Abemaciclib

[Multigravida1956]

Hi, I’ve just commenced Abemaciclib as part of my adjuvant treatment for high risk breast cancer (grade 3, stage 2a, 2 lymph nodes involved). I’ve already had lumpectomy, lymph node clearance, 6 rounds of chemotherapy, having IV bisophates 6 monthly for 3 years and I’m currently taking Letrozole and adcal. The plan is that I will be taking this medication for 2 years. I was just wanting to know if other’s taking this medication would share their experience. The potential side effects are causing me some anxiety and I realise we are all different and this drug will affect us differently but reading another’s experience will be helpful. Thank you

[AirIsUnderrated]

Hi there. I had BC 2 years ago and was put on Letrozole too. I was unfortunate with it and had to be changed to Anastrazole, then finally Exemestane, which I have to take for 7 years total. I was told I was unusual.

I work in a GP surgery, prescribing, and most people are on Letrozole, which is the first drug they give. Most people seem to cope OK. But there are alternatives if you struggle. Don’t suffer in silence.

[Multigravida1956 in reply to AirIsUnderrated]

Thank you. My post wasn’t clear, my concern is taking Abemaciclib, which is an oral chemotherapy drug will be prescribed for 2 years, if my body can cope with the side effects.

[jolo777]

I had to quit Letrozole after 1 year of severe bone pain in my back and legs. mri showed deuterated back bone

[BC_60_Blre]

Hi,Abemaciclib 150mg is prescribed and will start medication this week. Happened to speak to another patient who have been taking this. What I understood is that other than diarrhoea initially,there are no adverse symptoms. If you do a google search on side effects you may not feel like taking it at all. This was the suggestion given to me. Doc said, Bones may go weaker and hence calcium rich food and vit D is important. Pomegranate on alternate days will help.

[WarArtist]

I am near the end of my 2 year treatment with Verzenio (Abemaciclib). I take it with Exemestane. I started with the 150 mg dose, but after several months, the dose was reduced to 100mg which I tolerated better. The initial side effects on the stronger dose were diarrhea, some muscle pain and fatigue. On the lower dose, I don’t experience pain but I still have some fatigue. The diarrhea is more manageable on the lower dose. That is the worst of the side effects. I take a prescription antidiarrheal, Lomotil, with the Verzenio and that controls things for the most part. But there are times when I have to take Immodium as well. There are days when the diarrhea is severe enough that I have to stay home from my activities, but thankfully those days don’t occur often.

My doctor advised that when I travel, I can stop taking the Verzenio for that time without any adverse effect. Believe me, you don’t want to be traveling through airports and other countries when the side effects occur.

Hope this information helps. The medical studies show a slight reduction in recurrence if we take the two year course of treatment. Oh—I’m not sure where you live, but there may be some financial assistance from the pharmaceutical company for the drug, which is obscenely expensive in the U.S.

[Multigravida1956 in reply to WarArtist]

Thank you, my treatment is funded by the NHS as I’m in England. It is planned that I will be prescribed this drug for 2 years too. I’m in my first week of taking this medication and have been prescribed 150mg twice daily. You have done brilliantly having almost completed the 2 years course. Data I’ve read indicates that many women don’t complete the full 2 year course. The results from the Monarch trial is still immature but the NHS wouldn’t fund this medication if they didn’t believe it was beneficial. I hope I can do as well as you have. Thank you for replying, I do appreciate it.

[WarArtist]

Yes, my oncologist said many don’t complete the full two years. She recommended the drug as soon as our FDA approved it for this use. I won’t lie to you—it’s not been an easy journey. But everyone’s experience is unique. I kept soldiering on because I feel if I can reduce recurrence in any manner, it will be worth it.

I wish you the best! You’ve already come this far❤️