Addressing Diarrhea

Overall, the key information to know about diarrhea: it can be managed with the appropriate steps, so EXPECT, PLAN, and ACT.

EXPECT

DIARRHEA IS A COMMON SIDE EFFECT

Diarrhea is a common side effect with Verzenio and may sometimes be severe, but you and your doctor can take steps to manage it. If diarrhea occurs, it will most likely happen in the first month. You should be on the lookout for cramping or frequent, loose, or watery stools.

PLAN

PLAN AHEAD OF TIME

It is important to plan ahead of time with your doctor. Make sure you have an over-the-counter antidiarrheal medicine, such as loperamide (also known as Imodium^®) available at home before you start taking Verzenio.

ACT

IMMEDIATE 24-HOUR ACTION PLAN

If you begin experiencing diarrhea, it is very important that you take action immediately at the first signs of symptoms. The best way to manage diarrhea is to start an antidiarrheal at the first sign and call your doctor, who may make a dose change.

Dietary suggestions

Diet may have an impact on your experience with diarrhea, but it doesn’t mean you have to completely change how or what you eat. Before you make any changes to your diet, be sure to talk to your healthcare team. Also note that these tips are not specific to Verzenio.

• Choose foods that are easy to digest

• Eat smaller meals more frequently. It is better to eat 5 or 6 small meals a day instead of 3 big meals

• Look for soft, bland foods: bananas, applesauce, crackers, eggs, white rice, white toast, plain pasta, chicken or turkey (without the skin)

• Eat foods that are high in sodium and potassium: canned fruits (apricots, peaches, pears), potatoes (baked, boiled, or mashed)

• When you have diarrhea, your body may lose some of these important minerals, so it’s important to make sure you get enough in your diet

There are many other dietary options to help with diarrhea. This list is just a guide you can refer to when choosing what to eat and drink.

Suggestions for what to avoid:

• Dairy products—milk, cheese, or sour cream

• High-fiber foods and foods that cause gas—whole wheat bread, granola, bran cereals, raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, popcorn, lentils, peas, corn, broccoli, cabbage

• Fatty or greasy foods—fried foods, bacon, sausage, hamburgers, pizza, salad dressings, pastries

• Spicy foods—pepper, hot sauce, salsa, chili

• Sugar-free candy or gum made with sugar alcohol (sorbitol)

• Food or drinks that have caffeine—regular coffee or tea, some sodas, chocolate

• Alcoholic drinks—beer, wine, and other types of alcohol

• Food or drinks that are too hot or too cold—have food or drinks at room temperature

Side effects with Verzenio

The most common side effects of Verzenio include:

• Nausea

• Infections

• Low red blood cell counts (anemia)

• Decreased appetite

• Headache

• Hair thinning or hair loss (alopecia)

• Abdominal pain

• Tiredness

• Low white blood cell counts (leukopenia)

• Vomiting

• Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia)

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of Verzenio. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Dose Reductions/Modifications

Most common side effects of Verzenio can be managed with a reduced dose. When a dose reduction is suggested by your doctor, the benefit of Verzenio + hormone therapy is maintained.

Data from the clinical trial was further analyzed to assess the results when dose reduction was needed. These analyses were not pre-planned. Individual results may vary. Take Verzenio exactly as your doctor tells you. Your doctor may change your dose if needed. Do not stop taking Verzenio or change the dose without talking to your doctor. The recommended dose of Verzenio (in combination with hormone therapy) is 150 mg by mouth twice a day, taken once in the morning and once at night.