What is Verzenio? Uses, warnings & side effects

Medically reviewed by Anne Jacobson, MD, MPH
Board-Certified Family Physician
Updated Dec 18, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020
Datos Verificados

Verzenio, or abemaciclib, is a form of chemotherapy for breast cancer. Verzenio is used to treat certain types of breast cancer (HR-positive, HER2-negative) and may be prescribed alone or in combination with other anti-cancer medications. It is taken as a tablet twice a day. Cancer treatments often have side effects. One important concern with Verzenio is diarrhea, which sometimes may be severe.

Verzenio overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Verzenio

Generic Names:

  • Abemaciclib

Uses:

  • Treats breast cancer

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Verzenio used for?

Verzenio is used to treat certain types of breast cancer (HR-positive, HER2-negative). It may be prescribed alone or in combination with other anti-cancer medications. Verzenio may be used as part of an initial treatment for breast cancer, or for breast cancer that has spread or not responded to other forms of treatment.

Key takeaways

  • Verzenio is a protein kinase inhibitor. That means it targets certain protein groups in cancer cells that cause them to divide abnormally.

  • Verzenio is used to treat breast cancer that is hormone receptor (HR) positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative. Your healthcare provider can tell you if Verzenio is a treatment option.

  • Verzenio may be used in combination with other drugs that treat breast cancer. Or it may be used alone. The dose will vary depending on how it is being used.

  • Verzenio is most often used to treat breast cancer that is advanced or that has spread. It may also be used in some forms of early breast cancer that are considered high-risk. 

  • Drugs that treat cancer may have a variety of side effects. Some of them may be serious. Diarrhea, low blood counts, lung problems, liver and kidney problems, and blood clots are potentially serious side effects that may occur while taking Verzenio.

What form(s) does Verzenio come in?

  • Tablet

    • 50 mg

    • 100 mg

    • 150 mg

    • 200 mg

What are common Verzenio dosages?

  • Standard dose when taken with other anti-cancer medications: 150 mg by mouth twice daily

  • Standard dose when taken alone: 200 mg by mouth twice daily

  • If there are side effects: the dose may be lowered to 100 mg or 50 mg twice daily

Verzenio images - What does Verzenio look like?

  • Verzenio
    100mg tablet

  • Verzenio
    150mg tablet

  • Verzenio
    200mg tablet

  • Verzenio
    50mg tablet

How to take Verzenio

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take this medicine at the same time each day.

  • This medicine can be taken with or without food.

  • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed to find what works best for you. Don’t stop the medicine or change the dose without talking to your healthcare provider.

What to do if you miss a dose of Verzenio

  • If you miss a dose or vomit after you take this medicine, do not take another dose on the same day. Wait and take your next dose when you normally would.

Verzenio contraindications - Who shouldn't take Verzenio?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have an allergic reaction to abemaciclib.

Verzenio warnings

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant. 

  • If you are a woman who could become pregnant, a pregnancy test may be given before starting this medicine. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose.

  • Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some men who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).

  • Do not breastfeed while you are taking this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all your appointments for treatments, doctor visits, and lab tests.

  • Medicines used to treat cancer are powerful and can have many side effects. Before taking this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your healthcare provider during your treatment.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung problems, a history of blood clots, or any type of infection.

Verzenio interactions & what to avoid when taking Verzenio

  • Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take, including vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

  • Some medicines can affect how abemaciclib works. Tell your doctor especially if you take ketoconazole.

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while using this medicine.

Verzenio side effects - How does Verzenio make you feel?

Serious side effects of Verzenio may include:

  • Diarrhea. Severe diarrhea may lead to dehydration or infections.

  • Liver problems. Symptoms may include dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, pain in your right upper abdomen, feeling very tired, easy bruising, or yellow skin or eyes.

  • Blood clots. Clots can cause pain or swelling in your arms or legs, chest pain, fast heart rate or breathing, or feeling short of breath.

  • Low white blood cells. This can lead to serious infections along with fever, chills, fatigue, and other signs of feeling sick. 

  • Lung problems. Severe inflammation in the lungs may cause chest pain, trouble breathing, and cough

  • Kidney problems. If kidney problems are serious, symptoms can include fatigue, swelling, and problems urinating.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • Hair loss

  • Tiredness

  • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Constipation

  • Itching or rash

  • Weight loss

  • Cough

  • Low blood counts or other changes in blood tests without symptoms

  • Minor infections

Contact your healthcare provider about any new symptoms after starting Verzenio. Get emergency medical help for fever, bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue or weakness, severe vomiting or diarrhea, or pain and swelling in an arm or leg.

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Medically reviewed by Anne Jacobson, MD, MPH
Board-Certified Family Physician

Anne Jacobson, MD, MPH, is a board-certified family physician, writer, editor, teacher, and consultant. She is a graduate of University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and trained at West Suburban Family Medicine in Oak Park, Illinois. She later completed a fellowship in community medicine at PCC Community Wellness and a master's in Public Health at the University of Illinois-Chicago. She lives with her family near Chicago.

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