Your tough battles let you know how strong you are. To all the people out there who are in between this battle, we know you are strong.
As much as technology is getting advanced, cancer treatments are also getting advanced. Not only treatments but some medications can help you with it as well.
Know one of the most prescribed medications by doctors for certain types of breast cancer.
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Ibrance
Ibrance or palbociclib is commonly used for breast cancer. When breast cancer is advanced or has spread to other parts of the body, palbociclib can come into action.
Most breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive. Your healthcare provider can use Ibrance in combination with another medicine.
Ibrance For Cancer: How Does It Work?
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), are a family of enzymes that play an important role in cell cycle control and development.
CDK4 and CDK6 are essential for cell division and cell cycle progression. These CDKs are the targets of Ibrance.
Because of CDK4 and CDK6 cancer cells grow and multiply. To stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying, Ibrance blocks the activity of CDK4 and CDK6. This can also lead to tumors shrinking in size.
Ibrance Dosage Forms
One can take Ibrance in the following dosage forms, taken by mouth.
- 75 mg oral capsules
- 75 mg oral tablets
- 100 mg oral capsules
- 100 mg oral tablets
- 125 mg oral capsules
- 125 mg oral tablets
Take these dosages after being prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Does Ibrance Have Any Side Effects?
Every medication bears some sort of side effects, Ibrance also does. Your healthcare provider will treat you. Inform your doctor in case of any of these side effects:
- Vomiting
- Hair loss
- Rash
- Weakness
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness
- Infection
- Mouth sores or pain
- Low energy levels
There may be other side effects as well. Contact your healthcare provider if you are facing any of these side effects.
Can I Take Ibrance?
Although Ibrance is a medication prescribed by a doctor, it can also have some limited candidates. Know if you are a suitable candidate for Ibrance or not.
If you are a candidate that has early breast cancer, Ibrance is not for you. Your healthcare provider will recommend Ibrance when breast cancer is spread to other parts of the body or spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes.
Your unborn baby may get harmed because of Ibrance. If you are planning to be a mother, inform your healthcare provider. Ibrance is not for you if you are pregnant.
Your healthcare provider can lead you to the right way. Prefer to ask your healthcare provider for better advice.
Things To Avoid When You Are On Ibrance
The progress of metastatic breast cancer can be slowed down by the use of this prescription drug, Ibrance. While in Ibrance there are some things or food you must avoid.
If you are consuming alcohol while on Ibrance there are chances of facing side-effects like vomiting, tiredness or nausea. Some serious side effects may include:
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Lung problems
Grapefruit and grapefruit products must be avoided while in Ibrance.
Oranges and lemons must not be there in your refrigerator when you are someone who is in Ibrance. These kinds of acidic food need to be avoided because mouth sores and ulcers can be painful.
Treatment For Breast Cancer
Although Ibrance is a medication for the treatment of HR-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer, there are more options available for breast cancer treatment.
One of them can be breast oncoplasty. Breast oncoplasty combines breast cancer surgery and plastic surgery techniques. Restore the natural shape of breasts and give the breast a symmetrical appearance with breast oncoplasty.
It is like getting treatment for cancer by giving breasts a symmetrical look.
You know you cannot take Ibrance when you have early-stage cancer. So, for early-stage cancer, you can go for breast oncoplasty. This is the most suitable option your healthcare may provide if you have early-stage breast cancer.
There are different treatment options available for breast cancer like chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, radiation therapy and many more.
Every treatment deals differently so, ask your healthcare provider for the most suitable one.
Conclusion
Metastatic breast cancer is rare so it becomes slightly difficult to deal with it. However, some patients after getting treatment from a specialist are living a longer and better life with metastatic breast cancer.
Ibrance can help you live a better life because Ibrance is specially prescribed to those who are metastatic breast cancer patients. Ibrance is effective and can deal with disease and delay disease progression for over two years when used with other medications.
You are strong enough to deal with problems but make it easier for yourself with the help of treatments and medications. Live a longer and better life even while having a rare cancer like metastatic breast cancer. We believe you can.