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Ribociclib tablet What does ribociclib mean? Ribociclib is used to treat breast cancer in women that is caused by hormones. Ribociclib is only used if tests for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 show that your cancer does not have it (HER2). Cancer cells can grow faster when HER2 protein is present. Ribociclib is used when other treatments haven't worked or when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Ribociclib is given with another medicine for cancer, like letrozole (Femara) or fulvestrant (Faslodex). Information that's important Ribociclib can hurt your heart, liver, or lungs in very bad ways. Call your doctor right away if you have chest pain, a fast or pounding heartbeat, trouble breathing, a cough (with or without mucus), sudden dizziness, pain in the upper right side of your stomach, loss of appetite, unusual bleeding or bruising, dark urine, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. While you are taking ribociclib, you will need medical tests often. Depending on how these tests turn out, your cancer treatments may have to be put off. Tell your doctor if you have fever or chills, which are signs of an infection. Before you take this drug, If you are allergic to ribociclib or if you also take tamoxifen, you shouldn't use it. Your doctor will check your blood to make sure you don't have any health problems that would make it unsafe for you to use ribociclib. Tell your doctor if you've ever had slow heartbeats, heart disease or a heart attack, long QT syndrome, an electrolyte imbalance (like low levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, or potassium in your blood), liver disease, kidney disease, or signs of infection (fever, chills). Tell your doctor if you've been through menopause or not. Before starting this treatment, you may need to make sure that you are not pregnant by taking a test. Do not use ribociclib if you are pregnant. It could hurt the baby in the womb. Use effective birth control to avoid getting pregnant while you are taking ribociclib and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose. Men may not be able to have children if they take this medicine. If you are worried about this risk, talk to your doctor. You shouldn't breastfeed while taking this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose. How do I take the drug ribociclib? Follow all of the directions on the label of your prescription, and read any guides or instruction sheets that come with it. Follow the directions to the letter. Ribociclib is given in cycles that last 28 days. The first 21 days of each cycle, you'll take the medicine, and then you'll have a week off. The length of time you take ribociclib will be decided by your doctor. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Instead, swallow it whole. Take the medicine every morning at the same time, with or without breakfast. If you throw up after taking the medicine, don't take your next dose until the next day. Do not take a pill that is broken or smashed. You may need to have medical tests done often to make sure that ribociclib is not hurting you. Depending on the results, your cancer treatments may be put off for a while. Keep ribociclib in its original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. What will happen if I don't take a dose? Skip the dose you forgot. Take your next dose at the usual time, and keep taking it once a day. Don't take two doses in the same day. What should I stay away from while I'm on ribociclib? Ribociclib and grapefruit may not work well together, which could cause unwanted side effects. Don't use anything with grapefruit in it. If you are also taking ribociclib, don't take a herbal supplement that has St. John's wort in it. Ribociclib side effects Get medical help right away if you have hives, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face or throat, or if you have a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling). If you have a serious reaction to a drug that can affect many parts of your body, you should see a doctor. Symptoms could include a rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, extreme weakness, unusual bruises, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Call your doctor right away if you have fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, or sudden dizziness that makes you feel like you might pass out. You should also call your doctor if you have low white blood cell counts. �fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing; signs of inflammation in the lungs, like a new or worsening cough, painful or hard breathing, wheezing, or feeling short of breath even when resting; or liver problems, like loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). If you have certain side effects, your cancer treatments may be put on hold or stopped for good. Low white blood cells can make you more likely to get infections, cough, feel sick, throw up, have diarrhea or constipation, feel tired, get a rash, get a headache, or lose your hair.