Imbruvica (Ibrutinib)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Imbruvica Used For?
Imbruvica is a medication that helps manage certain types of blood cancers in adults.
Primary Uses
Imbruvica is primarily used to treat Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), including Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL), and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM).
How It Works
Imbruvica works by inhibiting Bruton's tyrosine kinase, a protein that helps cancer cells survive and grow, thereby reducing the number of cancer cells and slowing their spread.
Good to know: Imbruvica is not considered addictive.
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How to Take Imbruvica
It is important to take Imbruvica as directed by your healthcare provider.
Dosage Instructions
For Mantle Cell Lymphoma, the recommended dose is 560 mg once daily. For Waldenström's macroglobulinemia and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, the recommended dose is 420 mg once daily.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose and it's more than 12 hours until your next dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Important: Never double the 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:
- diarrhoea
- nausea
- headache
- fatigue
- swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
- dizziness
- constipation
- skin rash
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- serious bleeding
- heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat, heart failure)
- liver problems (e.g., jaundice)
- lung disease
- kidney injury
- new cancers
Important Warnings
There are several important considerations to keep in mind before taking Imbruvica.
Who Should Not Take Imbruvica
Do not take Imbruvica if you are allergic to ibrutinib or any of its ingredients, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss with your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders, heart problems, liver or kidney issues, or if you have had Hepatitis B.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breastfeed while taking Imbruvica.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications can interact with Imbruvica, affecting its efficacy.
Grapefruit interaction: Avoid grapefruit and Seville oranges as they can increase the levels of Imbruvica in your blood.
- warfarin
- heparin
- aspirin
- NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
- antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
- antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, fluconazole)
- HIV medications (e.g., ritonavir, darunavir)
- calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil)
- statins (e.g., rosuvastatin)
- St. John's Wort
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and operating machinery while on Imbruvica.
Alcohol
There is no specific information on how alcohol affects Imbruvica, but it is advisable to consult your doctor.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Imbruvica may cause dizziness, which could impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Storage
Store Imbruvica below 30°C in the original container, away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose of Imbruvica, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes for Imbruvica to show effects can vary by individual, and your doctor will monitor your progress.
You can take Imbruvica with or without food, but avoid grapefruit or Seville oranges.
No, Imbruvica is not considered addictive.
Do not stop taking Imbruvica without consulting your doctor, as this could affect your treatment.
Consult your doctor about alcohol consumption while on Imbruvica, as there is no specific information available.
Weight gain is not specifically mentioned as a side effect of Imbruvica.
Elderly patients should consult their doctor to ensure Imbruvica is safe for them, especially if they have pre-existing conditions.
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.