Ribociclib is a medication that stops cancer cells from growing to treat breast cancer. This type of cancer happens when cells in your breast grow and divide in an uncontrolled way, creating a mass of tissue called a tumor. You can take this tablet by mouth with a glass of water as directed.
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RIBOCICLIB (RYE boe SYE klib) treats breast cancer. It works by blocking a protein that causes cancer cells to grow and multiply. This helps to slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): KISQALI
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Do not take this medication with grapefruit juice.
This medication is taken in "cycles." There will be days you do not take it. Talk to your care team if you have questions about when to take your medication. It is very important to follow the exact schedule. Taking it more often than directed can cause serious side effects.
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Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This medication may affect how other medications work, and other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. You may need blood work while taking this medication.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
Avoid taking medications that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your care team. These medications may hide a fever.
This medication may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your care team if you notice any unusual bleeding.
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Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be purple or red and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 3 weeks after the last dose. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 3 weeks after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.
Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 3 weeks after the last dose.
This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original packaging until you are ready to take it. Get rid of any unused medication after 2 months or after it expires, whichever is first.
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To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.