Palbociclib 125mg is an oral targeted cancer medicine used with certain hormone therapies to treat specific types of hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer. It works by blocking proteins involved in cancer cell growth and division.
Palbociclib is a targeted anticancer medicine known as a CDK4/6 inhibitor. It is used in combination with appropriate endocrine therapy for eligible adults with hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-negative) advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Palbociclib is not usually used alone for these indications. Treatment choice depends on the cancer’s characteristics, previous treatment, and the patient’s overall health.
Palbociclib 125mg Capsules may be prescribed to:
Treat HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as endocrine-based therapy.
Treat HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with fulvestrant in appropriate patients, depending on previous treatment and local approval.
The appropriate combination and dose should be determined by an oncology specialist based on the diagnosis, treatment history, and relevant product information.
Palbociclib blocks two proteins called CDK4 and CDK6, which help regulate cell division. By interfering with these proteins, it slows the growth and multiplication of certain breast cancer cells. Treatment response varies, and the medicine is used with prescribed hormone therapy rather than as a stand-alone treatment for its usual approved indications.
Take Palbociclib exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Palbociclib capsules should be taken with food, at approximately the same time each day.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not chew, crush, open, or split it.
Do not take capsules that are broken, cracked, or damaged.
Follow your oncologist’s prescribed treatment-cycle schedule. Do not change the dose or stop treatment without medical advice.
If you miss a dose or vomit after taking it, do not take an extra dose that day. Take the next dose at the usual scheduled time.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit products during treatment, as they may increase palbociclib levels in the blood.
Your oncology team will arrange blood tests and monitor you for side effects during treatment.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history and all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you use. Palbociclib can lower blood cell counts and increase the risk of infection.
Tell your healthcare professional if you have:
A current infection, fever, or a history of low blood cell counts.
Liver or kidney problems.
Existing lung disease or unexplained breathing symptoms.
A possibility of pregnancy or plans to breastfeed.
Important interactions include strong CYP3A inhibitors or inducers, which can change palbociclib levels. Grapefruit and grapefruit products should also be avoided. Some prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements may interact with treatment.
Your healthcare team should monitor blood counts before and during treatment. Seek prompt medical advice for fever, chills, unusual bruising or bleeding, or new or worsening breathing symptoms. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to check all potential interactions before starting or changing any medicine.
Palbociclib may harm an unborn baby and is generally not recommended during pregnancy. People who could become pregnant should discuss effective contraception with their healthcare professional during treatment and for the recommended period after the last dose.
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for a period after the final dose; the exact advice should follow the relevant product information and local guidance. Speak with your oncologist before using palbociclib if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Like all medicines, Palbociclib can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Possible side effects include:
Low white blood cell counts, which can increase infection risk.
Low red blood cell counts (anaemia), which may cause tiredness or weakness.
Low platelet counts, which may increase bruising or bleeding.
Fatigue.
Nausea, diarrhoea, or reduced appetite.
Mouth sores.
Seek prompt medical attention for fever or chills, unusual bleeding or bruising, or new or worsening shortness of breath or cough. These may indicate a serious complication and should not be ignored.
This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Please refer to the product packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for complete information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Store Palbociclib according to the instructions shown on the original product packaging.
Keep the capsules in their original container or packaging as directed.
Keep out of reach of children.
Do not use after the expiry date.
Palbociclib 125mg is used with certain hormone therapies to treat HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer in eligible adults.
The time to response varies between individuals and depends on the cancer and treatment combination. Your oncology team will assess how well treatment is working during follow-up.
Yes. Palbociclib capsules should be taken with food. Follow the directions for your exact product, as tablets containing palbociclib may have different food instructions.
No. Swallow capsules whole and intact. Do not open, crush, chew, or take capsules that are damaged.
Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose, or if you vomit after taking it. Take the next dose at the usual scheduled time and contact your healthcare team if you are unsure what to do.
Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and grapefruit products during treatment because they may increase palbociclib levels in the blood and affect side-effect risk.
Yes. Blood tests are used to monitor blood cell counts because palbociclib can reduce white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Your oncology team will advise how often monitoring is needed.
