Palbocyclib capsule size, & Abemacyclib

[Tibba]

Thanks, I’ve Just started Abemacyclib- they are hard tablets but crushable (as long as they don’t come into contact with other people especially if they’re pregnant).

[Monarch3]

sorry, I meant to say 1.5 cm long

[Monarch3]

I’m on Abemaciclib, and haven’t had problems swallowing, as they are soft, not rigid like Paracetamol caplets. They’re also smaller and thinner. About 1.5 cm wide and 1.3 cm in diameter

[Pawsome]

I’ve never had one get stuck sideways. But it does say in the instructions that you have to swallow them whole and not chew them. But like I say if you follow the instructions and make sure you take them with a glass of water that seems to wash them down on for me x

[Tibba]

Many thanks- I’m wondering if the long caps can get stuck sideways- I never had any trouble swallowing  large caps until this year- then suddenly couldn’t do it- have to be really careful to chew everything to a complete mush before swallowing now....

thanks again for your input x

[Pawsome]

Hi - another thing that may be worth bearing in mind is that you only take Palbociclib once a day. I’m not on ameciclib but I understand that you take that twice a day. I’m not great swallowing tablets but you need to take Palbociclib with a glass of water so I find that helps to swallow them. The capsules aren’t that hard either - they have a bit of give in them so I think that helps to swallow them too x 

[Tibba]

Brilliant - received all sizes thanks so much Liz.  

[Liz0418]

you are welcome sent you info on palbociclib in private msg it marked it as spam here and wouldnt let me post it Liz x

[Tibba]

Brilliant thanks so much!x

[Tibba]

Thanks Liz- very helpful- & I’m so glad for you that the tumours are reducing! X

[Liz0418]

3. Pharmaceutical form

Film-coated tablet (tablet).

Verzenios 50 mg film-coated tablets

Beige, oval tablet of 5.2 x 9.5 mm, debossed with “Lilly” on one side and “50” on the other.

Verzenios 100 mg film-coated tablets

White, oval tablet of 6.6 x 12.0 mm, debossed with “Lilly” on one side and “100” on the other.

Verzenios 150 mg film-coated tablets

Yellow, oval tablet of 7.5 x 13.7 mm, debossed with “Lilly” on one side and “150” on the other.   

Found these re sizes on this website https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/

[Liz0418]

i was on palbo 125mgs which were larger bur i managed ok as not great with swallowing bigger capsules now on 100mgs due to low counts twice they are smaller and much easier to swallow they come in 3 strengths 75mgs 100mgs and 125mgs apparently all doses have been shown to be effective in a lot of cases. know someone who goes to my hospital who is on 75mgs as counts were low They are called hard capsules but the 100mg is quite pliable and measures 2cm long and 1.5 cm circumference they are skinnier than the 125 mgs just got my tape measure out. Dont know about abemiciclib, someone on here said there is going to be a palbociclib tablet so might be worthasking about it. I have been on palbo since past 2 years initially 125mgs then 100mgs for past few months 4 of my 6 tumours have reduced and scan show things are stable. Hope you get sorted out. Love and lockdown vitual hugs Liz x

[Tibba]

Thanks Gillyflower- do you think your palbocyclib capsules were 2cm long as someone else told me they are? My onc is now considering Abemaciclib instead but asked me to find out the size of those tablets myself (not easy)! Re narrowing oesophagus- My health report says ‘narrowing is consistent with radiotherapy seven years ago‘. I wouldn’t have had it if I’d known this could happen. 

[Gillyflower]

Hi Tibba,

I took Palbociclib, unfortunately I can't tell you the exact size as I have none left to take right now, however I did find them on the slightly larger size as far as capsules go.  Maybe search the internet for the Palbociclib information leaflet that comes with the meds and see if it gives the size on there?

I had radiotherapy to my neck area back in March and I have found that the muscles in my oesophagus seem tighter and I don't always swallow as well as I did before.  This made it harder for me to swallow the Palbo.  So if you have trouble with things like that it would definitely be a good idea to tell your Oncologist right away to see if there are any alternatives.

[Tibba]

Can anyone tell me the measurements of both Abemaciclib tablets and  Palbocyclib capsule? I have a narrowed oesophagus and can’t swallow average size capsules, only tiny ones, but need to take something urgently for bc mets to bones and lungs spreading quickly.  Thanks in advance if anyone can help with med sizes.