This information is in addition to your consent form(s) and booklet, 'SACT - a guide for patients and their carers'.
Your treatment
Palbociclib is an anti-cancer drug also known as a targeted or biological therapy. This drug blocks the growth and spread of cancer by targeting and interfering with the processes in cells that cause the cancer to grow.
Palbociclib tablets are taken once each day for 21 days followed by a 7 day rest period. This is called 1 cycle of treatment and will be repeated every 28 days until disease progression or side effects that can no longer be managed. Take with a glass of water and swallow whole.
If you vomit after taking a dose, do not repeat the dose. Take your next dose at your normal time. Palbociclib for the treatment of breast cancer should be taken in combination with hormone therapy.
You will have routine blood tests while on treatment as advised by your medical team. The frequency of these blood tests may decrease once you are established on treatment.
Occasionally we may not be able to go ahead with your treatment until your blood counts are back to a safe level. If this happens, your treatment may be delayed a week or dose reduced.
You should continue taking your hormone (endocrine) therapy even if your palbociclib is withheld.
Avoid having grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking palbociclib. Some medicines and herbal remedies may interact with palbociclib. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are starting any new medications.
This treatment can have serious or possibly life-threatening side effects. It is very important that you report side effects straight away. Don't delay - if you feel unwell, please ring The Christie Hotline straight away on 0161 446 3658 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Possible side effects
See the Cancer Research UK consent form.
You should have been given a copy of this consent form before you started treatment but it can also be found by visiting www.cancerresearchuk.org and searching ‘Consent forms for SACT (systemic anti-cancer therapy).
See 'SACT - a guide for patients and their carers'.
Contacts
If you have any general questions or concerns about your treatment, please ring the service under which you are being treated.
Please contact your consultant’s secretary or your breast care nurse.