Palbocib-125 Capsules

Palbocib-125 is a branded name for the medication Palbociclib, which is a targeted therapy used in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer. The "125" in the name refers to the strength of the capsule, which is 125 mg.

 

 

Mechanism of Action

 

Palbociclib is a Cyclin-Dependent Kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor. This means it works by blocking the activity of two specific proteins, CDK4 and CDK6.

 

• Cell Cycle: Cancer cells grow and divide uncontrollably. This process is regulated by the cell cycle, which has several phases. CDK4 and CDK6 are key proteins that regulate the transition of the cell from the G1 phase (growth) to the S phase (DNA replication).

   
   
   

   

• Inhibition: By inhibiting CDK4 and CDK6, Palbociclib effectively puts a "brake" on the cell cycle, preventing the cancer cells from dividing and multiplying. This helps to slow down the progression of the disease.

   
   

   

• Specificity: Palbociclib is a targeted therapy, which means it is designed to specifically target the cancer cells. However, it can also affect healthy cells, particularly those that divide rapidly, which is what leads to some of its side effects.

   
   

   

 

Uses

 

Palbociclib is used in the treatment of a specific type of breast cancer:

 

• Hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer. This means the cancer cells have receptors that respond to hormones (like estrogen) and do not have an excess of the HER2 protein.

   

   

• Combination Therapy: Palbociclib is almost always used in combination with other hormonal therapies. This is because the two types of drugs work together to more effectively stop the growth of the cancer.

   

   

  • It is used with an aromatase inhibitor (like letrozole or anastrozole) as a first-line treatment.

     

     

  • It is used with fulvestrant in patients whose cancer has progressed after initial hormonal therapy.

     

     

 

Dosage and Administration

 

Palbociclib is taken orally, once daily, for a specific period, typically for 21 consecutive days followed by a 7-day break. This 28-day period constitutes one treatment cycle. It is important to take the capsules with food and to take them at about the same time each day. The capsules should be swallowed whole and not opened, crushed, or chewed.

 

 

Side Effects

 

The most common and clinically significant side effect of Palbociclib is neutropenia, which is a low white blood cell count. This can increase the risk of infections. Due to this, patients are required to have regular blood tests to monitor their cell counts.

 

Other common side effects include:

• Fatigue

   

   

• Nausea and vomiting

   

   

• Diarrhea

   

   

• Hair thinning or loss (alopecia)

   

   

• Stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth)

   

   

• Decreased appetite

   

   

• Infections

   

   

• Anemia (low red blood cell count)

   

   

• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count, which can lead to easy bruising or bleeding)

   

   

Less common but serious side effects can include:

• Pneumonitis: inflammation of the lungs, which can be life-threatening. Patients should immediately report any new or worsening cough, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.

   
   

   

• Liver problems: Palbociclib can affect liver function.

   

   

 

Important Considerations

 

 

• Prescription-only: Palbociclib is a powerful medication and should only be taken under the strict supervision of a qualified oncologist.

• Fertility: The medication can affect fertility in both men and women. Patients should discuss this with their doctor before starting treatment.

   

   

• Grapefruit: Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medication, as it can increase the concentration of the drug in the body and lead to more side effects.