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Kisqali (ribociclib)
Starting Kisqali can bring up a lot of questions, for you and for the people who love you. Here you'll find what to expect, how to feel your best day to day and where to get help, so you can focus on your life and time together.
ℹ️ General information to help you and your loved ones talk with your care team, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.
Targeted therapy pill (CDK4/6 inhibitor) · Used for: Breast cancer
💊 Taken by mouth · Targeted therapy pill (CDK4/6 inhibitor)
The quick guide
What it is: Targeted therapy pill (CDK4/6 inhibitor).
How it's given: Tablets or capsules by mouth once a day for 21 days, then 7 days off, with hormone therapy.
How it works: Kisqali blocks CDK4 and CDK6 to slow cancer cell division. It's used with hormone therapy for HR+/HER2- breast cancer, both early-stage (higher risk) and advanced.
Side effects you may notice, and what helps at home
| Side effect | What can help |
|---|---|
| Neutropenia (low blood counts and infection risk) (Low white blood cells) | Wash hands often; check your temperature if you feel unwell. |
| Nausea and vomiting (CINV) | Small bland meals; take anti-nausea medicine as prescribed. |
| Fatigue (extreme tiredness) | Short walks and planned rest. |
| Alopecia (hair loss from chemo) (Hair thinning) | Gentle hair care; ask about scalp cooling. |
| Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) | Fluids, bland food; ask your team about anti-diarrhea medicine early. |
Not everyone gets these. Your team may suggest other ways to manage them.
Call your care team now if you have:
- Call right away for a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Fainting, racing or irregular heartbeat (QT changes; ECGs are done)
- Yellow skin or eyes
- New cough or shortness of breath
Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain or signs of stroke.
🗓 What to expect
1️⃣ Before you start
- Ask your team for a written schedule and an after-hours phone number.
- Bring a list of all your medicines and supplements.
2️⃣ Each day on treatment
- Take it exactly as prescribed, at about the same time each day.
- Don't crush or split pills unless your team says it's OK.
- If you miss a dose, follow the label instructions or call your pharmacist.
3️⃣ Between doses
- Watch for the side effects below and use the checklist.
- Keep up with blood tests and visits.
- Call your team for anything in the red box.
✅ Side-effect checklist
Print this and check off what you notice so you can tell your team.
| Side effect | Noticed? | Notes for my team |
|---|---|---|
| Neutropenia (low blood counts and infection risk) | ☐ | |
| Nausea and vomiting (CINV) | ☐ | |
| Fatigue (extreme tiredness) | ☐ | |
| Alopecia (hair loss from chemo) | ☐ | |
| Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) | ☐ |
Help paying for Kisqali (ribociclib)
Kisqali (ribociclib) is made by Novartis.
Official manufacturer program:
- Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation: Free Novartis medicine for people who qualify, plus copay help through Novartis.
Copay cards are usually only for people with commercial (job or marketplace) insurance. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, look at free-drug programs and these independent foundations:
- PAN Foundation: Copays and coinsurance, including for people with Medicare, when a disease fund is open.
- HealthWell Foundation: Grants for copays, deductibles and premiums when a fund is open.
- CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation: Help with treatment copays for insured people under income limits.
- Good Days: Copay help and some travel costs.
- NeedyMeds: Free database of assistance programs, open to anyone.
📋 Medicare: Pills you take at home are usually covered by Medicare drug coverage (Part D). Part B covers some cancer drugs taken by mouth if the same drug comes in an injectable form. See Medicare and your cancer drugs.
More: Help from drug makers · Our guide to paying for cancer treatment.
❓ Questions you and your loved ones can ask
- What is the goal of this treatment for me?
- How will we know if it's working?
- Which side effects should I call about right away, and what number do I call after hours?
- Which medicines, vitamins or supplements should I avoid?
- Will this affect my ability to work, drive or care for my family?
- What will this cost me, and who can help me with coverage?
Support for you and your family
- Susan G. Komen: Breast care helpline, treatment assistance and education
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer: Helpline, peer support and programs for metastatic breast cancer
- CancerCare: Free counseling, support groups and financial help
- Cancer Support Community: Support groups, a helpline and the MyLifeLine online community
Questions people often ask
How does Kisqali work?
Kisqali blocks CDK4 and CDK6 to slow cancer cell division.
How is Kisqali given?
Tablets or capsules by mouth once a day for 21 days, then 7 days off, with hormone therapy.
📄 The official FDA label for Kisqali (ribociclib), including its patient information section, is on DailyMed.
Written by the Cancer Side Effects Guide team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write