Ibrance

Palbociclib, the active ingredient in Ibrance, is a cyclin‑dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor presented as an oral tablet for oral use. It treats hormone‑receptor‑positive, HER2‑negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with endocrine therapy.

GNH USA supplies Ibrance as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving oncology centres, hospitals and specialty pharmacies worldwide.

Ibrance is a CDK4/6 inhibitor used in the management of hormone‑receptor‑positive, HER2‑negative breast cancer. - Hormone‑receptor‑positive, HER2‑negative advanced breast cancer: used with endocrine therapy to delay disease progression. - Hormone‑receptor‑positive, HER2‑negative metastatic breast cancer: improves progression‑free survival when added to hormonal agents. - Combination therapy with aromatase inhibitors or fulvestrant: enhances overall response rates in patients whose disease has progressed on prior endocrine treatment.

Common Side Effects: - Neutropenia: decreased neutrophil count, increasing infection risk. - Leukopenia: reduced white blood cells. - Anemia: lowered red blood cell levels causing fatigue. - Fatigue: general tiredness and reduced stamina. - Nausea: upset stomach, sometimes with vomiting. - Alopecia: hair thinning or loss.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Febrile neutropenia: fever with low neutrophils, requiring urgent care. - Severe infections: pneumonia, sepsis, or other opportunistic infections. - Pulmonary embolism: blood clot in the lungs. - Elevated liver enzymes: potential liver injury. - Severe neutropenia: profound drop in neutrophils. - Thromboembolic events: deep‑vein thrombosis or arterial clotting.

Before initiating therapy, patients should be evaluated for baseline blood counts and liver function. - Monitor blood counts: perform complete blood count (CBC) regularly to detect neutropenia. - Assess liver function: check hepatic enzymes before and during treatment. - Avoid concomitant myelosuppressive agents: may increase risk of severe cytopenias. - Pregnancy and lactation: use effective contraception; safety in pregnancy is unknown. - Drug interactions: review concomitant medications for CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers. - Store at ambient temperature: keep tablets below 25 °C, in the original container, protected from moisture and light.

Palbociclib is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4, making it susceptible to drug‑drug interactions. Major Interactions (Avoid): - Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin): may increase palbociclib exposure. - Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin): may reduce efficacy. - Concurrent myelosuppressive chemotherapy: can exacerbate hematologic toxicity. Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole, diltiazem): may modestly raise drug levels. - Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium: may affect absorption if taken simultaneously. - CYP3A4 substrates with narrow therapeutic index (e.g., tacrolimus): monitor plasma concentrations.