Side Effects of Verzenio and Their Management Strategies: Illustrations and Approaches
In the realm of breast cancer treatment, Verzenio (abemaciclib) is a brand-name oral tablet prescribed for certain situations. However, like many medications, it comes with potential side effects that patients should be aware of.
Pregnant women, women planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding women should not take Verzenio or breastfeed for three weeks following the last dose. Sharing your experience with side effects from Verzenio helps make medications safer for everyone. You can report side effects to the FDA through MedWatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088.
Gastrointestinal Toxicity is a common side effect of Verzenio. Diarrhea, affecting over 30% of patients, is the most frequently reported side effect, and is a common reason for dose adjustments or discontinuation. In real-world reviews, patients have reported persistent diarrhea—sometimes severe enough to require daily antidiarrheal medication. Nausea, abdominal pain, and bloating are also commonly reported gastrointestinal effects, contributing to overall discomfort and sometimes impacting daily activities.
Hematologic Effects are also recurrent. Neutropenia (low neutrophil count), leukopenia (low white blood cell count), and anemia are reported, with neutropenia being among the most clinically significant and sometimes leading to complications requiring medical intervention. Fatigue is reported by over 30% of patients, often persisting during therapy and affecting quality of life, including the ability to work and perform daily tasks.
Other Common Effects include musculoskeletal symptoms such as pain, headaches, and dizziness. Pneumonitis—a rare but serious lung inflammation—has been reported in a small number of cases, some of which have been fatal.
The incidence of grade ≥3 (severe) and serious toxicities is notably higher with abemaciclib plus endocrine therapy than with endocrine therapy alone. Treatment discontinuation due to adverse events occurs in about 6.5% of patients on abemaciclib, compared to 1.1% in the control group. Patient-reported outcomes corroborate these findings, with some users describing significant impairment in quality of life, persistent fatigue, and frequent gastrointestinal symptoms.
It's important to note that Verzenio can cause an allergic reaction in some people, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. If you experience nausea, hair loss, or hair thinning while taking Verzenio, talk with your doctor who may prescribe medication, adjust your dosage, or suggest a different treatment. If you develop diarrhea, talk with your doctor who may monitor your condition, recommend an antidiarrheal medication, or adjust your treatment plan.
In clinical trials, increased creatinine levels from Verzenio usually resolved once the drug was discontinued. People with active infections, kidney problems, liver problems, low white blood cell levels, or a history of allergic reactions to Verzenio or its ingredients should not take the drug.
Examples of long-term side effects reported in Verzenio's studies include liver problems, lung disease, and blood clots. Mild side effects of Verzenio can include abdominal pain, decreased appetite, headache, infection, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and hair loss.
For additional information about Verzenio, see this Verzenio overview article. If side effects from Verzenio last for longer than a few days, bother you, or become severe, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Verzenio may cause serious side effects such as lower levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, liver problems, blood clots, lung disease, and allergic reactions.
Your doctor will typically order tests to make sure your liver, lungs, and blood are healthy enough for you to continue taking Verzenio. Diarrhea is another common side effect of Verzenio, which can lead to dehydration. Consult your doctor about alcohol consumption while taking Verzenio. For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. For serious symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Hair loss or hair thinning is a common side effect of Verzenio, and it is unknown whether the hair loss is reversible after stopping the drug. Do not stop taking Verzenio without consulting your doctor first.
- Patients taking Verzenio may experience a range of side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, and neutropenia (low neutrophil count), which can sometimes require medical intervention and may impact daily activities.
- Pregnant women, women planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding women should not take Verzenio due to potential side effects and should report any side effects from medications to the FDA.
- In the field of medical-conditions and health-and-wellness, it's crucial to be aware of potential side effects of treatments like Verzenio, as they may have long-term effects such as liver problems, lung disease, and blood clots.
