Kisqali

Ribociclib, the active ingredient in Kisqali, 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 adult patients.

GNH USA supplies Kisqali as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving oncology centres worldwide.

Kisqali acts on the cyclin‑dependent kinase pathway to control growth of certain breast cancers. - Hormone receptor‑positive, HER2‑negative advanced breast cancer: improves progression‑free survival when combined with endocrine therapy. - Hormone receptor‑positive, HER2‑negative metastatic breast cancer: delays disease progression in combination with letrozole. - Post‑menopausal women with HR‑positive, HER2‑negative disease: used with fulvestrant to extend treatment benefit.

Ribociclib may cause a range of adverse reactions.

Common Side Effects: - Neutropenia: reduced neutrophil count, increasing infection risk. - Nausea: feeling of sickness, may be mild to moderate. - Fatigue: persistent tiredness affecting daily activities. - Diarrhoea: loose stools, can lead to dehydration.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - QT interval prolongation: may cause cardiac arrhythmias. - Severe liver injury: elevated transaminases or hepatitis. - Interstitial lung disease: inflammation of lung tissue, potentially life‑threatening.

Before initiating therapy, clinicians should assess several safety parameters. - Blood count monitoring: perform regular CBC to detect neutropenia. - Liver function tests: evaluate ALT, AST, bilirubin before and during treatment. - Cardiac assessment: obtain baseline ECG and monitor QT interval. - Drug interaction review: avoid strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and QT‑prolonging agents. - Contraception: advise women of child‑bearing potential to use effective contraception. - Store at room temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture.

Ribociclib can interact with several medicines, requiring careful management.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin): may increase ribociclib exposure. - Potent QT‑prolonging drugs (e.g., sotalol, quinidine): raise risk of cardiac arrhythmia. - CYP3A inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine): markedly reduce ribociclib levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole): may modestly raise ribociclib concentrations. - Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium: can affect absorption, advise spacing of doses.