Kisqali: is it chemotherapy? Learn all about the medicine

Kisqali is a new drug indicated for the treatment of some types of breast cancer .

In this article, there is all the necessary information about this drug that is bringing more health and quality of life to many patients.

Contents

What is Kisqali?

Kisqali belongs to a group of drugs called cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Being indicated for the treatment of advanced or metastatic tumors related to breast cancer.

Such a drug is presented in tablets that must be taken in 28-day cycles.

Kisqali’s active ingredient is Ribocyclib. Its use is made together with other drugs known as aromatase inhibitors.

The doctor will indicate what the ideal dose of these other medicines should be and when the patient should take them.

If you have a history of liver or cardiovascular complications and infections recently, tell your doctor before taking Kisqali.

Also talk about other medications you are taking. This is because Kisqali can cause drug interactions , that is, reduce or affect the effect of other drugs.

This medication should only be used by women who have already had menopause and should not be used by children and adolescents under 18 years of age. The doctor may still order a pregnancy test to rule out the possibility of a pregnancy.

What is it for?

Kisqali is indicated for the treatment of women who have already gone through menopause and who have a type of breast cancer called the positive hormone receptor (RH +) and receptor for human epidermal growth factor type 2 (HER2-). The disease, in this case, must be locally advanced or have spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).

If you have any questions about why this medication was given to you, see your doctor.

How to take?

It is important to note that this medication must be taken correctly according to the instructions on the package insert and medical prescription. In case of doubt, seek professional guidance.

Kisqali should be taken whole, that is, the tablet should not be broken, cut, broken or chewed.

The treatment is done in 28-day cycles, however, the medication box has multiple packs of 21. So how should you take Kisqali?

The tablets should be taken, one a day, for 21 days. After that, there is a 7-day break, that is, without taking the medicine.

For example, the card started on the 1st of the month. In this case, the patient will take the medication between days 1 and 21.

The pause must be made on the 22nd and 28th of that same month, ending a complete cycle.

According to the package leaflet, if, after ingesting the medicine, the patient vomits the pill, this dose is lost and must be skipped, that is, one should not take another pill.

This is also true for cases where you forget to take your dose at the correct time. Thus, the patient must wait until the time of the next usual intake.

Do you need to take Kisqali on an empty stomach?

No. Kisqali can be taken after meals or on an empty stomach, depending on the patient’s wishes.

In this regard, the only thing worth remembering is that the pills should always be swallowed with the help of a sip of water 

What is the recommended dosage?

Kisqali should be taken as directed by a doctor. In general, you can take between 200mg, 400mg and 600mg in the same day, always according to the medical indication.

But remembering that Kisqali is only available in the 200mg dosage.  

Thus, for example, if the medical recommendation was 600mg per day, it will be necessary to consume 3 tablets.

If the patient needs to take more than 1 tablet, they should be taken together, at the same time.

How does Ribocyclib work?

The active substance in Kisqali is Ribocyclib (it can also be called Ribocyclib).

It works by blocking some proteins known as kinase (which control cell growth and division).

Thus, by reducing the amount of kinase, cancer cells tend to suffer a reduction in growth, slowing the progression of cancer.

Is it chemotherapy?

No, Kasili is not chemotherapy In chemotherapy, drugs known as antineoplastics are used, that is, they are capable of destroying the diseased cells that unite and form a tumor.

Kisqali is in a group of medicines that is known as an immunomodulator. This drug class acts as kinase inhibitors (CDK).

Kinase inhibitors have a slightly different function than chemotherapy drugs. This is because, instead of destroying diseased cells, they prevent them from growing and multiplying.

How much time does the treatment last?

It depends on each case. Treatment with Kisqali can last for months or years and should only be stopped with medical advice.

Stopping the medication without the supervision of a doctor can worsen breast cancer and its symptoms.

Before and during treatment, the patient will have to do some tests to monitor the activities of the liver, heart and blood cells (such as blood cells and platelets).

If the drug is compromising these functions, the professional may choose to reduce the dose or indicate another drug.

Did ANVISA approve?

Yes. The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) approved Kisqali in October 2018.

The process of approval of a drug by ANVISA includes scientific proof (with tests in laboratories) that that drug is safe and effective against a certain disease.

In addition, its effect still needs to be more advantageous than the adverse reactions it causes.

Can I get Kisqali for health insurance?

Many health insurance companies do not offer this medication on the grounds that it is not on the list of the National Supplementary Health Agency (ANS).

If your plan refuses to offer Kisqali, it is possible to file a lawsuit with the judiciary. Since these are health issues, procedures tend to be quick.

For the judicial process, several documents are required, including a budget with the price of 3 different pharmacies or drugstores.

At these times, you can count on the advice of Consulta Remédios. Just access the link , inform your data and in a few hours we will send you a personalized document with the necessary budget.

What are the side effects?

Like all medicines, Kisqali can cause some side effects, although they will not necessarily occur. These adverse reactions are divided according to how often they happen:

Very common (more than 10% of cases)

In more common situations , Kisqali can cause symptoms related to infections or liver problems. Between them:

  • Fever;
  • Weight loss and appetite;
  • Diarrhea;
  • Cough;
  • Stomach and abdomen pain;
  • Motion sickness;
  • Vomiting;
  • Shortness of breathe;
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes;
  • Wounds or pain in the body;
  • Tiredness;
  • Sweats or chills,
  • Dark urine (in brown tones);
  • Ease of bleeding or bruising.

Common (between 1% and 10% of cases)

Common adverse reactions caused by the use of Kisqali include:

  • Swelling of the lower limbs;
  • Shortness of breathe;
  • Bluish lips;
  • Chest pain;
  • Change in heart rate (the heart speeds up or slows down the beat);
  • Palpitations during heartbeat;
  • Fainting.

Uncommon (less than 1% of cases)

Among the unusual side effects are those related to the occurrence of sepsis (severe generalized infection). They can be shortness of breath, rapid or wheezing, fever , chills, infections that can increase the heart rate.

Unknown frequency

As it is a new drug, there are some possible reactions that have not yet been studied and calculated in the laboratory.

These side effects include peeling, sores or skin irritation (which can also be red), blisters on the lips or eyes, symptoms similar to the flu , enlarged lymph nodes, high fever (over 39.6 ° C).

It is also worth mentioning that Kisqali can still cause other reactions that are not included in the medication leaflet.

In such cases, the patient must be taken to the hospital as soon as possible and the manufacturer laboratory (Novartis) must be notified by the customer service.

Do you have any contraindications?

Kisqali is contraindicated for people who are allergic to:

  • Ribocyclib (active substance);
  • Soy;
  • Peanut;
  • Other substances that make up the contents or coating of the tablet (among them is soy lecithin, polyvinyl alcohol and black or red iron oxide).

What is the price of each dosage?

Kisqali’s dosage is unique, with each tablet containing 200mg of the active substance Ribocyclib.

Thus, the price varies according to the quantity of pills it contains in each box. The approximate average values ​​are:

  • Kisqali box with 21 pills – R $ 5,185 to R $ 5,986 *;
  • Kisqali box with 42 pills – R $ 11,973 *;
  • Kisqali box with 63 pills – R $ 15,989 to R $ 19,374 *.

* Prices consulted in December 2019. Prices may change. 

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