Key facts about Ibrutinib
What dosages is Ibrutinib available in?
Ibrutinib is available as a 70 mg/ml oral suspension, 70 mg and 140 mg oral capsule, and a 140 mg, 280 mg, and 420 mg oral tablet.
What is Ibrutinib used for?
- Ibrutinib is a kinase inhibitor and is used for the following:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic leukemia (SLL) in adults
- Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) in adults
- Chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) in adults and children 1 year and older
How does Ibrutinib work?
Ibrutinib is a kinase inhibitor. It blocks a protein in your body to help stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying.
How do I take Ibrutinib?
- Ibrutinib is typically dosed at 420 mg by mouth once daily.
- Your dose might differ if you have liver problems or are also taking certain medications that can interact with Ibrutinib.
Is it safe for me to take Ibrutinib?
Ibrutinib is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Ibrutinib Common Side Effects
- Common side effects of Ibrutinib:
- Fatigue
- Low white blood cells (neutropenia),
- Bone or muscle pain
- Diarrhea
- Bruising
- Rash
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- High blood pressure
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Headache
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- Cough
- Bleeding
- Fever
- Mouth sores
- Muscle spasms
- Swelling in the body
- Infusion reactions
- Pneumonia
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Skin infection
- Low red blood cells (anemia)
Ibrutinib Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Ibrutinib. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Serious bleeding: blood in vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, blood in your stool or black stools, pink or brown urine, more bruising, unexpected bleeding, bleeding that’s severe or can’t be controlled, dizziness, weakness, confusion, change in speech, sudden and severe headache, headache that lasts a long time
Infections: fever, chills, weakness, confusion
Heart problems: feeling like your heart is pounding, dizziness, fainting, trouble breathing, chest pain, swelling of your arms and legs
New or worsening high blood pressure: headaches, changes to your vision, flushing, trouble breathing, chest pain
Lower blood cell counts: infections, fever, dizziness, weakness, trouble breathing
Cancers: new mole or spot on the skin, changes in existing moles, skin bleeding or itching, new symptoms
Tumor lysis syndrome: dark urine, not urinating as much as usual, pain on either side of the lower back, racing heart, muscle cramps or spasms, numbness, nausea, vomiting, seizures
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Ibrutinib
- The following medications may interact with Ibrutinib:
- CYP3A Inhibitors: Modify Ibrutinib dose as described.
- CYP3A Inducers: Avoid coadministration with strong CYP3A inducers.
Who makes Ibrutinib?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Ibrutinib safe in pregnancy?
Based on findings in animals, Ibrutinib can cause fetal harm when administered to a
pregnant woman. If you can become pregnant, you should use
effective contraception during treatment with Ibrutinib and for 1 month after the last dose.
