Kisqali

Generic name: ribociclib [ RYE-boe-SYE-klib ]

Drug class: CDK4/6 inhibitors

Dosage form: Tablet

Route of administration: Oral

Dose: Typically, 600 mg once daily for 21 consecutive days followed by 7 days off treatment.

Mechanism of action: Kisqali is a selective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6), which play a key role in regulating the cell cycle. By inhibiting these kinases, Kisqali prevents the progression of the cell cycle from G1 to S phase, thereby reducing cancer cell proliferation.

Drug usage cases: Kisqali is used in combination with an aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant to treat hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer in pre/perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Drug contra indications: Kisqali should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to ribociclib or any component of the formulation. It is also contraindicated in patients with severe liver impairment.

Side effects: Common side effects include neutropenia, nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea. Serious side effects may include:

• Hepatotoxicity: Potential for liver enzyme elevation and liver damage.
• QT prolongation: Risk of significant prolongation of the QT interval, leading to cardiac arrhythmias.
• Severe neutropenia: Risk of low white blood cell counts leading to infection.
• Pneumonitis: Inflammation of the lung tissue.

Warnings: Kisqali can cause severe liver damage and should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing liver conditions. Regular monitoring of liver enzymes and complete blood counts is recommended. Electrocardiograms should be performed to monitor for QT prolongation, and patients should be advised to report any signs of lung inflammation.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Kisqali can cause fetal harm and should not be used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least three weeks after the last dose. It is unknown whether ribociclib is excreted in human milk, so breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment.