It's normal to feel scared and confused when you hear about cancer and the treatment that will begin with it. But with the advancements in medicine today, there are drugs that can target and treat cancer cells. Palbociclib is one such drug. So if you or someone close to you has been prescribed this drug, let's talk about it simply and clearly today.
What is this drug called Palbociclib?
Simply put, Palbociclib is a drug that stops the growth of cancer cells. There are special proteins in our body that control the division of cells. In cancer cells, this process occurs irregularly and without control. So what this drug does is target the activity of those proteins and stop the cancer cells from dividing. This is also called targeted therapy .
This drug is often used to treat certain types of breast cancer. You may find this drug under the brand name ``Ibrance''. However, your doctor may also prescribe it for other conditions.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
It is very important for your doctor to have a complete picture of your health before starting this medication. Therefore, if you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
- Current infection: If you currently have a fever, cough, or cold, especially if you have a viral infection like chickenpox or herpes, you should tell your doctor.
- Low blood cell count: Tell your doctor if you have had previous tests that show you have low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets.
- Lung or respiratory disease: If you have a lung disease such as asthma.
- Allergies: Please inform us if you have any allergies, not only to Palbociclib, but also to any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: This is very important if you are pregnant , trying to get pregnant , or have even the slightest doubt about it.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child, you should definitely mention it.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
It is very important to take the correct dosage at the correct time, as prescribed by the doctor.
- Take this capsule with a glass of water and with a meal . Do not take on an empty stomach.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the capsule. Swallow it whole.
- Very important: Avoid drinking grapefruit and grapefruit juice completely while taking this medication, as the ingredients in grapefruit can interact with this medication.
- Do not stop taking the medication until your doctor tells you to.
- If you are giving this medicine to children, you should talk to a pediatrician about it and seek advice.
Important: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This medicine is for your own use only, do not share it with others.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Imagine that you forgot to take your medicine, or that you vomited after taking it. Don't panic. Don't take another dose that day. Skip the missed dose and take your medicine at your regular time the next day .
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Palbociclib can interact with some other medications and herbal products, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking.
This includes:
- Medicine prescribed by a doctor.
- Medicines you bought yourself from a pharmacy (painkillers, vitamins).
- Herbal products (for example, St. John's Wort).
- Dietary supplements.
Below are some medications that may interact with this medication. This list is not complete, but it is important that you are aware of these things.
- Some medications for fungal infections (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole).
- Some antiviral drugs given for HIV or AIDS.
- Antibiotics (such as `clarithromycin`).
- Anticonvulsant medications (such as carbamazepine and phenytoin).
- Medicines like `rifampin`, `cyclosporine`, `midazolam`.
So the best thing to do is give your doctor a list of everything you take. Tell them if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
You need to pay a little more attention to your body while taking this medicine.
Regular medical checkups
Your doctor will need to see you regularly. Also, you will need to have blood tests to monitor your blood cell counts while you are taking this medicine. This will help to see how your body is responding to the medicine.
Pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding
This matter is very important.
- For women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after stopping the medicine. This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby.
- For men: If you are taking this medicine, avoid fathering a child while taking the medicine and for 3 months after stopping it. The medicine can affect your partner and your unborn child through your sperm. This medicine can also affect sperm count.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine and for 3 weeks after the last dose.
Protection from infections
This medicine can reduce your body's immunity, which means your body's ability to fight disease.
- So try to stay away from people who have a fever or cold.
- If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, and cough, call your doctor immediately.
- Do not try to reduce fever by taking medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen alone, as these medications can suppress the fever and prevent a serious infection in the body.
Be careful of bleeding.
This medicine can reduce the number of platelets (blood clotting cells) in your blood, which can increase bleeding even from a minor injury.
- Be a little careful when brushing and flossing your teeth.
- If you need to have any emergency dental treatment, tell the dentist that you are taking this medicine.
- If you notice things like nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or small red spots on your skin, tell your doctor.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Palbociclib can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. The important thing is to know what the side effects are and how serious they are.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, persistent cough, sore throat, pain when urinating. |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of low blood cell count | Low red blood cells: extreme fatigue, paleness, fainting. Low blood platelets: easy bruising, nosebleeds, red spots on the skin, blood in stool. |
| Other serious symptoms | Difficulty breathing, coughing, dizziness, mouth sores, pain or numbness in the limbs, severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Common side effects | Loss of appetite, thinning or loss of hair, mild diarrhea, nausea, and lethargy. |
Take-Home Message
- Always take palbociclib with a meal . Avoid drinking grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking the medicine.
- Give your doctor a complete list of all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for the prescribed period of time (this applies to both women and men).
- If you notice any signs of infection or bleeding, such as fever, cough, bruising, or swelling, notify your doctor immediately.
- Even if you experience side effects, never stop taking the medication without medical advice. Talk to your doctor about any concerns.
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