Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Kisqali (Ribociclib).
Abnormal heart rhythms: Kisqali (Ribociclib) can cause a heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation or long QT syndrome. If you have a history of QT prolongation that is being treated with medication, slow or irregular heart rhythm, heart failure, Heart Attack or heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Kisqali (Ribociclib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Kisqali (Ribociclib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you are taking other medications known to cause QT prolongation or have a family history of sudden cardiac death at less than 50 years of age, talk to your doctor. Kisqali (Ribociclib) is not recommended for people who are at risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms.
Anemia: Kisqali (Ribociclib) may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired, or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including red blood cells, in your blood.
Bleeding: Kisqali (Ribociclib) may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.
Blood Clots: Kisqali (Ribociclib) may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.
If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as heart attack, Stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Kisqali (Ribociclib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Kisqali (Ribociclib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.
Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Kisqali (Ribociclib) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Interactions with food: Grapefruit and pomegranates affect how Kisqali (Ribociclib) is removed from the body. Consuming these fruits or their juices while taking Kisqali (Ribociclib) may cause the medication to build up in the body and cause possibly harmful side effects. Avoid these foods while taking Kisqali (Ribociclib) for treatment.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Kisqali (Ribociclib) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Kisqali (Ribociclib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Kisqali (Ribociclib), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Kisqali (Ribociclib).
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Lung inflammation: Kisqali (Ribociclib) may cause inflammation of the lungs, known as pneumonitis, or interstitial lung disease (ILD). Symptoms of ILD include shortness of breath; a dry, hacking cough; weight loss; reduced or no appetite; extreme tiredness; and difficulty breathing. Depending on how severe the inflammation is, this can become a life-threatening illness. Report any symptoms of breathing difficulty to your doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnancy: Kisqali (Ribociclib) may cause harm to the developing baby if it is taken by the mother during pregnancy. Women who could become pregnant and who are taking Kisqali (Ribociclib) should use a barrier form of birth control, such as condoms, while taking the medication and for at least 21 days after the last dose. Kisqali (Ribociclib) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Kisqali (Ribociclib), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Kisqali (Ribociclib) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Kisqali (Ribociclib), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding, as it is recommended that breast-feeding be stopped while taking Kisqali (Ribociclib) and for at least 21 days after the last dose.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Kisqali (Ribociclib) have not been established for children.
