5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Neutropenia
Neutropenia was the most frequently reported adverse reaction in PALOMA-2 with an incidence of 80% and PALOMA-3 with an incidence of 83%. A Grade ≥3 decrease in neutrophil counts was reported in 66% of patients receiving IBRANCE plus letrozole in PALOMA-2 and 66% of patients receiving IBRANCE plus fulvestrant in PALOMA-3. In PALOMA-2 and PALOMA-3, the median time to first episode of any grade neutropenia was 15 days and the median duration of Grade ≥3 neutropenia was 7 days [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Monitor complete blood counts prior to starting IBRANCE therapy and at the beginning of each cycle, as well as on Day 15 of the first 2 cycles, and as clinically indicated. Dose interruption, dose reduction, or delay in starting treatment cycles is recommended for patients who develop Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
Febrile neutropenia has been reported in 1.8% of patients exposed to IBRANCE across PALOMA-2 and PALOMA-3. One death due to neutropenic sepsis was observed in PALOMA-3. Physicians should inform patients to promptly report any episodes of fever [see Patient Counseling Information (17)].
5.2 Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis
Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD) and/or pneumonitis can occur in patients treated with cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors, including IBRANCE when taken in combination with endocrine therapy.
Across clinical trials (PALOMA-1, PALOMA-2, PALOMA-3), 1.0% of IBRANCE-treated patients had ILD/pneumonitis of any grade, 0.1% had Grade 3 or 4 and no fatal cases were reported. Additional cases of ILD/pneumonitis have been observed in the postmarketing setting, with fatalities reported [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
Monitor patients for pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis (e.g. hypoxia, cough, dyspnea). In patients who have new or worsening respiratory symptoms and are suspected to have developed pneumonitis, interrupt IBRANCE immediately and evaluate the patient. Permanently discontinue IBRANCE in patients with severe ILD or pneumonitis [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
5.3 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, IBRANCE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, administration of palbociclib to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis resulted in embryo-fetal toxicity at maternal exposures that were ≥4 times the human clinical exposure based on area under the curve (AUC). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with IBRANCE and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 and 8.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)].