Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Kisqali. It targets breast cancer cells. Kisqali is given with another type of medicine called hormone therapy. Together, they slow the cancer from progressing. It may have other uses, too.

Kisqali is taken one time each day, preferably in the morning. It is often taken for 21 days in a row followed by 7 days of no treatment. You should take it exactly how your doctor tells you to. Be sure to swallow the tablets whole, and never take any tablets that look cracked or damaged. You can take it with or without food.

Most people tolerate Kisqali well. Common side effects include a headache, tiredness, back pain, and either diarrhea or constipation. These effects are normal if they are mild, and should go away. This medicine can also cause hair loss. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any medication, more serious side effects can occur. With Kisqali, this includes problems with your liver or heart rhythm. It can also increase your risk of infections. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will order blood tests and may change your dose. You should read the Patient Information sheet to know what symptoms to watch for.

Drug interactions can occur. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines or herbal remedies. Also, you should not eat grapefruit or pomegranates, and you should not drink their fruit juices. 

Kisqali can harm unborn babies. Women should talk to their doctors about what birth control to use, and should not breastfeed.

For best results with Kisqali, ask about helpful support services that are available. Also, be sure to store the tablets in the original container.