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I’m on anastrozole now, my oncologist wants to add verzinio…has anyone used this combination of medication…thanks

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Davenport, FL
May 26
 · 
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A MyBCTeam Member

I'm taking Ibrance for my CDK inhibitor. It's been on the market since 2015 and was the first CDK inhibitor. I take the smallest dose possible which is a 75 mg tablet. I picked this one cause it had less side effects than the 2 newer CDK inhibitors. They started me off taking 1 pill a day for 3 weeks and then there was a 1 week break before starting a new cycle. At first they gave me blood tests every 2 weeks to check on liver function, white blood cells, and neutrophils. My blood levels were ok, but my liver numbers shot up. I was switched to a 2 week on and 2 week off schedule and my liver numbers are much better now. I've stabilized and I only need a blood test once a month now. I'm taking the Ibrance with Letrozole as my AI. The CDK inhibitors were originally for stage 4 cancer patients. If you are not stage 4 and your doctor wants you to take a CDK inhibitor it is because you have an extra high risk of your cancer coming back.

May 28
A MyBCTeam Member

Thank you

June 1
A MyBCTeam Member

My new oncologist wants me to start Anastrozole and Verzenio. I told her I would think about the Anastrzole but I wont be taken the drug Verzenio as it is fairly new, I think she said 7 years.

May 27
MyBCTeam

Has anyone used the combination of Anastrozole and Verzenio (abemaciclib) together?

This is actually a well-known combination used for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer. Verzenio is a CDK4/6 inhibitor that works alongside anastrozole to help block cancer cell growth more effectively.

Many MyBCTeam members have Show Full Answer

Has anyone used the combination of Anastrozole and Verzenio (abemaciclib) together?

This is actually a well-known combination used for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer. Verzenio is a CDK4/6 inhibitor that works alongside anastrozole to help block cancer cell growth more effectively.

Many MyBCTeam members have shared experiences with this combination. It's encouraging that your oncologist is looking at this approach, as it can be a strong treatment strategy. That said, adding Verzenio can bring additional side effects on top of what anastrozole already causes. Common things to be aware of include:

- Digestive issues like diarrhea and nausea
- Fatigue
- Low white blood cell counts, which can increase infection risk
- Joint pain (already a known anastrozole side effect)
- Weight changes

It's really important to discuss any concerns openly with your oncologist before starting, so you feel confident and prepared going in. Connecting with others on MyBCTeam who've been on this combo can also be really reassuring! 💙

May 26

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