What Is Kisqali?

Kisqali is the brand name for ribociclib, an oral medication used to treat a particular type of breast cancer. It is not available as a generic drug.

Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer among women in the United States. Breast cancer among men is also possible, though much rarer. There are many different forms of breast cancer, and Kisqali is effective at slowing the growth of a specific type. The type of breast cancer that Kisqali is approved to treat is HER2-negative, meaning that the cancer cells do not contain a particular type of protein that affects their growth. It is also hormone receptor-positive, meaning that hormones such as estrogen can promote the growth of the cancer cells.

Kisqali is used to treat metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread to other areas of the body). It is approved as a first-line treatment for men and for postmenopausal women with breast cancer. When used in combination with hormone therapies, Kisqali can increase survival by approximately 5 years.

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Kisqali is available in tablets of 200 mg. The dosage for adults is typically 600 mg once a day, meaning that you would take three tablets at a time. This is only a typical dosage and should not supersede the instructions you receive from your doctor.

You should take Kisqali at the same time every day, ideally in the morning. You can take it either with or without food. Kisqali can cause vomiting, and if you vomit after taking a dose, you should wait to take it again until your next scheduled dose rather than take another dose right away. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Kisqali. This can cause elevated levels of Kisqali and lead to adverse reactions.

When taking Kisqali, you will follow a 28-day treatment cycle. This means that you take it every day for the first 21 days, then skip the next 7 days to complete the cycle. You may then start another cycle until your doctor discontinues treatment.

Like other cancer drugs, Kisqali is a very potent medication. You should not take Kisqali if the tablet is damaged or broken. Do not crush or chew the tablets before swallowing them. Kisqali can cause birth defects and is absorbable through the skin, so pregnant women should not take it or handle the tablets, especially if they are broken.