Can Verzenio (abemaciclib) cause headaches or lightheadedness?
Yes. Verzenio can cause neurologic side effects, including headache and dizziness, which can feel like lightheadedness.
What side effects count as “lightheadedness”?
Patients and clinicians often describe “lightheadedness” as dizziness or feeling faint. Verzenio’s prescribing information includes dizziness as a possible adverse reaction, which aligns with that experience.
What side effects count as “headaches”?
Headache is a known potential side effect of Verzenio.
How soon after starting Verzenio can these symptoms happen?
These symptoms can occur during treatment and may show up early (after starting or after dose changes) or later. If they start soon after a dose increase or change, that timing often points to a medication-related effect.
What should you do if headaches or lightheadedness happen?
- If symptoms are mild, many people still can continue treatment, but they should report them to their oncology team so the dose, schedule, or supportive care can be adjusted.
- If lightheadedness is severe, you feel like you might pass out, or you have chest pain, shortness of breath, new neurologic symptoms (like weakness on one side, trouble speaking, or severe sudden headache), seek urgent medical care.
Could something else be causing it?
Headache and dizziness/lightheadedness can also come from other common issues during cancer treatment, such as dehydration, low blood counts, infections, blood pressure changes, or other medications. Your oncology team may check things like blood counts and hydration status to rule out these causes.
Sources
No sources were provided with your question. If you share the specific Verzenio label/source you’re using (or allow me to look it up), I can cite the exact wording and frequency from the prescribing information.