Dosage Information for Verzenio: Potency, Form, Timing, and Additional Details
In the realm of breast cancer treatment, Verzenio (abemaciclib) has emerged as a significant drug, particularly for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancers in adults. However, like many treatments, it comes with potential side effects that patients should be aware of.
The Verzenio dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors, including your liver function. Common side effects, often occurring within the first month of treatment, include diarrhea, neutropenia (low white blood cell count), fatigue, infections, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, anemia, alopecia (hair loss), leukopenia, headache, and thrombocytopenia. Diarrhea is the most frequently reported side effect, often improving with supportive care or dose adjustments.
Other frequent lab abnormalities and serious side effects include low white blood cells, anemia, increased liver enzymes, and blood clotting events such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Patients may also experience palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (pain/redness/swelling on palms/soles), dry skin, nail ridging, hypertension, and increased creatinine levels.
Serious but less common adverse effects include pneumonia, sepsis, and blood clots. To manage these potential toxicities, patients are monitored regularly with blood tests during treatment.
It's essential to take Verzenio as prescribed by your doctor, and disclose all medications you're currently taking to avoid any potential interactions. Verzenio belongs to a drug class called kinase inhibitors and isn't available in a generic version.
The starting dosage for Verzenio alone is 200 mg twice per day, while the starting dosage for Verzenio with other treatments is 150 mg twice per day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose.
Verzenio comes in four strengths: 50 milligrams (mg), 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg. If you have trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about easy-open containers or tools that can make it easier.
In cases of severe side effects or severe liver conditions like cirrhosis, a reduced Verzenio dose may be prescribed. Verzenio is a brand-name drug and comes as an oral tablet that is typically taken twice per day.
Remember, Verzenio is meant to be a long-term treatment, but it can cause side effects that may be bothersome. If you have questions about the dosage of Verzenio that's best for you, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend labels with large print, braille, or a smartphone scannable code for accessible drug labels and containers.
If you believe you've taken too much Verzenio, call your doctor right away or contact America's Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. A medication reminder can help ensure you don't miss a dose.
For more detailed information about Verzenio's dosage, uses, and interactions, consult this article. Stay informed, stay healthy!
- In the context of breast cancer treatment, Verzenio (abemaciclib) is a drug that is significant for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancers in adults.
- Patients taking Verzenio may experience common side effects such as diarrhea, neutropenia (low white blood cell count), fatigue, infections, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, anemia, alopecia (hair loss), leukopenia, headache, and thrombocytopenia.
- If a patient has severe side effects or serious liver conditions like cirrhosis, a reduced Verzenio dose may be prescribed by a doctor.
- It's crucial for patients to take Verzenio as prescribed by their doctor, monitor their health during treatment, and consult with their doctor for any questions about the dosage or potential interactions with other medications.
