Ibrance (palbociclib) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat certain types of breast cancer in adults. Ibrance comes as a tablet and a capsule, both of which you take by mouth.
To learn more about Ibrance’s uses, see the “Is Ibrance used for breast cancer?” section below.
Ibrance basics
The active drug in Ibrance is palbociclib. This drug belongs to a group of drugs called kinase inhibitors. Ibrance isn’t currently available in generic form.
Ibrance is a type of targeted therapy. This means the drug targets only certain cells to prevent them from growing and multiplying (making more cells).
Read on to learn about Ibrance’s side effects, uses, dosage, and more.
Like most drugs, Ibrance may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common ones. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.
Ibrance is taken with certain other medications. The side effects of Ibrance can vary depending on the medication you’re taking it with.
Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:
- your age
- other health conditions you have
- other medications you take
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Ibrance. They may also suggest ways to help with managing the side effects of Ibrance.
Mild side effects
Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects Ibrance can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read the prescribing information for Ibrance tablets and capsules.
Mild side effects of Ibrance that have been reported include:
- anemia (low red blood cell level), which may lead to dizziness or weakness
- low platelet level, which may cause bruising or minor bleeding
- fatigue (low energy)
- mouth pain or sores
- hair thinning or hair loss*
- digestive system problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- skin rash*
- increased liver enzymes on blood test results
- changes in your sense of taste
- mild infections, such as the common cold
- blurred vision
- dry eyes
Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may suggest ways to prevent or manage certain side effects.
* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Ibrance can occur. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects of Ibrance that have been reported include:
- neutropenia (low level of certain white blood cells)*
- very low levels of other blood cells, such as red blood cells and platelets
- serious lung problems, such as pneumonitis (inflammation in your lungs), which may cause shortness of breath and can be life threatening
- allergic reaction*
* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.
Side effect focus
Learn more about some of the side effects Ibrance may cause.
Hair loss
Hair loss is one of the more common side effects of Ibrance. Even though this side effect is common, it’s usually mild.
Hair loss was reported as mild in studies of Ibrance tablets and capsules. It’s likely that the drug may cause the hair on your head to become thinner but not fall out completely.
What might help
It may not be possible to prevent hair thinning or hair loss from Ibrance. You may consider trying over-the-counter scalp treatments that contain minoxidil, such as Rogaine. Wearing a wig or other head covering might help you feel more comfortable.
If you have questions or concerns about hair loss while taking Ibrance, talk with your doctor.
Neutropenia
Taking Ibrance commonly causes certain blood disorders (changes in your blood cell levels as seen on blood tests).
The most common side effect reported in studies of Ibrance tablets and capsules was neutropenia. This refers to low levels of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils.
Neutrophils work in your immune system to find and destroy germs that may cause infections, such as bacteria. Without enough neutrophils, you’re more likely to develop mild or serious infections. Some examples include common colds, urinary tract infections, and the flu.
Symptoms of infections can vary but may include:
- fever
- chills
- body aches
- cough
- stuffy or runny nose
What might help
Because neutropenia is common with Ibrance, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself against infections while taking the drug. Some tips include washing your hands often and avoiding contact with people who may be sick.
To monitor for neutropenia and other blood disorders, your doctor will arrange blood tests. You’ll have a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC):
- before you start taking Ibrance
- at the beginning of each 28-day treatment cycle
- on day 15 of your first two treatment cycles
- whenever your doctor recommends it during your treatment
If severe neutropenia occurs, your doctor may have you pause Ibrance treatment and resume it at a lower dosage, or have you stop the drug. They may also recommend a treatment such as pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) to increase your white blood cell levels. You should not change your Ibrance dosage without your doctor’s recommendation.
Though rare, Ibrance treatment may lead to febrile neutropenia (neutropenia that occurs along with a fever). In studies of Ibrance tablets and capsules, febrile neutropenia led to one death. If you develop a fever while taking Ibrance, tell your doctor right away.
Rash
You may develop a skin rash while taking Ibrance. This was one of the more common side effects seen in people taking Ibrance tablets and capsules in studies.
Symptoms of a rash from Ibrance may include:
- itchiness
- discoloration or swelling
- blistering
- skin bumps that look similar to acne
What might help
If you get a rash while taking Ibrance, it’s best to tell your doctor. They can determine whether you could be having an allergic reaction.
In most cases, a rash is a mild side effect of Ibrance and not an allergic reaction. But since allergic reactions can quickly become severe, it’s important to tell your doctor about a rash or other skin symptoms right away.
In many cases, rash symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter remedies. For example, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend applying hydrocortisone cream to relieve symptoms.
Allergic reactionSome people may have an allergic reaction to Ibrance. It’s not clear how many people had allergic reactions in studies of Ibrance tablets or capsules.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:
- skin rash
- itchiness
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause difficulty breathing.
Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Ibrance. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
The costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These include what your insurance plan covers and the pharmacy you use.
You may also be able to estimate Ibrance’s cost per month. Your pharmacist or doctor can help you with this.
If you have any questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you find out what Ibrance may cost with Medicare or other insurance coverage.
The Ibrance manufacturer’s website may have support options that you‘re eligible for. In addition, see this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.
Find answers below to some commonly asked questions about Ibrance.
Is Ibrance a form of chemotherapy?
Ibrance isn’t a chemotherapy drug. Chemotherapy drugs work by killing cells in the body that are rapidly multiplying (making new cells), including cancer cells. Ibrance doesn’t directly kill cancer cells. Instead, it affects how certain cells grow and multiply, including cancer cells.
Ibrance is a type of targeted therapy (a drug that targets only certain cells). Its mechanism of action (how it works) is to block specific enzymes in breast cancer cells called CDK4 and CDK6. Enzymes are proteins that aid chemical changes in your body. Blocking these enzymes stops the cancer cells from growing and multiplying.
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide details about how Ibrance works to treat breast cancer.
What’s the effectiveness of Ibrance? Will taking it help me reach remission?
Taking Ibrance won’t send your cancer into remission. Remission occurs when the signs of cancer partially or completely disappear after treatment, as shown on certain tests.
Instead, Ibrance is meant to slow the rate of cancer growth and prevent the disease from worsening.
In studies of Ibrance tablets and capsules, the drug was an effective treatment for certain types of breast cancer. For some people in these studies, the drug helped to increase progression-free survival. Progression-free survival is a measure of how long a person lives without their cancer worsening.
Read more about the results from Ibrance’s studies on the manufacturer’s website.
Does Ibrance interact with turmeric?
It isn’t known for sure, but Ibrance may interact with turmeric. Turmeric, also called curcumin, is an herb that’s commonly used as a cooking spice and a dietary supplement. Some
Studies haven’t tested the use of turmeric with Ibrance. It’s possible that taking turmeric could raise the levels of Ibrance in your body, which could increase your risk of side effects. But there’s not enough information to confirm this.*
It’s best to talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking turmeric. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits of using turmeric or other supplements while taking Ibrance.
* A
Can Ibrance cause weight gain, back pain, or depression?
No, taking Ibrance shouldn’t cause weight gain, back pain, or depression. These side effects weren’t reported in studies of Ibrance tablets or capsules. But these side effects may be caused by other drugs that can be prescribed with Ibrance.
Ibrance is sometimes taken with a type of drug called an aromatase inhibitor, such as anastrozole (Arimidex). Taking anastrozole can cause depression, weight gain, and back pain as possible side effects.
Ibrance is also sometimes prescribed along with a medication called fulvestrant (Faslodex). Back pain and depression are possible side effects of fulvestrant.
If you have questions about these side effects or ways to manage them, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How long does Ibrance stay in your system?
Ibrance stays in your blood for about 6 days after your last dose. But the drug can have effects on your body even after it’s out of your system.
For this reason, the manufacturer of Ibrance recommends waiting a certain length of time after your last dose before trying to conceive or breastfeed a child. See “What should be considered before taking Ibrance?” below to learn more, or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
For more detailed information about how long Ibrance stays in your system, you can also read the prescribing information for the tablets and capsules.
Is Ibrance used for lung cancer?
No. Ibrance is only approved to treat certain types of breast cancer. It isn’t approved to treat lung cancer or other types of cancer.
Researchers are looking at the use of Ibrance for certain cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). But more research is needed to see whether Ibrance may improve how well certain other cancer drugs work to treat NSCLC.
Ask your doctor for more information about current treatment options that are best for you.
Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Ibrance that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.
Forms and strengths
Ibrance comes as a tablet and as a capsule. Both forms of the drug are taken by mouth.
The tablet can be more convenient than the capsule for the following reasons:
- You can take the tablet with or without food, but you need to take the capsule with food.
- Unlike the capsule, the tablet does not contain lactose or gelatin, which some people may be allergic to.
- The tablet form is available in a blister pack, which can be helpful for keeping track of doses.
Ibrance strengths: 75 mg, 100 mg, 125 mg
Ibrance tablets and Ibrance capsules come in three strengths: 75 milligrams (mg), 100 mg, and 125 mg.
Recommended dosage
Regardless of whether your doctor prescribes Ibrance in tablet or capsule form, you’ll take your Ibrance dose at the same time each day for 21 days. During this period, the recommended dosage of Ibrance is 125 mg taken once daily. Then you’ll stop taking the drug for 7 days.
You’ll continue taking Ibrance in this 28-day pattern, called a cycle, according to your doctor’s instructions.
As part of your treatment, you’ll take Ibrance along with hormone therapy. Your doctor will give you dosage instructions for the type of hormone therapy they recommend for your condition.
Questions about Ibrance’s dosage
- What if I miss a dose of Ibrance? If you miss a dose of Ibrance, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at your usual scheduled time. If you vomit after taking a dose of Ibrance, don’t repeat the dose. Setting an alarm might help you remember to take Ibrance at the same time each day.
- Will I need to use Ibrance long term? If you and your doctor find that Ibrance works for you and doesn’t cause bothersome or severe side effects, you’ll likely take it long term.
- How long does Ibrance take to work? Ibrance starts working as soon as you take your first dose. But you won’t be able to feel whether the drug is working. Your doctor will do various tests or scans to check how well your treatment is working. Ibrance is meant to slow down your cancer’s growth and keep your cancer from worsening.
Your doctor will explain how you should take Ibrance. They’ll also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.
Taking Ibrance
Ibrance comes as a tablet and a capsule that you take by mouth. There isn’t a best time to take Ibrance, but you should try to take your dose at the same time each day.
You should swallow Ibrance tablets and capsules whole. Do not crush, chew, or split them.
Ibrance tablets can be taken with or without food. If you take Ibrance capsules, you should take your dose with food.
Note: The tablet form of Ibrance can be more convenient to take than the capsules. As a result, doctors typically recommend Ibrance tablets instead of capsules. If you’re interested in switching from the capsules to the tablets, talk with your doctor.
Taking Ibrance with other drugs
Ibrance is prescribed with other medications to treat certain types of breast cancer in adults.
The specific medication your doctor prescribes depends on whether you’ve already taken a type of cancer treatment called hormone therapy and your cancer worsened afterward.
Your doctor will prescribe Ibrance along with the type of medication that’s right for you. There generally isn’t a certain timing that’s necessary between taking Ibrance and other drugs. You’ll take each dose according to your doctor’s instructions.
Ibrance with letrozole or other aromatase inhibitors
Doctors may prescribe Ibrance to people with certain types of breast cancer who haven’t taken hormone therapy before. For this use, Ibrance is taken with a type of drug called an aromatase inhibitor. This type of drug works to lower the levels of the hormone estrogen in your body.
Aromatase inhibitors include:
Ibrance with Faslodex
Ibrance is also prescribed to treat certain breast cancers in people whose breast cancer worsened after past hormone therapy. For this use, Ibrance is prescribed with fulvestrant (Faslodex). Fulvestrant blocks hormone receptors (docking stations), which reduces the effects of hormones on cancer cells.
Ibrance with LHRH agonists
Ibrance is sometimes prescribed with a drug called a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist. This is a type of hormone therapy that lowers the amount of hormones your body makes.
In addition to an aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant, doctors will prescribe Ibrance with an LHRH agonist for females who haven’t been through menopause or males.
Examples of LHRH agonists include:
- leuprolide (Lupron Depot, Eligard)
- goserelin (Zoladex)
- triptorelin (Trelstar)
Note: Use of the terms “female” and “male” within this article refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.
Questions about taking Ibrance
Here are two common questions and answers about taking Ibrance.
- Can Ibrance be chewed, crushed, or split? No, Ibrance capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole. You should not chew, crush, or split Ibrance. If the capsule or tablet is damaged, broken, or cracked, you shouldn’t take it. And the capsule should not be opened.
- Should I take Ibrance with food? If you take Ibrance capsules, you should take your dose with food. If you take Ibrance tablets, you may take your dose with or without food.
Questions for your doctorYou may have questions about Ibrance and your treatment plan. It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.
Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:
- Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
- How will Ibrance affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
- Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable.
- If you don’t understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.
Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.
Ibrance is taken with other medications in adults to treat advanced or metastatic breast cancer. With advanced cancer, the cancer has spread near the location where it started. And with metastatic cancer, the cancer has spread to areas farther away. The cancer must also have the following characteristics:
- Hormone-receptor positive (HR-positive): With HR-positive breast cancer, the cancer cells have unusually high levels of hormone receptors (docking stations). The growth of these cancer cells is fueled when certain hormones, such as estrogen or progesterone, attach to these receptors.
- Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-negative): HER2 is a protein that’s involved in the process that cells use to grow and multiply (make more cells). HER2-negative cancer cells don’t have unusually high levels of this protein.
Ibrance is prescribed with drugs known as hormone therapies. These may include an aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant (Faslodex), and possibly an LHRH agonist.
Specifically, Ibrance may be prescribed with an aromatase inhibitor for people who haven’t had hormone therapy before. Ibrance can also be prescribed with fulvestrant for people whose cancer worsened after past hormone therapy. (For more information, see “How is Ibrance taken?” above.)
Note: Use of the terms “female” and “male” within this article refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.
How Ibrance works
Ibrance is a type of targeted therapy. This means it targets only certain cells in your body.
The drug works to block specific enzymes in breast cancer cells called CDK4 and CDK6. Enzymes are proteins that aid chemical changes in your body. Blocking these enzymes stops the cancer cells from growing and multiplying (making new cells). See “What are some frequently asked questions about Ibrance?” above for details.
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide details about how Ibrance works to treat breast cancer.
If you’d like to know more about how Ibrance compares with alternative drugs, such as Verzenio, ask your doctor. They can recommend the drug that’s best for your condition.
Ibrance vs. Verzenio
Check out the side-by-side comparison of Ibrance and Verzenio in this article to find out more about these two drugs.
Ibrance vs. Kisqali
To learn how Ibrance and Kisqali are similar and different, see this article.
There are some important things to discuss with your doctor when considering Ibrance treatment. These include your health history, other medical conditions you have, and any other treatments you may be taking.
Interactions
Taking a medication with certain other drugs, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.
Before taking Ibrance, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any Ibrance interactions these items may cause.
Interactions with drugs, vitamins, or supplements
Ibrance can interact with several types of medications. These include certain:
- antifungal drugs
- antibiotics
- HIV medications
- tuberculosis drugs
- seizure medications
- ergotamine drugs used to treat migraine
- immunosuppressants (drugs that reduce the activity of your immune system)
- heart medications
- fentanyl, which is an opioid prescribed for severe long-term pain
- St. John’s wort, an herbal supplement
This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact with Ibrance. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur with use of Ibrance.
Foods to avoid with Ibrance
Grapefruit can interact with Ibrance. You should avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice during Ibrance treatment. Doing so may increase the levels of Ibrance in your body and make side effects more likely.
Warnings
Ibrance may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Ibrance. Factors to consider include those in the list below.
- Severe liver problems: If you’ve had liver problems, tell your doctor before taking Ibrance. They may recommend a blood test to check how well your liver is working. If they find that your liver problems are severe, they’ll likely prescribe a lower dose of Ibrance for you than usual.
- Lung problems: If you currently have lung problems, let your doctor know. Ibrance may worsen lung conditions. To help prevent this, your doctor may monitor you more closely during your treatment. Or they may recommend a treatment other than Ibrance.
- Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Ibrance or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you. Note that Ibrance capsules contain lactose and gelatin, but Ibrance tablets do not.
- Active infection: Tell your doctor about any infections you have before you start taking Ibrance. The drug may weaken your immune system. This can make it more difficult for your body to fight an infection after you start taking Ibrance. If you have an active infection, your doctor will recommend treating it before you start Ibrance.
Ibrance and alcohol
Alcohol doesn’t directly interact with Ibrance. But drinking alcohol while taking Ibrance may lead to worsened side effects.
Taking Ibrance may cause sores or irritation in your mouth. It’s best to avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as this can worsen mouth sores from taking Ibrance.
Also, drinking alcohol may cause some of the same side effects as Ibrance. For example, both alcohol and Ibrance may cause headaches and digestive system problems, such as nausea and vomiting.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much is safe for you to drink while taking Ibrance.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Ibrance isn’t safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. The drug may have harmful effects on a fetus or a child who’s breastfed.
Females who are able to become pregnant should use birth control during Ibrance treatment and for at least 3 weeks after their last dose. Males with partners who are able to become pregnant should use birth control during Ibrance treatment and for at least 3 months after their last dose. For more information, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Before starting Ibrance, tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering either. They can recommend treatments that are safe for you.
Note: Use of the terms “female” and “male” within this article refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.
Do not take more Ibrance than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.
What to do in case you take too much Ibrance
Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Ibrance. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.
Ibrance can be an effective treatment option for adults with certain types of breast cancer. If you’re considering this medication as a treatment option, it’s important to talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
Here are some questions to start your conversation with your doctor:
- Is it safe to continue taking my other medications while taking Ibrance?
- Can I use natural remedies to help prevent or ease the side effects of Ibrance?
- Can I get vaccines, such as the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine, while taking Ibrance?
- Is the Ibrance capsule or tablet a better choice for me?
Q:
Will taking Ibrance affect my ability to conceive a child?
AnonymousA:
Males taking Ibrance may experience problems with fertility (ability to conceive a child). Although this was not reported in human studies, effects on male fertility were seen in animal studies of the Ibrance capsule and tablet. No effects on female fertility were seen in studies.
If you have questions about Ibrance’s effects on fertility, talk with your doctor before starting Ibrance treatment.
The Healthline Pharmacist TeamEditor’s note: In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.