Imbruvica 140mg capsule consists of the active ingredient Ibrutinib. It is indicated to treat blood cancers such as mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL), Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, and Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). These are cancers of the white blood cells called lymphocytes that are part of the immune system. They differ from each other by the location where the cancer occurs, the type of lymphocytes affected, and certain other factors.

Imbruvica 140mg capsule is also used to treat chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) after the failure of systemic therapy. During allogeneic stem cell transplantation, the patient receives stem cells from the donor. GVHD occurs when donor cells view the patient’s cells as foreign and attack them. Before taking Imbruvica 140mg Capsule, you need to talk with your physician if you have bleeding problems, infection, liver problems, heart problems, or intolerance to some sugars. This medication is not recommended for adolescents and children. 

It is vital to let the physician know if you have recently had or are about to have any surgical procedure. Your physician may stop the Imbruvica 140mg capsule for any planned surgical or medical procedure. Use effective birth control during the treatment and for at least one month after the final dose. Avoid having grapefruit or oranges in any form during this treatment; they may raise the amount of drug in the blood. Drink plenty of fluid to prevent dehydration. Inform your physician if you have diarrhea that does not go away.

Imbruvica 140mg capsule is used in the treatment of:

• Mantle cell lymphoma
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (Blood cancer)
• Small lymphocytic lymphoma
• Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia
• Chronic graft vs. host disease after failure of systemic therapy

The mechanism of action of Imbruvica 140mg Capsule involves blocking a specific protein called Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), which plays a key role in the survival and growth of cancer cells. By inhibiting BTK, Imbruvica 140mg Capsule prevents the cancer cells from receiving the signals they need to grow and divide, leading to their eventual death.

Inform your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications that interact with Imbruvica 140mg Capsule may reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. 

• Store the capsules in the original packaging at room temperature (20-25°C).

Consume this medicine at the same time each day. While taking Imbruvica 140mg Capsule, do not consume grapefruit or orange in any form during the treatment. Drink plenty of fluid to prevent dehydration.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious:

• Bleeding problems
• Infections
• Decrease in blood cell counts
• Heart problems
• High BP
• Secondary cancer
• Tumor lysis syndrome
• Severe allergic reactions

Common:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Tiredness
• Muscle and bone pain
• Rash and bruising
• Mouth sores
• Pneumonia
• Fever, chills
• Breathlessness
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Body pain
• Swollen ankles and feet
• Increased creatinine levels in the blood
• Heavier periods and blood in urine
• Blurred vision
• Weakness and numbness

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience bleeding, infection, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of heart failure or hepatitis infection. It is not recommended to take this medicine before or after surgery as it causes a delay in wound healing. Discuss effective contraceptive options with your healthcare provider and use them during treatment and for a month after the last dose of Imbruvica 140mg capsule.

1. Janssen-Cilag International Ltd, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Dec 2021] [Accessed on 18th March 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10040.pdf
2. Janssen Biotech, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on May 2022] [ 18th March 2023], https://www.imbruvica.com/files/prescribing-information.pdf
3. H.G. Watson, J.I.O. Craig, L.M. Manson, Blood disease, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 989-1056.
4. Sapna Parmar, Khilna Patel, Javier Pinilla-Ibarz, Ibrutinib (Imbruvica): A Novel Targeted Therapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Drug Forecast, Published on July 2014; Accessed on  18th March 2023]; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103574/pdf/ptj3907483.pdf