Palbociclib Indications, Contraindications, Warnings

Patient Tools

Read, save, and share this guide

Use these quick tools to make this medical article easier to read, print, save, or share with a family member.

On this page11 sections

Article Summary

Palbociclib Indications is an orally available cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor with potential antineoplastic activity. Palbociclib selectively inhibits cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and 6 (CDK6), thereby inhibiting retinoblastoma (Rb) protein phosphorylation early in the G1 phase leading to cell cycle arrest. This suppresses DNA replication and decreases tumor cell proliferation. CDK4 and 6 are serine/threonine kinases that are upregulated in many tumor cell types and play a key role...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Mechanism of Action of Palbociclib in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Palbociclib Indications in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Contraindications of Palbociclib in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Dosage of Palbociclib in simple medical language.
Before reading

RX Patient Tools

Use these quick guides before reading the article, or return to them when you need help preparing questions for a doctor.

Start here Choose the right pathway for symptoms, reports, medicines, or urgent warning signs. Disease article roadmap Read this topic step by step: meaning, symptoms, warning signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and follow-up. Treatment planner Prepare questions about treatment choices, benefits, risks, side effects, and follow-up. Family & caregiver guide Organize symptoms, reports, medicines, questions, and follow-up safely. Nutrition & diet guide Prepare food, hydration, supplement, and medicine-timing questions safely. Prevention guide Organize risk factors, protective habits, screening, and warning signs. Recovery guide Prepare a safe plan for activity, rehabilitation, warning signs, and follow-up.
Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.
Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.
Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.
Choose your reading view

Patient View highlights a simple learning journey. Clinical View reveals structure, evidence, and editorial completeness.

Palbociclib Indications is an orally available cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor with potential antineoplastic activity. Palbociclib selectively inhibits cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and 6 (CDK6), thereby inhibiting retinoblastoma (Rb) protein phosphorylation early in the G1 phase leading to cell cycle arrest. This suppresses DNA replication and decreases cell proliferation. CDK4 and 6 are serine/threonine kinases that are upregulated in many tumor cell types and play a key role in the regulation of cell cycle .
Palbociclib is a unique cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that is used in combination with aromatase inhibitors in the treatment of postmenopausal women with metastatic breast cancer. Palbociclib is associated with transient and usually elevations in serum aminotransferase during therapy but has yet to be linked to cases of clinically apparent injury.

Mechanism of Action of Palbociclib

Palbociclib is an oral, reversible, selective, small-molecule inhibitor of CDK4 and CDK6. CDK4 and CDK6 along with their regulatory partner cyclin D1 play a key role in regulating the G1- to S-phase cell-cycle transition via regulation of phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein.
Treatment of breast cancer cell lines with the combination of palbociclib and antiestrogens leads to decreased retinoblastoma protein (Rb) phosphorylation resulting in reduced E2F expression and signaling and increased growth arrest compared to treatment with each drug alone. In vitro treatment of ER-positive breast cancer cell lines with the combination of palbociclib and antiestrogens leads to increased cell senescence, which was sustained for up to 6 days following drug removal. In vivo studies using a patient-derived ER-positive breast cancer xenograft model demonstrated that the combination of palbociclib and letrozole increased the inhibition of Rb phosphorylation, downstream signaling and tumor growth compared to each drug alone.
Palbociclib is an orally available cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor with potential antineoplastic activity. Palbociclibselectively inhibits cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and 6 (CDK6), thereby inhibiting retinoblastoma (Rb) protein phosphorylation early in the G1 phase leading to cell cycle arrest. This suppresses DNA replication and decreases tumor cell proliferation. CDK4 and 6 are serine/threonine kinases that are upregulated in many tumor cell types and play a key role in the regulation of cell cycle progression.

Palbociclib Indications

  • Palbociclib is indicated in combination with letrozole for the treatment of postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced breast cancer as initial endocrine-based therapy for their metastatic disease. This is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival (PFS). Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of benefit in a confirmatory trial.
  • Palbociclib is approved to be used with other drugs to treat – Breast cancer that is hormone receptor positive(HR+) and HER2 negative(HER2-) and is advanced or has metastasized(spread to other parts of the body). It is used with fulvestrant in women whose disease has gotten worse after treatment with hormone therapy.
    It is used with an aromatase inhibitor in postmenopausal women who have not been treated with hormone therapy.
    Palbociclib is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.
  • For HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy in postmenopausal women OR fulvestrant in women with following endocrine therapy.
  • Breast Cancer
  • Breast Cancer Metastatic
  • Liposarcoma
  • Advanced Breast Cancer
  • Metastatic Breast Cancer
  • , advanced Breast cancer
  • Refractory, metastatic Breast cancer
FDA Label
  • For the treatment of hormone receptor (HR) positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with an aromatase inhibitor; in combination with fulvestrant in women who have received prior endocrine therapy.
  • In pre- or perimenopausal women, endocrine therapy should be combined with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist.
  • Palbociclib is a unique cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that is used in combination with aromatase inhibitors in the treatment of postmenopausal women with metastatic breast cancer. Palbociclib is associated with transient and usually mild elevations in serum aminotransferase during therapy but has yet to be linked to cases of clinically apparent acute liver injury.

Contraindications of Palbociclib

  • Palbociclib is in women having a pre-menopausal hormonal status, during pregnancy and lactation.
  • High
  • Disorder of the Blood Vessels of the Brain
  • Obstruction of a Blood Vessel by a Blood Clot
  • Hardening of the Liver
  • liver disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Decreased Calcification or Density of Bone
  • High Amount of in the Blood
  • Abnormal liver function tests
  • Pregnancy
  • A mother who is producing milk and breastfeeding
  • Increased Cardiovascular Event Risk
  • Allergies to Palbociclib

of Palbociclib

Strengths: 75 mg; 100 mg; 125 mg

Breast Cancer

  • 28-day cycle: 125 mg orally once a day for 21 consecutive days followed by 7 days off

Side Effects of Palbociclib

The Most Common

  • abdominal pain
  • bone fractures
  • increased blood pressure
  • increased cholesterol levels
  • signs of (e.g., severe , , mouth ulcers, , sudden lack of energy)
  • signs of depression (such as feeling sad, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, weight changes, changes in sleep habits, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, thoughts of suicide)
  • signs of (e.g., , increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained , poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odor)
  • signs of liver problems (e.g., yellow skin and eyes, , , dark-colored urine)
  • unusual vaginal bleeding

Less Common

  • Bone
  • breast
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • dry skin
  • headache
  • hot flushes
  • increase or loss of appetite
  • increased sweating
  • joint stiffness
  • chills, fever, or flu-like symptoms
  • mental depression
  • swelling of the feet or lower legs

Rare

  • Continuing or severe nervousness
  • cough
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • fainting
  • fast heartbeat
  • heart attack
  • increased sweating
  • nausea
  • pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves
  • severe and sudden, unexplained troubled breathing
  • severe, sudden headache
  • slurred speech
  • sudden loss of coordination
  • sudden, severe weakness or numbness in the arm or leg

Drug Interactions of Palbociclib

Palbociclib may interact with following drugs, supplements & may change the efficacy of drugs

  • alpha blockers (e.g., alfuzosin, doxazosin, silodosin, tamsulosin)
  • anti-cancer medications (e.g., cabazitaxel, docetaxel; doxorubicin; etoposide, ifosfamide, irinotecan, vincristine)
  • antipsychotics (e.g., aripiprazole, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone)
  • “azole” antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
  • benzodiazepines (e.g., chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam)
  • calcitriol
  • calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine, diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil)
  • corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide, dexamethasone)
  • cyclosporine
  • domperidone
  • estrogens (e.g., conjugated estrogen, estradiol, ethinyl estradiol)
  • “gliptin” diabetes medications (e.g., linagliptin, saxagliptin, sitagliptin)
  • grapefruit juice
  • HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs; e.g., delavirdine, efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine)
  • HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
  • lidocaine
  • losartan
  • macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
  • mifepristone
  • mirtazapine
  • modafinil
  • narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone)
  • phenobarbital
  • St. John’s Wort
  • seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, gabapentin, levetiracetam, phenytoin, topiramate)
  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., citalopram, duloxetine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline)
  • sildenafil
  • “statin” anti-cholesterol medications (e.g., atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin)
  • tamoxifen
  • tocilizumab
  • tofacitinib
  • tolterodine
  • trazodone
  • tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, trimipramine)
  • venlafaxine

Pregnancy Category

AU TGA Pregnancy category: D
US FDA Pregnancy category: N (Not assigned)

Pregnancy

This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. If you are able to become pregnant, you should use effective birth control while you are taking this medication and for at least 21 days after stopping the medication.

Lactation

It is not known if palbociclib passes into breast milk. If you are a breastfeeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breastfeeding. The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

References

Palbociclib Indications, Contraindications, Warnings
RX Medical Knowledge Graph

Explore this medical topic

Continue through verified related conditions, investigations, medicines, and patient guides. These links are educational and do not replace professional medical advice.

RX Clinical Pathway Engine

Continue through a complete learning pathway

Move from understanding the topic to symptoms, tests, treatment, medicines, monitoring, and prevention.

Search the complete library
  1. Understand the condition Begin with the essential facts and a clear explanation of the topic.
  2. Recognize symptoms Learn common symptoms, signs, and patterns of presentation.
  3. Know when to seek help Review urgent warning signs and when professional assessment may be needed.
  4. Understand causes and risks Explore causes, risk factors, mechanisms, and contributing conditions.
  5. Explore tests and diagnosis Learn how clinicians assess the condition and which investigations may be discussed.
  6. Learn treatment approaches Review general treatment categories and management principles.
  7. Understand medicines safely Continue to medicine education, uses, precautions, and monitoring.
  8. Plan monitoring and follow-up Understand monitoring, complications, rehabilitation, and follow-up learning.
  9. Review prevention and self-care Explore prevention, healthy routines, and questions to discuss with a clinician.

Conditions & Diseases

Background, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and care.

Explore this library

Tests & Investigations

Laboratory, imaging, screening, and diagnostic education.

Explore this library

Medicines

Uses, safety, monitoring, and related medicine knowledge.

Explore this library
Doctor visit helper

Prepare before seeing a doctor

A simple rural-patient checklist to help you explain symptoms clearly, ask better questions, and avoid unsafe self-treatment.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Temperature chart and hydration assessment
  • CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
  • Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Palbociclib Indications, Contraindications, Warnings

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

Internal learning pathway

Explore related RX articles

Related guides from RX Harun are grouped to help readers move from overview to symptoms, tests, treatment, and safe next steps.

Drugs (A - Z)
  1. Vasodilator Drugs Vasodilator drugs relax and widen blood vessels, increasing blood flow. A few examples include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium…
  2. Methamphetamine Hydrochloride – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction Methamphetamine Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt form of methamphetamine, an amphetamine and sympathomimetic amine with CNS stimulating properties. Methamphetamine…
  3. Methamphetamine – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions Methamphetamine is a member of the class of amphetamines in which the amino group of (S)-amphetamine carries a methyl substituent.…
  4. Vitamin D3 – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions DefinitionCholecalciferol is a steroid? hormone produced in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet light or obtained from…
  5. Imidazole – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions DefinitionImidazole is an imidazole tautomer which has the migrating hydrogen at position 1. It is a conjugate base of…
  6. Carbimazole Carbimazole is a member of the class of imidazoles that is methimazole in which the nitrogen-bearing hydrogen is…