrhea medicine such as loperamide (Imodium A-D). Drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration.
Your blood will need to be tested often and your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.
Verzenio is taken until your breast cancer gets worse despite treatment or side effects become intolerable (see How long do you take Verzenio for?).
Verzenio dosing information
Usual Adult Dose of Verzenio for Breast Cancer:
- Verzenio 150 mg 2 times a day when used with fulvestrant, tamoxifen, or an aromatase inhibitor.
- Verzenio 200 mg 2 times a day when used alone.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take Verzenio as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
If you vomit shortly after taking Verzenio, do not take another dose. Take your next dose as scheduled.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Verzenio?
Avoid taking ketoconazole during treatment with Verzenio. Tell your healthcare provider if you take a medicine that contains ketoconazole.
Avoid grapefruit and products that contain grapefruit during treatment with Verzenio. Grapefruit may increase the amount of Verzenio in your blood.
What other drugs will affect Verzenio?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially ketoconazole. You should not take ketoconazole while you are being treated with Verzenio.
- Ketoconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and coadministration of Verzenio with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should be avoided because they can increase Verzenio concentrations.
- Other medications that are strong CYP3A4 inhibitors include clarithromycin, itraconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, posaconazole, and voriconazole. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice should also be avoided.
The dose of Verzenio should be reduced if co-administered with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as
verapamil or diltiazem.
This list is not complete, see the Verzenio prescribing information for a full list. Other drugs may affect Verzenio, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Ingredients
Verzenio is only available as a branded medicine. There is no Verzenio generic.
Active ingredient: abemaciclib
Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose 102, microcrystalline cellulose 101, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, sodium stearyl fumarate, and silicon dioxide.
Color mixture ingredients: polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, talc, iron oxide yellow, iron oxide red.
Verzenio is available as 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg tablets.
Verzenio storage
Store Verzenio at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
Keep out of the reach of children.
Who makes Verzenio?
Verzenio is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company (commonly known as Lilly), headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Besides Verzenio, Lilly produces several other notable medications including:
- Cymbalta (duloxetine) for depression and anxiety
- Humalog and Lyumjev for diabetes
- Taltz for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
- Olumiant for rheumatoid arthritis
- Jardiance (in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim) for diabetes
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for type 2 diabetes and weight management
- Zepbound (tirzepatide) for weight management.
Popular FAQ
How long do you take Verzenio for?
You will typically continue your Verzenio treatment until you have unacceptable side effects or the disease progresses. Do not stop taking your medicine or change your dose unless your doctor tells you to. Take Verzenio exactly as prescribed. Continue reading
Is Verzenio better than Ibrance?
Verzenio may be more effective than Ibrance in certain HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer patients but it does not seem to be as well tolerated. Clinical trials have shown more people stop Verzenio treatment due to gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea, when compared with Ibrance. Ibrance appears more likely than Verzenio to cause Grade 3 to 4 neutropenia. Continue reading
Can you take Verzenio after Ibrance fails?
Although guidelines do not currently recommend it, using Verzenio after Ibrance is common in clinical practice. A recent clinical trial published in the Journal of Oncology also reported patients were more likely to live for longer without their breast cancer getting worse if they were given Verzenio + fulvestrant after previous CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment (such as Ibrance + endocrine therapy). Continue reading
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.
Continue readingIs 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?
Verzenio (abemaciclib) is a small molecule drug and kinase inhibitor used to treat patients with early breast cancer, and advanced or metastatic breast cancer. It is used to treat both men and women. Verzenio is an ATP-competitive inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK 4 and CDK6). Continue reading
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