Palbociclib is an oral medicine administered according to a repeating treatment cycle. Current U.S. IBRANCE labeling recommends a starting dose of 125 mg once daily for 21 consecutive days followed by 7 days off treatment, creating a 28-day cycle.
The exact administration instructions can depend on the formulation. Current U.S. labeling distinguishes capsules from tablets.
Capsules
Current U.S. labeling states that IBRANCE capsules are taken with food.
Tablets
Current U.S. labeling states that IBRANCE tablets may be taken with or without food.
Therefore, readers should not automatically transfer tablet administration instructions to a capsule product or vice versa.
General administration principles
- Take palbociclib exactly as prescribed.
- Follow the prescribed 21-days-on/7-days-off schedule when that regimen applies.
- Do not independently alter the dose.
- Do not take additional doses to compensate for a missed dose unless instructed by a healthcare professional.
- Confirm whether the specific formulation should be taken with food.
- Keep treatment appointments and laboratory monitoring visits.
- Report fever or symptoms of infection promptly.
Missed or vomited dose
Patients should follow the missed-dose instructions in the prescribing information for their particular formulation. If vomiting occurs after a dose, the patient should not automatically repeat the dose without professional instruction.
Monitoring
Complete blood counts are an important part of palbociclib treatment. Current labeling recommends CBC monitoring before treatment, at the beginning of each cycle and on Day 15 of the first two cycles, as well as when clinically indicated.
Storage
Palbocent-specific storage requirements are Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Patients should follow the storage instructions printed on the actual product packaging.