Brukinsa (Zanubrutinib)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Brukinsa Used For?
Brukinsa is a targeted anticancer medication that works differently from traditional chemotherapy. It is designed to treat specific types of blood cancers.
Primary Uses
Brukinsa is used to treat Waldenström’s macroglobulinaemia, mantle cell lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
How It Works
Brukinsa blocks Bruton's tyrosine kinase, a protein that helps cancer cells grow and survive, thereby reducing their number and activity.
Good to know: Brukinsa is not addictive.
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How to Take Brukinsa
It is important to follow the prescribed dosage when taking Brukinsa to ensure its effectiveness.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dose is 320 mg per day, which can be taken as either 2 tablets or 4 capsules at once or split into two doses of 160 mg.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Important: Never double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Bruising or increased tendency to bruise
- Diarrhoea
- Skin rash
- Muscle pain
- Feeling tired
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (itchy rash, difficulty breathing)
- Signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches)
- Severe bleeding (blood in stools, unexpected bleeding)
- Heart rhythm problems
- New cancers
Impulse Control Issues
Patients should be monitored for any changes in behavior or impulse control.
Important Warnings
There are several important considerations to keep in mind before and during treatment with Brukinsa.
Who Should Not Take Brukinsa
Patients with a history of irregular heartbeat, severe heart failure, or those who are pregnant should avoid Brukinsa.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss with your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, a history of infections, or if you are planning surgery.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Brukinsa should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. Women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one week after the last dose. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Brukinsa and for at least two weeks after.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Elderly patients may be at increased risk of side effects.
Drug Interactions
Brukinsa may interact with other medications, affecting how it works or increasing side effects.
Grapefruit interaction: Avoid grapefruit and Seville oranges as they may affect Brukinsa levels in your blood.
- Aspirin and NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, heparin)
- Certain antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
- Fungal infection medications (e.g., fluconazole, ketoconazole)
- HIV medications (e.g., ritonavir)
- Seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin)
- Heart and blood pressure medications (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil)
Alcohol & Driving
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol or operating machinery while taking Brukinsa.
Alcohol
Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor as it may increase side effects.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how Brukinsa affects you, as it may cause fatigue or dizziness.
Storage
Store Brukinsa in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep it in its original container and out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 or go to the nearest hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes for Brukinsa to work can vary; your doctor will monitor your progress.
Brukinsa can be taken with or without food.
No, Brukinsa is not considered addictive.
Do not stop taking Brukinsa without consulting your doctor, as it may worsen your condition.
Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor, as it may increase the risk of side effects.
Weight gain is not commonly reported, but any concerns should be discussed with your doctor.
Elderly patients may be at increased risk of side effects and should be monitored closely.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day, but do not double the dose.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.