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Inhibition of enzyme kinase is one of the current cancer treatment methods. Verzenio with the active ingredient Abemaciclib is a drug that works by this mechanism, specifically inhibiting CDK4 and CDK6.
1. What is Verzenio?
Kinase is an enzyme that promotes cell growth. By inhibiting a specific type of kinase, the drug Verzenio (active ingredient Abemaciclib) can slow the growth of cancer cells. Verzenio contains the active ingredient Abemaciclib which is a cyclin-dependent CDK4 and CDK6 inhibitor.2. How to use Verzenio (Abemaciclib)
Verzenio is produced in the form of tablets for oral administration, which can be taken before or after meals. Patients should swallow Verzenio tablets whole, without breaking, crushing or chewing them. Patients take Verzenio 2 times daily and the dose depends on the specific cancer pathology. If a dose is missed, the patient should skip the missed dose of Verzenio and continue taking it at the normal schedule. It is important for patients to make sure that they are taking the correct amount of medication as recommended by their doctor.
Abemaciclib blood levels can be affected by certain foods and medications, including grapefruit and grapefruit juice, Verapamil, Amiodarone, Diltiazem, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Posaconazole, Voriconazole, Rifampin, Phenytoin , Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital and Modafanil...
Store Verzenio in the manufacturer's packaging, labeled on the outside, and store in a dry place at room temperature. At the same time, it should be stored in a location out of reach of children and pets.
3. Possible side effects of the drug Verzenio
Patients can apply a number of different measures to control the side effects of Verzenio, these measures will be specifically guided by the doctor for each patient. The following are some of the most common or important side effects of Verzenio:
3.1. Blood clot formation Verzenio may increase the risk of blood clots (including deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism ). Symptoms may include swelling, redness, or pain in the extremities, or difficulty breathing. If the patient experiences symptoms related to thrombosis, the patient should contact the treating physician immediately or go to the hospital for treatment.
3.2. Diarrhea Diarrhea is a possible side effect of Verzenio due to the risk of dehydration. Your doctor may prescribe certain medications to control this. As soon as diarrhea begins (usually within the first week), the patient should start taking anti-diarrheal medication and start drinking more fluids.
3.3. Infections, leukopenia Verzenio can cause life-threatening infections, with or without a decrease in white blood cell counts.
White blood cells play a role in fighting infections in the body. During treatment with Verzenio, the white blood cell count may decrease and lead to an increased risk of infections. It is important for patients taking Verzenio to tell their doctor or nurse immediately if they have signs of an infection such as: fever over 38 degrees, sore throat, cold, trouble breathing, cough, painful urination or slow-healing ulcers. Tips to prevent infection while taking Verzenio :
Wash your hands often, including patients, relatives, visitors; Limit going to crowded places or contact with people who have an infectious disease (with a cold, fever, cough or live with someone who has these symptoms); Do not dispose of pet waste while being treated with Verzenio; Maintain hygiene at open wounds, skin scratches; Shower, take care of your teeth regularly; Do not take corners, cut fingernails/toenails; Talk to your oncologist before having a dental procedure while taking Verzenio; Consult your doctor before getting any vaccines while taking Verzenio . 3.4. Fatigue even at rest Fatigue is very common during cancer treatment with Verzenio. Verzenio users often feel exhausted and do not get better with rest. Therefore, during cancer treatment with Verzenio and for some time afterwards, patients need to adjust their daily schedule to control fatigue, plan time to rest to save energy for the patient. more important activities. In addition, proper exercise can also help patients fight fatigue
3.5. Nausea, Vomiting During treatment with Verzenio, medications can be added to help control nausea and vomiting along with dietary changes, avoiding things that can worsen vomiting symptoms such as food. eating too thick or too greasy/fat, spicy or acidic (lemon, tomato, orange).
3.6. Decrease in red blood cell count - anemia Red blood cells have the function of transporting oxygen in the blood to supply tissues, so a low number of red blood cells will cause the organs in the body to be deprived of oxygen to function, thereby showing signs of fatigue or lack of energy. Patients should inform their doctor if they experience shortness of breath, fatigue or chest pain... during treatment with Verzenio. In some cases where the red blood cell count is too low due to Verzenio, a blood transfusion may be necessary.
3.7. Hair loss, hair loss Patients taking Verzenio may become thin, break easily, or fall out. This side effect usually begins after 2-3 weeks of treatment with Verzenio . In addition, patients may lose hair in some areas of the body, including pubic hair, armpit hair, limb hair, eyelashes and nose hair. Hair usually begins to grow back soon after treatment ends.
3.8. Reducing Food Cravings Nutrition is an important part of cancer care. However, the use of cancer drugs such as Verzenio can affect a patient's appetite and in some cases can make it difficult to eat.
Patients who reduce their appetite while taking Verzenio can apply the following measures:
Break down meals into 5 or 6 small meals a day, instead of just 3 main meals; Patients who do not eat enough can be supplemented with suitable nutritional supplements. 3.9. Headache Your doctor can recommend appropriate medications and strategies to help relieve pain while taking Verzenio .
3.10. Thrombocytopenia is a basic component of blood clotting in the body, so when the platelet count decreases due to Verzenio, the patient is at increased risk of abnormal bleeding. Patients should tell their doctor right away if they develop bruising on their skin, nosebleeds, bleeding teeth, or bloody urine. If the platelet count is too low, a platelet transfusion may need to be considered. Patients should note:
Limit or avoid razor use; Avoid playing contact sports that have the potential to cause injury or bleeding; Verzenio should not be used concurrently with Aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); Do not use dental floss, toothpicks; Do not brush your teeth with a brush with too stiff bristles. 3.11. Kidney problems Verzenio may cause kidney problems, including increased blood creatinine levels. Your treating doctor will monitor this side effect with appropriate blood tests. Patients should notify their doctor if they notice a decrease in the amount of urine per day, blood in the urine, swelling in the ankles, or loss of appetite.
3.12. Hepatotoxicity The use of Verzenio can cause hepatotoxicity, so the treating doctor can monitor it through regular liver function tests. Inform your doctor if you have symptoms of liver toxicity while taking Verzenio such as jaundice, yellow eyes, dark urine, right upper quadrant abdominal pain...
3.13. Pneumonia In rare cases, Verzenio can cause pneumonia, including interstitial pneumonia. If the patient has a new-onset cough (with or without mucus), shortness of breath, shortness of breath, or chest pain, call the physician immediately.
4. How does Verzenio affect fertility?
Studies on this have not been done but Verzenio may affect the reproductive system in men, leading to irregular sperm production or permanent cessation. Male patients may consider a sperm bank if they want to have children in the future, so discuss these options with an oncologist.
Exposure of the fetus to Verzenio during pregnancy can lead to serious birth defects, so patients should not become pregnant or father a child while taking Verzenio. At the same time, the implementation of effective forms of birth control is essential, especially during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after ending treatment with Verzenio. Patients should not breast-feed while taking Verzenio and for at least 3 weeks after stopping treatment.
Verzenio with the active ingredient Abemaciclib is a drug that works by the mechanism of cancer treatment. To ensure the effectiveness of treatment and minimize unwanted side effects, patients need to strictly follow the instructions of the doctor, professional pharmacist.
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Reference source: .oncolink.org
