abemaciclib ? What’s your experience?

I am going to be starting this drug as well, after treatment,  I would like yo know what people think, thinking it is a chemo drug, which will lower the immune system,  hopefully not as bad as the proper chemo, we like yo go abroad gor are holidays, an wonder taking them will be able to go

Hi Newbuds

I am on my 9th month of Abemaciclib with letrozole and I am finding it very manageable. The only side effect I have from Abemaciclib is sometimes having to rush to the loo but I have l learnt what food triggers this and when to eat etc. In my case I never eat within 2 hours if taking the tablet but other people find different approaches  work for them. I do manage to eat healthily and I work full time and I am able to  carry on as normal. I have no other side effects and my blood tests  have been normal throughout.  The initial results reported for the drug are very promising they recently reported 5 year stats for those of us taking it for primary breast cancer. The drug name is Vernizio as I am sure you know and the website for this has been updated as recently as this week with lots of information- the oncologist directed me to it this week. 

Feel free to ask me any other questions.

Best wishes 

Lizzie

Sorry the drug is called Verzenio - typed incorrectly. 

Thankyou will look it up. Xx

Does it make you loose your hair like chemo does. Xx

Hi Conker I know that hairloss is listed as a side effect  but it is rare. My hair grew back after chemo whilst on Abemaciclib. I have always had very fine hair but it is no different on Abemaciclib. You probably know this but Abemaciclib is not a chemo drug it is targeted therapy.

 Best wishes 

Lizzie

How frequently do you have blood tests while you are on it please?

Thankyou. Xx

I had blood tests every fortnight for 3 months then every month for 3 months then once every three months which I understand will continue until the end of the 2 years treatment. If bloods are affected they can reduce dosage without any impact on efficacy. This has been researched.