Verzenio (abemaciclib)
Eli Lilly · CDK4/6 Inhibitor
What is Verzenio? Verzenio (abemaciclib) is a CDK4/6 inhibitor by Eli Lilly approved for hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative breast cancer in both the early and metastatic settings.
About Verzenio
| Brand Name | Verzenio |
| Generic / INN | abemaciclib |
| Drug Class | CDK4/6 Inhibitor |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly |
| Administration | Oral tablet |
| FDA Approval | 2017 |
FDA-Approved Uses for Verzenio
Indications are based on FDA approval. Your healthcare provider determines appropriate use based on your specific diagnosis, stage, biomarker status, and overall clinical picture.
- HR+, HER2-negative, node-positive early breast cancer — adjuvant therapy with endocrine therapy in patients with high recurrence risk
- HR+, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer — with fulvestrant or aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy
- HR+, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer — as monotherapy after endocrine therapy and prior chemotherapy
How Does Verzenio Work?
Abemaciclib selectively inhibits cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6). In HR+ breast cancer, CDK4/6 promote cell cycle progression from G1 to S phase. By inhibiting CDK4/6, abemaciclib causes cell cycle arrest and prevents tumor cell proliferation. Abemaciclib can be used as monotherapy (unlike some other CDK4/6 inhibitors) due to its more continuous dosing schedule.
Dosage & Administration
150 mg orally twice daily (continuous dosing — every day). Can be taken with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole. Dose reductions (100 mg or 50 mg BID) are used for toxicity management.
Dosing is individualized by the prescribing clinician. Never adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider. This information is educational only and does not replace the official prescribing information.
Warnings, Precautions & Side Effects
General Warning
Diarrhea — very common; manage proactively with antidiarrheals. Neutropenia — monitor CBC. Hepatotoxicity — monitor LFTs. Venous thromboembolism (VTE). Interstitial lung disease / pneumonitis. Embryo-fetal toxicity.
- Severe diarrhea (manage proactively)
- Severe neutropenia
- Hepatotoxicity
- Venous thromboembolism
- Interstitial lung disease / pneumonitis
- Embryo-fetal toxicity
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea (very common)
- Neutropenia
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Infections
- Anemia
- Decreased appetite
- Elevated LFTs
This is not a complete list. Always report new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.
Storage & Handling
Store at room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
BiologicHealthPlus provides temperature-monitored cold-chain specialty delivery for medications requiring refrigeration. Never use a medication if its storage conditions have been compromised.
Insurance Coverage, Prior Authorization & Patient Assistance
🛡️ Commercial Insurance
Verzenio is covered by most major commercial insurance plans when medically necessary and prior authorized. Coverage tier and cost-sharing vary by plan.
✅ Prior Authorization
Prior authorization is required by virtually all insurance plans for Verzenio. BiologicHealthPlus handles the complete prior authorization process at no cost to patients or providers.
🏥 Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part D covers this oral specialty medication. Medicaid coverage varies by state.
🆓 Patient Assistance
Manufacturer patient assistance programs may be available for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients. Contact BiologicHealthPlus for a confidential eligibility review.
Prior Authorization Patient Assistance Insurance & Savings Medication Costs
Frequently Asked Questions — Verzenio
Verzenio (abemaciclib) is a CDK4/6 inhibitor by Eli Lilly approved for HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer in both the early (adjuvant) and metastatic settings. It blocks the CDK4 and CDK6 enzymes that cancer cells need to divide.
Verzenio is the only CDK4/6 inhibitor approved as monotherapy for metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer (after endocrine therapy and prior chemotherapy). It is also dosed continuously (twice daily, every day) rather than intermittently.
Diarrhea is the most common side effect and should be managed proactively from the start of treatment with antidiarrheals (typically loperamide). Patients should increase fluid intake and report persistent diarrhea to their oncologist.
Verzenio is covered by most major commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part D as an oral oncology medication. Prior authorization is required. BiologicHealthPlus handles PA submissions at no cost.
Yes. Verzenio is FDA-approved as adjuvant therapy (with endocrine therapy) for HR+/HER2-negative, node-positive early breast cancer in patients at high risk of recurrence. This makes it one of the few CDK4/6 inhibitors approved in this early-stage setting.
Related Medications & Conditions
Related Medications
Ibrance (palbociclib) · Kisqali (ribociclib) · Fulvestrant (Faslodex) · Letrozole · Anastrozole
Related Conditions
HR+/HER2- breast cancer · Early breast cancer · Metastatic breast cancer