Key facts about Imbruvica
What is Imbruvica?
Imbruvica is the brand name for ibrutinib and is available as an oral tablet, capsule, and suspension.
What dosages is Imbruvica available in?
Imbruvica 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 Imbruvica used for?
- Imbruvica 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 Imbruvica work?
Imbruvica is a kinase inhibitor. It blocks a protein in your body to help stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying.
How do I take Imbruvica?
- Imbruvica 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 Imbruvica.
Is it safe for me to take Imbruvica?
Imbruvica 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.
Imbruvica Common Side Effects
- Common side effects of Imbruvica:
- 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)
Imbruvica Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Imbruvica. 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 Imbruvica
- The following medications may interact with Imbruvica:
- CYP3A Inhibitors: Modify Imbruvica dose as described.
- CYP3A Inducers: Avoid coadministration with strong CYP3A inducers.
Who makes Imbruvica?
Janssen Pharmaceuticals
Is Imbruvica safe in pregnancy?
Based on findings in animals, Imbruvica can cause fetal harm when administered to a
pregnant woman. If you can become pregnant, you should use
effective contraception during treatment with Imbruvica and for 1 month after the last dose.
