Ibrutinib (Imbruvica) Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Ibrutinib, marketed under the brand name Imbruvica, is a potent medication primarily used in the treatment of various blood cancers. Its primary role is to inhibit the growth and spread of cancerous cells. Although effective, it may cause side effects, some of which are severe. As with all medications, it should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider. Our telemedicine practice can provide expert advice and monitor your treatment plan.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Imbruvica (Generic Name: Ibrutinib)

The ‘generic name’ is the official medical name for the active ingredient in the medicine. In this case, Ibrutinib is the generic name, and it is shown in parenthesis.

Pharmacologic Category

Ibrutinib falls under the pharmacologic category of Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitors. Other medications in this category include acalabrutinib (Calquence) and zanubrutinib (Brukinsa).

Dosing

Remember, always consult your healthcare provider before adjusting your medication dose. Our telemedicine practice can provide you with a consultation and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.

• Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL): The recommended dose is 560 mg (four 140 mg capsules) orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): The recommended dose is 420 mg (three 140 mg capsules) orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
• Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia: The recommended dose is 420 mg (three 140 mg capsules) orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
• Marginal Zone Lymphoma (MZL): The recommended dose is 560 mg (four 140 mg capsules) orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
• Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGVHD): The recommended dose is 420 mg (three 140 mg capsules) orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Ibrutinib is available in the form of capsules at strengths of 70 mg, 140 mg, 280 mg, and 420 mg.

Administration Instructions

Ibrutinib is typically taken orally with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Do not open, break, or chew the capsules; swallow them whole. It’s important to take the medication at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the drug in your body.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Like any medicine, Ibrutinib can cause side effects. Not everyone will experience these, but it’s important to be aware. If you have any side effects, let your healthcare provider know immediately. Our telemedicine practice can provide immediate assistance.

• Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) include diarrhea, fatigue, cough, nausea, and shortness of breath.
• Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) include anemia, infections, hemorrhage, rash, and blurred vision.
• Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) include heart problems and kidney problems.

Contraindications

Contraindications refer to specific situations or conditions in which a drug should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient. For Ibrutinib, contraindications include:

• Allergic reactions: If you’ve had a previous allergic reaction to Ibrutinib or any of its ingredients, you should not take it. Allergic reactions can be serious and potentially life-threatening.
• Severe liver disease: Patients with severe liver disease should not use Ibrutinib as it may exacerbate the condition.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Ibrutinib can interact with certain other medications, altering their effects. Some of these include:

• Rifampin (Rifadin)
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Ibrutinib in Pregnancy

Ibrutinib is classified as a pregnancy category D drug, which means there is evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite these risks. It is crucial to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Ibrutinib while Breastfeeding

It is not known whether Ibrutinib is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The cost for a 30-day supply of Ibrutinib (140 mg) using a GoodRx coupon is around $13,587, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash-paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.

Possible Alternatives

Before considering any changes to your treatment plan, always discuss the possibilities with your healthcare provider. You can consult with our telemedicine practice providers right away. Here are some alternative treatments for the diseases Ibrutinib treats:

• Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Treatments include chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Alternative treatments can include radiation therapy and other targeted therapy drugs.
• Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia: Alternatives include plasmapheresis and immunotherapy.
• Marginal Zone Lymphoma: Other treatments may involve surgery and immunotherapy.
• Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease: Alternatives can include immunosuppressive drugs and physical therapy.

Recent Updates on Ibrutinib Research

Research on Ibrutinib is continuously evolving. A recent study showed that Ibrutinib is effective as a single-agent therapy for both relapsed and untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Ongoing studies are focusing on its effectiveness when used in combination with other cancer drugs, which has shown promising results in early-phase trials.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.