Ibrutinib

Brand Name(s): Imbruvica®

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Ibrutinib is used to treat adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL; a type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL; a type of cancer that begins mostly in the lymph nodes). Ibrutinib is also used to treat adults with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM; a slow-growing cancer that begins in certain white blood cells in your bone marrow). It is also used to treat adults and children 1 year of age with chronic graft vs host disease (cGVHD; a complication of hematopoietic stem-cell transplant [HSCT; a procedure that replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow] that may start a while after the transplant and last for a long time) after being treated unsuccessfully with 1 or more medications. Ibrutinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop the spread of cancer cells.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Ibrutinib comes as a capsule, tablet, and oral suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily. Take ibrutinib at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ibrutinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules and tablets whole with a glass of water; do not open, cut, break, crush, or chew them.

To take the oral suspension, follow these steps:

  • The oral suspension comes in a bottle with an adapter and two dosing syringes to accurately measure and take your dose of ibrutinib oral suspension. Do not use other oral syringes or household measuring devices to measure the oral suspension. Do not remove the bottle adapter.
  • Shake the bottle well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
  • To measure your dose, push the plunger of the syringe all the way down and insert the syringe into the adapter of the upright bottle. Then turn the bottle upside down and slowly pull the plunger back to withdraw the amount of suspension prescribed by the doctor. If you see air bubbles in the syringe, push and pull the plunger in and out until the air bubbles are mostly gone. Tap the barrel of the syringe to get rid of any remaining air bubbles. If you are not sure how to correctly measure the dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • If the full dose can not be given in one syringe, repeat step 3 using the second syringe to give the complete the prescribed dose.
  • Remove the syringe from the bottle adapter and slowly squirt the suspension into your mouth or your child's mouth and toward the inside of their cheek. Slowly push the plunger all the way in to give the entire dose. If needed, repeat with the second syringe to complete the prescribed dose. Drink water after swallowing the liquid.
  • Place the bottle cap over the adapter after each use.
  • Wash the oral syringe after each use by rinsing with water and allow to air dry.

Your doctor may decrease your dose, or interrupt or discontinue your treatment. This depends on how well the medication works for you and the side effects you experience. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment. Continue to take ibrutinib even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ibrutinib without talking to your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before taking ibrutinib,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ibrutinib, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ibrutinib capsules, tablets, or suspension. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • The following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with ibrutinib: St. John's Wort. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking this medication before you start taking ibrutinib. Do not start this medication while taking ibrutinib without discussing with your healthcare provider.
  • tell your doctor if you have an infection or recently had surgery. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or if you are on a blood thinner or if you have or have ever had diabetes, an irregular heartbeat, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, bleeding problems, or heart, kidney, or liver disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you plan on fathering a child. You should not become pregnant while you are taking ibrutinib. If you are female, you will need to take a pregnancy test before you start treatment and should use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with ibrutinib and for 1 month after you stop taking the medication. If you are male, you and your female partner should use birth control during your treatment with ibrutinib and continue for 1 month after your final dose. If you or your partner become pregnant while taking ibrutinib, call your doctor immediately. Ibrutinib can cause fetal harm.
  • tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may tell you not to breastfeed during your treatment and for 1week after your final dose.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking ibrutinib. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking ibrutinib 3 to 7 days before and after the surgery or procedure.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Do not eat grapefruit or Seville oranges (sometimes used in marmalades), or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication.

Make sure you drink plenty of water or other fluids every day while you are taking ibrutinib.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it that day. However, if you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Ibrutinib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • constipation
  • vomiting
  • stomach pain
  • heartburn or indigestion
  • decreased appetite
  • excessive tiredness or weakness
  • muscle, bone, and joint pain
  • muscle spasms
  • headache
  • rash
  • sores in the mouth and throat
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • cough, runny or stuffed nose
  • blurred vision
  • dry or watery eyes
  • pink eye

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, and eyes
  • difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • hives
  • itching
  • unusual bruising or bleeding
  • pink, red, or dark brown urine;
  • bloody or black, tarry stools
  • nose bleeding
  • coughing up or vomiting blood or vomiting brown material that resembles coffee grounds
  • seizures
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • shortness of breath
  • swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • chest discomfort
  • dizziness, lightheadedness or feeling faint
  • dark colored urine, lack of energy, loss of appetite, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms
  • pinpoint-sized purple dots under the skin, fever, tiredness, dizziness, shortness of breath, bruising, confusion, sleepiness, seizures, decreased urination, blood in the urine, or swelling in legs
  • headache (that lasts a long time)
  • fever, chills, cough, red, warm skin, or other signs of infection
  • confusion
  • changes in your speech
  • decreased urination
  • painful, frequent, or urgent urination

Ibrutinib may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer including cancer of the skin or other organs. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking ibrutinib.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store tablets and capsules at room temperature and away from light, excess heat and moisture not in the bathroom. Store the suspension at room temperature or in a refrigerator, but do not freeze it. Dispose of any unused suspension after 60 days.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests and monitor your blood pressure to check your body's response to ibrutinib.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: August 20, 2024.

AHFS® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024