Kisqali (ribociclib)

Kisqali is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Kisqali is used to treat hormone-related breast cancer in women. Ribociclib is used only if your cancer tests negative for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). HER2 protein can speed the growth of cancer cells.

Kisqali is used when the cancer has progressed or has spread to other parts of the body after other treatments.

Kisqali is given in combination with another cancer medicine such as letrozole (Femara) or fulvestrant (Faslodex).

Kisqali can cause serious side effects on your heart, liver, or lungs. Call your doctor at once if you have chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, trouble breathing, cough (with or without mucus), sudden dizziness, right-sided upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, unusual bleeding or bruising, dark urine, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

You will need frequent medical tests while taking Kisqali. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Tell your doctor if you have signs of infection, such as fever or chills.

You should not use Kisqali if you are allergic to ribociclib, or if you also take tamoxifen.

Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using Kisqali.

To make sure Kisqali is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• slow heartbeats;
• heart disease or prior heart attack;
• long QT syndrome;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, or potassium in your blood);
• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or
• signs of infection (fever, chills).

Tell your doctor whether or not you have gone through menopause.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment