Ibrutinib
- What is it for
Ibrutinib is a targeted medication used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia and mantle cell lymphoma.
Ibrutinib
- Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications
What side effects can
Ibrutinib
cause?
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea and/or stomach pain
- Decreased appetite
- Tiredness and lack of energy
- Bone pain or muscle ache
- Mild swelling of the hands or feet
- Skin rash
- Increased risk of bruising or bleeding
Inform your doctor if you had a recent surgery or if any surgery is planned for you. - Increased risk of infections
To minimise risk, avoid crowds or being near people with infection.
Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Rapid heartbeat, chest discomfort or shortness of breath
- Unusual light-headedness, giddiness or weakness
- Signs of infection – fever of of 38°C or higher, chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty urinating
- Unusual bruising, bleeding or black sticky stools
- Severe diarrhea
- Severe muscle pain or weakness
Before taking
Ibrutinib
, what precautions must I follow?
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- Have any other medical conditions e.g. heart problems, liver problems.
- Are taking any other medication or supplements e.g. warfarin, fish oil or vitamin E.
- Use effective birth control during treatment and for 3 months after stopping Ibrutinib. Inform your doctor if you or your partner plan for or suspect pregnancy.
What food or medicine must I avoid when I take
Ibrutinib
?
Avoid taking grapefruit and its juice while you are on Ibrutinib.
Ibrutinib
- Dosage and How to Use
How should
Ibrutinib
be used?
It is a capsule, taken by mouth once daily and swallowed whole with water. Take at around the same time each day, with or without food. Take the exact number of capsules instructed by your doctor.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Ibrutinib, take it as soon as you can on the same day and return to your usual dosing time the next day. Do not double dose to make up for a missed dose.
What should I do if I overdose?
If you overdose on this medication, inform your doctor immediately.
Ibrutinib
- Handling
How should I handle
Ibrutinib
safely?
Do not chew, open or break the capsule.
Ibrutinib
- Storage
How should I store
Ibrutinib
?
- Keep away from children
- Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
- Store at room temperature