What is IBRANCE? IBRANCE is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as the first hormonal based therapy, or fulvestrant in people with disease progression following hormonal therapy.

Discovering IBRANCE® Tablets

IBRANCE is available in both capsules and tablets. There is no change to the active ingredient in IBRANCE or to the dosage strengths available (125 mg, 100 mg, 75 mg). Please note that the smooth-coated tablet may be taken with or without food for your convenience.

No action is needed on your part—you will continue to receive your prescribed IBRANCE in the same way that you are used to.

See below for notable differences between IBRANCE capsules and IBRANCE tablets.

Here’s What’s Different:

Capsule

Tablet


125 mg


100 mg


75 mg


125 mg


100 mg


75 mg

Must be taken with food
May be taken with or without food
Contains lactose (dairy) and gelatin
Does not contain lactose or gelatin
Gelatin-coated capsule
Smooth-coated tablet
Received in bottle; can be stored in bottle or pill caddy
Received in—and must be stored in—blister packs

Capsules and tablets shown above are not actual size.

How To Use Your Weekly IBRANCE Packs

The packaging features a clear and simple design, with helpful information on how to take once-daily IBRANCE throughout the 3-weeks on, 1-week off treatment schedule. Your monthly box will contain 3 individual weekly packs. Each pack contains 7 IBRANCE tablets. Watch the video below to learn more.

https://players.brightcove.net/1852113022001/JpBcT6sXX_default/index.html?videoId=6329472921112

Welcome to your IBRANCE® (palbociclib) tablets monthly box.

As you may already know, these smooth-coated tablets have the same active ingredient as the capsules, and are lactose and gelatin free. And, unlike the capsules, you can take IBRANCE tablets with or without food.

The tablets come in three dosage strengths: 125 mg, 100 mg, and 75 mg.

So your child-resistant blister packaging will come in the box that’s the dose strength prescribed for you. Inside every IBRANCE box, you’ll find: an insert, which summarizes the treatment instructions, and your three individual weekly packs of IBRANCE tablets to use throughout your treatment cycle. It’s important to use only one pack per week.

Each pack includes dosing instructions on the left, and a schedule tracker on the right.

Take one pack out of the box and circle “Week 1.” This will remind you to use this pack for the first week of your 4-week cycle.

Now circle "Week 2" and "Week 3" on the inside of the other two packs.

This will help you to be sure to use the right pack each week.

Remember, IBRANCE is taken for 3 weeks in a row, and during the 4th week of the cycle no IBRANCE is taken.

As always, follow your dosing schedule for IBRANCE and your combination treatment exactly as your healthcare team prescribes.

Start with the first pack during the first week, and with the tablet marked with the appropriate day of the week. Take one tablet of IBRANCE daily, at the same time every day, until the pack is finished.

Only store your IBRANCE tablets in the original blister packaging, and do not remove the tablet until it is time to take your dose.

Always swallow the tablets whole, and do not take any tablets that are broken or damaged.

To remove your IBRANCE tablets from the package, try one of these simple methods: Note, while packaging colors and tablet sizes may vary, these techniques will work for all of them.

Also, for all three techniques, make sure you hold your hands over a table.

Method One.
Unfold the blister pack.

Next, cup one hand and hold it under the tablet that you want to remove.

Using your opposite hand, place your thumb over the foil and push to release the tablet into your cupped hand.

If the tablet does not push all the way through, peel back the paper underneath.

Method Two.
Hold the center sleeve in both hands.

Find the tablet for the appropriate day of the week.

Apply equal pressure to the blister with both thumbs until the tablet is pushed through the foil.

Again, if the tablet does not push all the way through, just peel back the paper underneath.

Method Three.
Take two fingers and place them over the foil for the tablet that you wish to take, keeping your two thumbs underneath the blister pack.

Now, without letting go, flip the blister pack over so that your thumbs are now on top.

Apply equal pressure to the foil covering the tablet with your fingers and push the tablet up towards your thumbs.

And just like the last two methods, you can always peel back the paper if the tablet does not push all the way through.

If you have questions, speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Thanks for watching.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any questions you may have.

Oncology together

FOR LIVE, PERSONALIZED SUPPORT

Call 1-844-9-IBRANCE (Monday–Friday 8 AM–8 PM ET)

Learn More About How We Can Help

IBRANCE FAQs

Will my dosing schedule stay the same?
Yes, you will continue to take your prescribed dose of IBRANCE on the same schedule: Take 1 IBRANCE tablet once daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by 7 days off treatment. Remember to continue to take your combination treatment—an aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant—as instructed by your healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Why is Pfizer making this change from the capsule to the tablet?
The tablet offers you the flexibility to take IBRANCE with or without food.
Is the active ingredient the same?
Yes, the new tablets have the same active ingredient (palbociclib) as the capsules and the same three dosage strengths are available (125 mg, 100 mg, 75 mg).
Why is Pfizer changing from the bottle to the new packaging design?
The IBRANCE tablets need to be stored in the original blister packs. The tablets shouldn’t be removed and placed in a pill caddy. The new packaging features a clear and simple design, with helpful information on how to take once-daily IBRANCE throughout the 3-weeks on, 1-week off treatment schedule. Your monthly box will contain 3 individual weekly packs. Each pack contains 7 IBRANCE tablets.
How should I take IBRANCE tablets?
  • Take IBRANCE exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.
  • IBRANCE tablets may be taken with or without food.
  • IBRANCE should be taken at about the same time each day.
  • Swallow IBRANCE tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, or split IBRANCE tablets before swallowing them.
  • Do not take any IBRANCE tablets that are broken, cracked, or that look damaged.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit products during treatment with IBRANCE. Grapefruit may increase the amount of IBRANCE in your blood.
  • Do not change your dose or stop taking IBRANCE unless your healthcare provider tells you.
  • If you miss a dose of IBRANCE or vomit after taking a dose of IBRANCE, do not take another dose on that day. Take your next dose at your regular time.
  • If you take too much IBRANCE, call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

See Patient Information for IBRANCE tablets to learn more

How should I store IBRANCE tablets?

Store IBRANCE at 68 °F to 77 °F (20 °C to 25 °C) in the original blister pack.

Keep IBRANCE and all medicines out of the reach of children.

Will I continue to get refills of IBRANCE the same way?
Yes, there is no change in access and no action needed on your part. You will continue to receive your IBRANCE the same way.

Get To Know Women Taking IBRANCE

Gain strength and inspiration from women who’ve been prescribed IBRANCE. Their caregivers have thoughts to share as well. Hear the stories of IBRANCE Ambassadors and learn the ways they’ve adjusted to their new normal.

See Their Stories

Gain strength and inspiration from women who’ve been prescribed IBRANCE. Their caregivers have thoughts to share as well. Hear the stories of IBRANCE Ambassadors and learn the ways they’ve adjusted to their new normal.

See Their Stories