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Ribociclib

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor Kisqali Cancer-related

Ribociclib - What is it for

Ribociclib is used to treat hormone-positive breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is used together with other medications such as Letrozole, Exemestane or Fulvestrant.

Ribociclib - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Ribociclib cause?

Common side effects include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
    • Take small, frequent meals throughout the day.
  • Decreased appetite
  • Diarrhea or constipation
    • To manage diarrhoea:
      • Drink plenty of clear fluids to replace those lost (2 litres everyday).
      • Avoid oily or spicy food and milk or dairy products.
    • To manage constipation:
      • Drink more water or clear fluids (if you do not have a limit on the amount that you can take each day).
      • Add more fibre to your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables.
  • Rash
    • Avoid taking hot showers.
  • Hair loss
    • Use a gentle shampoo to wash your hair.
  • Feeling tired and lack of energy
    • Do not drive or operate machinery when you feel tired.
  • Headache
  • Decreased white blood cells
    • This may put you at higher risk of infections.
    • To reduce your risk of infection:
      • Avoid crowds and people who are sick. Wear a face mask when you are going out.
      • Wash your hands after using the toilet and before handling food.
      • Eat food that is fresh and completely cooked, and avoid raw or half-cooked food.

If any of these side effects are severe, see your healthcare professional immediately.

Rare but serious side effects include:

  • Signs of infection - fever of 38°C and above, chills, cough, sore throat, pain or burning feeling on passing urine
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, black sticky stools or blood in urine
  • Cough with chest pain or breathing difficulty
  • Dark urine or light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat, chest discomfort or if you feel faint, light-headed, or dizzy

The symptoms of a drug allergy including one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Ribociclib , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication
  • You or your partner become pregnant or is planning for pregnancy
    • You should use effective birth control during and for 3 weeks after stopping Ribociclib.
  • You are breastfeeding
    • Do not breastfeed during treatment.
  • You have any other medical conditions such as heart disease

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Ribociclib ?

  • ​Avoid taking grapefruit and pomegranate when you are taking this medication as these may interact with your medication and increase the risk of side effects.
  • Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies.

Ribociclib - Dosage and How to Use

How should Ribociclib be used?

  • Take Ribociclib once a day for 3 weeks, followed by 1 week of rest, in a 4-week cycle.
  • You can take it with or without food.
  • Do not break, chew or crush the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
    • Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I overdose?

Ribociclib - Handling

How should I handle Ribociclib safely?

Ribociclib - Storage

How should I store Ribociclib ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

How should I dispose of Ribociclib safely?

Pack Ribociclib into a bag and bring it back to the pharmacy where you received it from.

Ribociclib - Additional Information

​You may refer to the following website if you need more information: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/

  • Updated on 9/30/2019 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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