IMBRUVICA (Ibrutinib)

What is this medication?

IMBRUVICA (Ibrutinib)
Antineoplastic Agent, Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor

IMBRUVICA (Ibrutinib) is indicated for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (previously treated).

How does this medication work? 

IMBRUVICA (Ibrutinib) is an irreversible inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) reducing B-cell activation and subsequently malignant B-cell proliferation and survival.

How should I take this medication?

Oral: Take 560mg once daily, continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

How to Take:  Take with a glass of water at the same time each day.  Swallow the capsule or tablet whole.  Do not break, split, open, crush, or chew the tablets. 

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before starting IMBRUVICA (Ibrutinib), make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, and current medical conditions. Ibrutinib, Imbruvica can cause cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure, atrial fibrillation and flutter, hemorrhage and serious bacterial, viral and fungal infections.  Ibrutinib can cause dizziness, fatigue and/or weakness and should be used with caution in patients who perform tasks that require mental alertness.  Renal toxicity, tumor lysis syndrome and second primary malignancies have been reported in patients using Ibrutinib.  Ibrutinib, Imbruvica has many potential significant interactions which may require dose or frequency adjustments and monitoring.

What if I miss a dose?

Missed doses should be taken as soon as remembered on the same day; return to the normal schedule the following day.  Do not take any extra doses to make up for a missed dose.

How should I store this medication?

Keep out of the reach of children at all times.  Store at room temperature, 59 to 86° F (15 to 30° C).  Protect from light.  Keep the container tightly closed.  Properly dispose of any unused medication after the expiration date.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Peripheral edema, fatigue, skin rash, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, neutropenia, anemia, malignant neoplasm, musculoskeletal pain.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for IMBRUVICA (Ibrutinib), only common ones.