Palbociclib (Ibrance®)

How does this medicine work?

Palbociclib (Pal-boh-sy-klib) is a cancer medicine known as a CDK(cyclin-dependent kinase) inhibitor. It works by blocking proteins that cause cancer cells to grow and divide.

How should I give it?

Palbociclib is given by mouth as a capsule. It should be taken with food at approximately the same time each day. You should swallow the capsules whole. Do not chew or break open the capsules and do not take capsule if broken or cracked.

Are there any precautions?

The medication should be taken at roughly the same time each day with food to keep a steady level in the bloodstream.  Avoid taking the drug with grapefruit since this may increase the drug level in your blood and increase your risk of side effects.

Drink a full glass of water with each dose to avoid becoming dehydrated.

Check with the doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist before giving any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbs, or vitamins.

If you are pregnant, or could become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, we suggest that you DO NOT prepare or administer this medicine without checking with your health care provider first.

All caregivers should wear gloves when handling urine, stool, and vomit while your child is receiving chemotherapy and for 48 hours afterward. Urine, stool, and vomit can be safely disposed of in septic tanks and the sewer system.

Any clothes or bed linens that are contaminated with urine, stool, or vomit should be washed separately from other laundry in hot water and detergent. Anyone handling the contaminated laundry should wear gloves.

What should I do if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you remember, unless it has been 12 hours or more since the missed dose, then skip the dose and continue with the regular schedule. Never give a double dose.

If your child vomits (throws up) within 30 minutes after receiving a dose, give it again. If your child vomits the second dose, do not repeat it again.

If your child misses or vomits more than one dose, please call the clinic.

What are the side effects?

Common

• Low blood counts, increased risk for infections
• Upper respiratory infection
• Anemia which can cause fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath

Occasional

• Nausea or vomiting
• Mouth sores
• Nosebleeds
• Hair loss or thinning hair
• Rash
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Peripheral neuropathy (tingling or numbness of fingers/toes)
• Increased liver lab values

Rare

• Blood clot in lungs which can lead to difficulty breathing
• Change in sense of taste
• Change in vision

When should I call the clinic?

Call the clinic if you experience any of the following:

• Fever, chills
• Bad headache or dizziness, vision changes
• Bleeding, unusual bruising
• Cough, shortness of breath, sore throat
• Signs of an allergic reaction:

            - wheezing or chest tightness

            - fever

            - itching

            - swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat

            - trouble breathing-call 911

What else do I need to know?

• Your child will have regular blood tests while on this medication to make sure all of the body’s organs are working properly.
• Practice good hygiene and skin care while on this medication.
• If your child has nausea while on this medication, they should take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by their provider.
• Store medication in original container out of reach of children.

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