View by Tumor Type
Breast Cancer
Home All Therapies Kisqali

Kisqali

ribociclib
CDK4/6 Inhibitor FDA Approved 2017 Novartis
Route
Oral
Half-Life
32 hrs
FDA Approved
2017
Manufacturer
Novartis
Navigation -->
1. Indications and Usage

HR+/HER2− Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer: In combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy in pre/perimenopausal or postmenopausal women and men.
HR+/HER2− Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer: In combination with fulvestrant as initial endocrine-based therapy or following disease progression on endocrine therapy in postmenopausal women and men.
HR+/HER2− Early Breast Cancer (adjuvant): In combination with an aromatase inhibitor in adult patients with high risk of recurrence (node-positive, ≥4 positive nodes or 1–3 nodes with Grade 3 or tumor ≥5 cm).

2. Dosage and Administration

Advanced/metastatic: 600 mg orally once daily for 21 consecutive days followed by 7 days off (28-day cycle)
Adjuvant early breast cancer: 400 mg orally once daily for 21 consecutive days followed by 7 days off (28-day cycle) for 3 years
Administration: With or without food. Swallow tablets whole.
Dose reductions (advanced): First: 400 mg; Second: 200 mg. Discontinue if unable to tolerate 200 mg.
Dose reductions (adjuvant): First: 200 mg. Discontinue if unable to tolerate 200 mg.

3. Dosage Forms and Strengths

Tablets (film-coated): 200 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg

4. Contraindications

None listed in the prescribing information.

5. Warnings and Precautions
  • Neutropenia: Monitor CBCs prior to initiation, every 2 weeks for first 2 cycles, at the beginning of each subsequent cycle, and as clinically indicated.
  • Hepatobiliary Toxicity: ALT/AST elevations reported. Monitor LFTs before initiation, every 2 weeks for first 2 cycles, at beginning of subsequent 4 cycles, then as clinically indicated.
  • QT Interval Prolongation: Monitor ECGs prior to initiation, at approximately Day 14 of Cycle 1, at beginning of Cycle 2, and as clinically indicated. Avoid in patients with long QT syndrome.
  • ILD/Pneumonitis: Reported including fatal cases. Monitor and permanently discontinue for severe ILD/pneumonitis.
  • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Verify pregnancy status before initiating.
6. Adverse Reactions
Most Common Adverse Reactions

Neutropenia (74%), Nausea (52%), Infections (50%), Fatigue (37%), Diarrhea (35%), Leukopenia (33%), Vomiting (29%), Alopecia (27%), Headache (22%), Constipation (21%)

Neutropenia
74%
Nausea
52%
Infections
50%
Fatigue
37%
Diarrhea
35%
Leukopenia
33%
Vomiting
29%
Alopecia
27%
Headache
22%
Constipation
21%

Consult the complete prescribing information for a comprehensive list of adverse reactions and their frequencies.

7. Drug Interactions

Strong CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid concurrent use. If unavoidable, reduce Kisqali dose (600→400, 400→200 mg).
Strong CYP3A Inducers: Avoid concurrent use.
CYP3A Substrates: Ribociclib is a strong CYP3A inhibitor. Concomitant use with sensitive CYP3A substrates with narrow therapeutic index should be avoided.
QT Prolonging Drugs: Avoid concomitant use with drugs known to prolong QT interval.

8. Use in Specific Populations
Pregnancy

Consult the full prescribing information for pregnancy-related considerations.

Lactation

Refer to prescribing information for lactation guidance.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric safety and efficacy information is detailed in the full label.

Hepatic/Renal Impairment

Dose modifications for organ impairment are specified in the complete prescribing information.

12. Clinical Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action

Ribociclib is a selective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6). These kinases are activated upon binding to D-cyclins and play a critical role in signaling pathways leading to cell cycle progression and cellular proliferation. The cyclin D-CDK4/6 complex regulates cell cycle progression through phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb). Ribociclib inhibits pRb phosphorylation, preventing G1/S cell cycle progression and reducing proliferation.

Pharmacokinetics

Tmax: 1–5 hours. Bioavailability: ~32%. Vd: 1090 L. Protein binding: 70%. Metabolized primarily by CYP3A4. Half-life: 32 hours. Steady state by Day 8. Elimination: feces 69%, urine 23%.

14. Clinical Studies

Clinical efficacy and safety data supporting the approval are available in the full prescribing information and from the clinical trials listed below.

Pivotal Clinical Trials
Additional Resources
FDA-Approved Tumor Types

Kisqali has FDA-approved indications across the following cancer types covered on CancerDrugEvidence:

External Resources
Important Notice: This page is intended as a navigational reference to the FDA-approved prescribing information for Kisqali. It does not replace the full prescribing information. Healthcare professionals should consult the complete package insert available at DailyMed before making prescribing decisions. Patient-specific factors should always guide clinical decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kisqali (ribociclib) approved for?

Kisqali (ribociclib) is an FDA-approved oncology agent. Refer to the full prescribing information for complete indication details.

How is Kisqali (ribociclib) administered?

Refer to the full prescribing information for dosing schedules, administration instructions, and dose modifications.

How does Kisqali (ribociclib) work?

Ribociclib is a selective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6). These kinases are activated upon binding to D-cyclins and play a critical role in signaling pathways leading to cell cycle progression and cellular proliferation. The cyclin D-CDK4/6 complex regulates cell cycle progression through phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb). Ribociclib inhibits pRb phosphory

What are the most common side effects?

Neutropenia (74%), Nausea (52%), Infections (50%), Fatigue (37%), Diarrhea (35%), Leukopenia (33%), Vomiting (29%), Alopecia (27%), Headache (22%), Constipation (21%) Neutropenia 74% Nausea 52% Infections 50% Fatigue 37% Diarrhea 35% Leukopenia 33% Vomiting 29% Alopecia 27% Headache 22% Constipation