Ribociclib
About
Ribociclib belongs to the group of anti-cancer medicines called cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors used to treat a type of breast cancer that is locally advanced or metastatic (has spread to other parts of the body). Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the breast when the breast cells begin to grow abnormally.
Ribociclib contains ‘Ribociclib’, which works by blocking cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 proteins, which are necessary for the growth and division of the cells. Thereby, slows down the growth of cancer cells and delays the progression of cancer.
You are advised to take Ribociclib for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, hair loss, fatigue, dizziness, back pain, and headache. Do not be reluctant to talk with your doctor if you experience any of these side effects persistently.
Avoid taking Ribociclib if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ribociclib may cause tiredness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Ribociclib should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol with Ribociclib as it could lead to increased dizziness. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Ribociclib
Medicinal Benefits
Ribociclib belongs to the group of anti-cancer medicines called cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors used to treat a type of breast cancer that is locally advanced or metastatic (has spread to other parts of the body). Ribociclib works by blocking cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 proteins, which are necessary for the growth and division of the cells. Thereby, slows down the growth of cancer cells and delays the progression of cancer.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ribociclib
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tiredness
- Constipation
- Hair loss
- Weakness
- Dizziness/light-headedness
- Headache
- Cough
- Reduced appetite
- Painful and frequent urination
- Fever
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Ribociclib if you are allergic to any of its components. Talk to your doctor if you have a fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers due to infections, liver problems, heart/heart rhythm disorders, or low levels of electrolytes. Avoid taking Ribociclib if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ribociclib may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Ribociclib should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol with Ribociclib as it could lead to increased dizziness. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications before taking Ribociclib to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Ribociclib may interact with chemotherapy agents (paclitaxel, doxorubicin), sedative (zolpidem), opiate analgesic (oxycodone), anti-arrhythmic agent (sotalol).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid pomegranate/pomegranate juice and grapefruit/grapefruit juice while taking Ribociclib as these might increase the amount of Ribociclib in blood.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have heart/heart rhythm problems, neutropenia (low levels of white blood cells), lung, liver or kidney impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption while taking Ribociclib as it might cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
unsafeRibociclib should not be taken during pregnancy as it might harm the unborn baby. If you are a woman of childbearing potential, use effective contraception while taking Ribociclib and for at least 21 days after the last dose.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Ribociclib and for at least 21days after the last dose.
Driving
unsafeRibociclib may cause dizziness, tiredness, or spinning sensation. Drive or operate heavy machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be necessary. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be necessary. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeRibociclib is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, herbs and spices in your diet.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugar.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
Special Advise
- To monitor liver functioning, amount of blood cells, and electrolytes, your doctor might advise regular blood tests before and during the treatment with Ribociclib.
- Regular monitoring of heart activity before and during treatment with Ribociclib is advised.
- Ribociclib might cause heart rhythm problems, liver problems and neutropenia (low white blood cell count); therefore, regular tests are recommended while taking Ribociclib.
- If you are a woman of childbearing potential, use effective contraception while taking Ribociclib and for at least 21 days after the last dose.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Breast cancer: It is a type of cancer that develops in the breast when the breast cells begin to grow abnormally. Breast cancer may form in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), in the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. The tumour cells invade other healthy breast cells and can travel to lymph nodes which are a primary pathway for the cancer cells to move to other parts of the body. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast or tissue thickening which feels different than the normal surrounding tissues, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, bloody discharge, unexplained change in shape, size or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin, and a lump or swelling under the arm.
FAQs
Ribociclib works by blocking cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 proteins, which are necessary for the growth and division of the cells. Thereby, slows down the growth of cancer cells and delays the progression of cancer.
Ribociclib might cause fertility problems and may affect your ability to father a child. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Avoid pomegranate/pomegranate juice and grapefruit/grapefruit juice while taking Ribociclib as these might increase the amount of Ribociclib in blood.
Ribociclib may cause a heart problem called QT prolongation, which causes abnormal heartbeat. Inform your doctor if you have/had any heart problems, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, or QT prolongation. Regular monitoring of heart activity before and during treatment with Ribociclib is advised.
Do not stop taking Ribociclib on your own. You are advised to take Ribociclib for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Ribociclib.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Ribociclib. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol; drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might stimulate saliva and prevent drying of the mouth.
