What side effects can Verzenio (abemaciclib) cause?
Verzenio (abemaciclib) can cause both common and serious side effects. The most notable include diarrhea, infections/low white blood cells, and blood clots. Patients can also experience fatigue, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, appetite loss, and liver enzyme elevations, depending on dose and individual risk factors. [1][2]
Diarrhea: how common is it and what to do
Diarrhea is one of the most common side effects of Verzenio. It can start early in treatment and may become severe without prompt treatment. The prescribing information includes guidance for early anti-diarrheal use and dose adjustments if diarrhea is more than mild. Talk with the oncology team at the first sign of loose stools, especially if diarrhea persists or comes with dehydration. [1][2]
Infections and low white blood cells (neutropenia)
Verzenio can lower white blood cells, which increases infection risk. Neutropenia (low neutrophils) may be monitored with periodic blood tests. Fever or signs of infection during treatment should be treated as urgent because infections can worsen quickly when white blood cells are low. [1][2]
Blood clots (venous thromboembolism)
Blood clots can occur with Verzenio. Patients are generally advised to seek immediate medical care for symptoms such as one-sided leg swelling/pain (possible deep vein thrombosis) or sudden shortness of breath/chest pain (possible pulmonary embolism). [1][2]
Liver problems and lab changes
Verzenio can raise liver enzymes. Clinicians typically monitor liver function tests during treatment and adjust dosing if levels become too high. Report symptoms such as unusual fatigue, dark urine, yellowing of the skin/eyes, or right upper abdominal pain. [1][2]
Other common side effects people ask about
Patients may also experience fatigue, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, and/or weight changes. These effects vary by person and by how the drug is dosed and combined with other therapies. [1][2]
What are the most serious “call your doctor now” symptoms?
Seek urgent care if you have:
- Fever or signs of infection
- Severe or persistent diarrhea or dehydration symptoms
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing blood
- One-sided leg swelling or pain
- Signs of liver injury (yellow skin/eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain) [1][2]
How does Verzenio side effects differ by who’s taking it (with endocrine therapy)?
In clinical use, Verzenio is often taken with endocrine therapy. Side effects can overlap with endocrine therapy and also depend on whether it’s used in combination versus other regimens. Your prescriber can tailor monitoring and dose adjustments based on the full treatment plan. [1][2]
Risk factors: who may be more likely to have complications?
Risk can be higher with factors such as baseline liver abnormalities, prior blood clots, and conditions that increase infection risk. Your oncology team typically uses lab results and your medical history to set dose and monitoring frequency. [1][2]
Where to find the full side effects list
For the complete side effect table, severity definitions, and dose-modification guidance, use the prescribing information and medication guide provided for Verzenio. [1][2]
Sources:
[1] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/
[2] https://www.verzenio.com/