Hello,
I am trying to stay positive but it is challenging. I have been on this targeted hormone treatment since early 2025. I am taking Letrozole, Abemaciclib, Zoledex and have Zometa every 6 months. Had my 2nd Zometa a few weeks ago. However, I believe my recent health problems have been a consequence of taking Abemaciclib.
Since taking Abemaciclib, I have insomnia and palpitations which I notice when I am stressed or have anxiety. Since last year, the skin on my lower legs have become darker, itchy and lumpy. Initially, my oncology team did not believe Abemaciclib was responsible but now they say the discolouration may be a rare side effect.
Two days ago, I attended my chemo appointment to collect my next cycle of Abemaciclib. The nurse recorded my vital signs and noted my BP and HR were higher than expected. She checked my pulse manually and found it to be irregular. She sent me to get a 12 lead ECG which showed me to have atrial fibrillation. The nurse escorted me to receive treatment in the emergency department.
I am feeling that nothing seems to be going well and I want to know if anyone else has experienced or experiencing the same.
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Hi, sorry to hear about your issues since being on abemaciclib. I had medication controlled atrial fibrillation prior to starting Abemaciclib, but after 6 weeks on it my Afib suddenly got much worse. I ended up having a pacemaker fitted 2 days ago and currently having a break. Not sure if I’m going to be able to restart it or not - have an appointment with my oncologist tomorrow. Feeling fed up too!
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I do hope that your oncologist has been able to find a way through for you- lower dosage, alternative medication etc.
Importantly, allowing you to feel better! xx
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Hi Jeannie1,
I’m sorry to hear you are going through this. That’s quite a shock to the system. You are recovering from breast cancer and after taking Abemaciclib your AF got worse and now you have a pacemaker. Nothing prepares you for that. I would be feeling fed up and angry as well.
Clearly, there needs to be more research about Abemaciclib and atrial fibrillation. I believe there is a link and I have read some research studies showing this. I hope you are recovering well and receiving support from your oncologist.
I recently spoke to my oncologist who believes Abemaciclib does not cause atrial fibrillation and he has not seen cases of AF with this drug but wants me see a cardiologist before I restart Abemaciclib. I have never had atrial fibrillation before taking Abemaciclib. This is my lived experience.
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Hello @resilienceiskey 
I’m so sorry you’re going through all of this, it sounds incredibly overwhelming, especially when so many things are happening at once.
It must have been really frightening to experience the palpitations and then be told about the atrial fibrillation, on top of everything else you’ve already been managing. It’s completely understandable to feel like nothing is going right at the moment.
I didn’t have the same experience personally, but I do remember how unsettling it can be when your body reacts in unexpected ways during treatment. It might really help to keep your medical team closely involved with everything you’re experiencing, especially with your heart symptoms, just so you feel fully supported and monitored.
You’re not alone in feeling like this, even if it feels that way right now. Sending you so much care and hoping things begin to feel a little more manageable soon 