Imbruvica (Ibrutinib)

Description

Imbruvica (ibrutinib) is available by prescription only to treat certain cancers in adults. These include:

• Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) 
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/Small lymphocytic leukemia (SLL) 
• Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM)
• Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL)

Imbruvica is also used in adults and pediatric patients who are at least one years old to treat chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD).

Imbruvica comes in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• 70 mg and 140 mg oral capsules
• 140 mg, 280 mg, 420 mg, and 560 mg oral tablets
• 70 mg/mL oral suspension

Imbruvica may not be right for everyone. Talk to your doctor about which treatment options may be best for you.

Directions

The dosage of Imbruvica depends on the condition being treated. Take Imbruvica as prescribed by your doctor. Discuss any questions or concerns you have with your doctor or pharmacist. 

Recommended Imbruvica dosing:

MCL and MZL: 560 mg by mouth once daily

CLL/SLL and WM: 420 mg by mouth once daily

cGVHD in patients who are least 12 years old: 420 mg by mouth once daily

cGVHD in patients 1 to 11 years old: 240 mg/m2 by mouth once daily (up to a maximum dose of 420 mg)

The dose of Imbruvica may be adjusted in patients with liver problems.

Ingredients

Ibrutinib, a kinase inhibitor, is the active ingredient contained in each Imbruvica capsule, tablet, and oral suspension.

Contraindications

Imbruvica does not have any known contraindications.

Cautions

• Before you starting Imbruvica treatment, talk to your doctor about:
• All the medications you take
• Your allergies
• Your medical history and health problems
• Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status
• Severe bleeding has been observed in patients taking Imbruvica. Monitor for signs or symptoms of bleeding such as black, tarry stools, blood in your vomit, bleeding from the gums, and nosebleeds that won't stop after 10-15 minutes of applied pressure. Seek medical care right away if any of these develop or if you have a fall or head trauma. 
• Infections have been reported with the use of Imbruvica. 
• Serious heart arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden death have been reported in patients taking Imbruvica.
• Imbruvica may cause high blood pressure.
• Imbruvica may cause abnormal blood cell counts.
• Skin cancers and other malignancies have been reported in patients taking Imbruvica.
• Tumor lysis syndrome may occur during Imbruvica treatment; however, it's rare.
• Imbruvica can cause harm to a fetus. Effective birth control methods during treatment and for one month after stopping Imbruvica is recommended for women taking Imbruvica.

Side Effects

Imbruvica side effects include abnormal blood cell counts, diarrhea, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, rash, anemia, bruising, serious bleeding, muscle spasms, stomach pain, headache, pneumonia, and sores and swelling of the mouth; however, these are not all the side effects associated with Imbruvica use.

If you experience side effects that bother you or won't go away, contact your doctor immediately.

Reference:

1. Imbruvica (ibrutinib). South San Francisco, CA: Pharmacyclics LLC; 2022.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....