How long can I take Palbociclib/Palbociclib?

Palbociclib/ Palbociclib is an oral capsule or tablet used to treat certain types of breast cancer. Palbociclib is taken once daily for 21 days, with a 7-day break before starting again. You will repeat this 28-day cycle as long as prescribed by your doctor, based on effectiveness and tolerability. Your doctor may prescribe other drugs to use with palbociclib, such as aromatase inhibitors or fulvestrant.

You will usually take palbociclib for 21 days, along with other medicines such as aromatase inhibitors or fulvestrant. This cycle repeats every 28 days as long as you are benefiting from and tolerating the side effects of the medication. Palbociclib is indicated in women and men for the treatment of advanced or metastatic hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer. Side effects caused by palbociclib may include increased infections, low red blood cell count, fatigue, stomach upset, hair loss, diarrhea, and mouth sores. Always discuss side effects with your doctor.

Avoid grapefruit juice and grapefruit products during treatment with palbociclib. Grapefruit may cause increased levels of palbociclib in the blood and worsen side effects.

In a study of patients taking palbociclib plus letrozole,36% of patients (36 per 100 people) required a dose reduction due to side effects. About 9.7% (43 of 444 patients) permanently discontinued treatment due to side effects, such as low blood counts (neutropenia, 1.1%) and elevated liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, 0.7%).

In a study of patients taking palbociclib plus fulvestrant, 36% of patients (36 per 100 patients) required a dose reduction due to side effects. Approximately 6% (19 of 345 patients) permanently discontinued treatment due to side effects such as fatigue (0.6%), infection (0.6%), and thrombocytopenia (0.6%).

In short, the question of how long palbociclib can be taken is decided by your attending doctor. Patients should closely contact your attending doctor when using palbociclib.