Has your doctor prescribed Ribociclib for breast cancer for you or someone in your family? It's normal to have a lot of questions about this drug, how it works, and its side effects. Don't worry. In this article, we'll explain everything in a simple way, just like you're talking to a friend.
What exactly is this drug called Ribociclib?
Simply put, Ribociclib is a cancer drug that belongs to the targeted therapy category. It works by blocking the action of certain proteins inside cancer cells that help them grow and divide. This then stops the cancer cells from dividing and spreading.
This drug is commonly found in the market under the brand name `KISQALI`. It is mainly used to treat breast cancer.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is very important for your doctor to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, before starting this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
- If you have heart disease or have had an irregular heartbeat in the past.
- An existing infection, especially a viral infection such as chickenpox or herpes.
- If you have liver disease.
- If the number of white blood cells, platelets, or red blood cells in the blood is low.
- If the levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium, or phosphorus in the blood are low.
- If you have breathing difficulties such as lung disease or asthma.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to this Ribociclib medicine, other medicines, foods, or dyes.
- If you are trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
How should I use the medicine exactly?
As the doctor says, it is very important to take the correct dosage at the correct time.
- Swallow this tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet.
- This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Very important: Do not drink grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice, or lemon juice while taking this medicine. These may affect how the medicine works.
- Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day.
- Do not stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.
What to do if you miss a dose or vomit?
Suppose you missed a dose of your medicine. Or you vomited after taking the medicine. If that happens, do not take another pill that day. Don't worry, just take your next dose at the scheduled time.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
Other drugs that may interact with Ribociclib
Some medications can cause problems when taken with Ribociclib, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Avoid taking Ribociclib with this medicine. | |
| Some antiviral drugs for HIV/Hepatitis | Atazanavir, Cobicistat, Darunavir, Nelfinavir, Saquinavir |
| Some medications for cholesterol | Lovastatin, Simvastatin |
| Some medications for fungal infections | Fluconazole, Posaconazole |
| Various other medications | Medicines like Cisapride, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine, Tolvaptan, Triazolam. (Ask your doctor for a complete list) |
| Inform your doctor if you are taking Ribociclib with this medicine. | |
| Medicines for fungal infections | Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Voriconazole |
| Medications for seizures | Carbamazepine, Phenytoin |
| Various other medications | Clarithromycin, Cyclosporine, Rifampin, St. John's Wort, Tacrolimus |
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about all the medications you take.
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
- Avoid getting pregnant: Avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine and for 3 weeks after stopping the medicine. This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Also, if the male partner is also taking this medicine and is planning to have a child, inform the doctor about it.
- Avoid breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking the medicine and for 3 weeks after stopping.
- Protect yourself from infections: This medicine may lower your body's immunity (ability to fight infections). So try to stay away from people who have a fever or cold. If you experience symptoms like fever, body aches, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately.
- Bleeding and bruising: This medicine may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising from even minor injuries. Be careful when brushing your teeth or shaving with a razor. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Blood tests: Your doctor will order regular blood tests to monitor your liver function and blood cell counts during treatment. Don't skip them.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medication, Ribociclib can have side effects. Some are minor, while others require immediate attention.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If these symptoms occur, inform your doctor immediately. | |
| Severe Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea. |
| Changes in heart rate | Chest pain, fainting, difficulty breathing, feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills , cough, sore throat. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Bruising on the skin, red spots on the skin, blood in the urine, black stools. |
| Side effects that are often not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Hair Loss | Headache, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. |
| Other | Loss of appetite, mouth sores, stomach pain, swelling of the limbs, insomnia. |
How should you store your medicine?
Keep the pills out of the reach of children, at room temperature (between 20-25 Celsius). Do not use expired medicine.
Cancer treatment is a journey. You are not alone on this journey. Your doctor, nurses, and family are with you. Talk to them about any questions, concerns, or concerns you may have.
Take-Home Message
- Ribociclib is a targeted therapy for breast cancer. Always take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- Completely avoid drinking grape juice and pomegranate juice while taking this medicine.
- Watch out for serious side effects (heart rhythm changes, liver problems, severe allergic reactions). If you have any concerns, tell your doctor right away.
- Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding during treatment and for 3 weeks after stopping.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What are Ribociclib / Kisqali tablets used for?
This is a highly successful (Targeted therapy / CDK4/6 inhibitor) drug in medicine that completely controls 'Advanced/Metastatic Breast Cancer' in women! It is especially given in combination with a hormonal drug like Letrozole to eliminate the roots of cancers that use the female hormone 'estrogen' (ER-positive / HER2-negative) to grow.
💬 How does this drug (Ribociclib) stop breast cancer from multiplying/growing?
The biggest danger of a cancer, like a virus, is that its cells divide rapidly and grow! In order for a cancer cell to divide again, two enzyme machines (CDK4 and CDK6) inside it must be working. What this pill does is go directly into the cancer cells and completely destroy/block those (CDK4/6) machines (Halts cell cycle). Then the growth of the cancer stops and it dies.
💬 What are the most serious side effects to watch out for when taking this powerful cancer drug?
When killing cancer cells, the body's 'white blood cells/neutrophils (Neutropenia)' are also destroyed (almost never). Therefore, even a small cold is strong enough to cause pneumonia and death! Also, these pills can cause 'QT prolongation' of the heart's electrical rhythm (ECG is mandatory). The other dangerous thing is that it can cause liver damage (Hepatotoxicity).
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