Anyone taking cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors?

I did ask for details from my oncologist. That is a patient's right. I also have a friend who is in Stage 4 and who has been taking it for a year. I inquired about side effects. effectivity etc I also read up about Ribociclib in credible breast cancer sites before I agreed to take it. I wanted to find out its advantages over that of a regular chemo infusion.

I am doing ok. Thank you for asking. I decided to go on Verzenio because of my possible recurrence/spread of cancer. I chose Verzenio because I did not want to risk heart issues. I asked for the lowest dosage (50 mg) to minimize side effects. I was told that the lower dosage is effective. I take 50 mg twice daily. I will be on my third month next week. I had one episode of diarrhea in the beginning, but none since. I have noticed hair thinning...taking lots of supplements for that. I am pre diabetes so I am careful in eating healthy - lots of vegetables, no processed food, no fried greasy food, no sugar. I have osteoporosis so I am also exercising to manage that and the joint stiffness. My recent bone scan showed minimal bone loss with some improvements. Thankful for the new law that was passed this year, my max copay for Medicare drugs is $2000/yr. I started the drug last year and copay for just one month was more than $3000! I know that it is still early stages in terms of the medications, but I am hoping that I could maintain this and continue dancing which I love.

Glad you are doing well on Verzenio.
You indicated you went on starting due to the possibility of reoccurrence?
Recommended by MO?
Were you Hr2 low?

My cancer was large 60mm. My OncotypeDX was 30. Since I declined chemo, my oncologist recommended adding verzenio to anastrozole. to mitigate recurrence.

i have stage 4 metastasis to spine. Have been on Verzenio for about six months. I have had minimal issues. Diarrhea sometimes but less often as time goes on. When I will be away from home for long (e.g. I attended a wedding) I take some Immodium as a precaution. It's been manageable.

@celera, very helpful. And welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

72 female - had early stage breast cancer diagnosis 30 years ago - mastectomy for both breasts and then tamofexin. Last year diagnosed with Stage 3/4 estrogen positive breast cancer in lymph nodes/discovered a lump under my arm. I refused Chemo (due to my age)) so oncologist started on me Anatrolosa to shrink the cancer in nodes, worked very well - had surgery in FEB where they removed 27 nodes - 11 still showed cancer. For mop up in March had 16 treatments of radiation. Still taking the Anatrolosa. Recovery from surgery/radiation has been pretty easy and Anatrolosa side effects are just some joint stiffness. Now the oncologist is suggesting I take a CDK 4/6 - the 3 year treatment as a preventative. Given my age and the harsh side effect I am reluctant to take this drug. I am debating if in my case it is really necessary - looking for an alternative preventative medication - prefer to stay on the Anatrolosa as preventative. Any advice/input would be appreciated.

Cdk 4/6 Verzenio reduces the chance of death by an absolute value of 7-8 percent. I took it for two years with letrozole with only a little diarrhea for the first few weeks. I am so great full for this drug. Apparently it is the biggest breakthrough in breast cancer in 29 years

My tumor was relative small (2.2 cm) but Oncotype score 29. I'm now taking Kisqali + anastrozole. No significant issues with either drug so far. Kisqali was only recently (Aug 2024?) approved for early stage breast cancer--which is what I have. It's the Oncotype of 29 that merits the Kisqali.

Thank you to both worried and peggy for their comments of CDK4/6. Real life reports of this drug are giving me the information to make a good decision. Frankly was worried about the side effects but the reality of this drug as a prevention is encouraging - feel like I can handle - the numbers are significant. Appreciate the help.