What should I do if my white blood cells are low after taking Palbociclib?

Neutropenia was the most commonly reported adverse reaction in the PALOMA-2 and PALOMA-3 trials of palbociclib, occurring in 80% and 83% of patients, respectively. Palbociclib can temporarily affect the number of healthy blood cells in the body. Before and throughout treatment, patients will receive routine blood tests to check blood cell counts in the blood.

Patients are advised to have blood tests before starting treatment, every two weeks for the first two treatment cycles, and then every four weeks before each cycle. That is, monitor complete blood counts before initiating palbociclib treatment and at the beginning of each cycle, and on Day 15 of the first two cycles, as clinically indicated. For patients who develop grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, it is recommended to interrupt the dose, reduce the dose, or delay the start of the treatment cycle until the white blood cells return to normal levels. In daily life, rest and adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can provide the body with the nutrients it needs and enhance immune system function to help the body recover and avoid exposure to potential sources of infection.

The original drug of palbociclib has been launched in China and has entered the scope of Class B medical insurance, but reimbursement is limited to patients who meet the indications. The price of each box may be more than more than 4,000 yuan. The price of palbociclib's original drug, 125mg*21 capsules, per box sold overseas may be more than RMB 10,000 (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates). There are also generic palbociclib drugs produced in other countries. The price of 125mg*21 tablets produced by a Bangladeshi pharmaceutical factory may be around a few hundred yuan per box (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). The price is cheaper. The pharmaceutical ingredients of generic drugs are basically the same as those of domestic and foreign original drugs.