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Author Details
Written By
P. Thirumal Reddy
B. Pharm
Reviewed By
Dr. Tejashwin Adiga
MBBS
Last updated : 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)
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Quick Summary
IBRUTINIB
Last updated on 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)
IBRUTINIB
Background and Date of approval IBRUTINIB
The U.S. FDA approved Ibrutinib as the first Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTK) to treat several types of blood cancers on 13th November 2013.
Uses of IBRUTINIB
Ibrutinib Capsule has been developed to treat several types of blood cancers, such as Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Mantle cell lymphoma, Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and chronic graft versus host disease.
How is IBRUTINIB administered?
The recommended dose of Ibrutinib is one capsule a day. Ibrutinib is available as a 140mg capsule. Swallow the entire capsule with water and do not open, dissolve or chew them. Take the capsule at the same time each day with food or between meals. Your physician will choose the dosage and administration frequency based on your medical condition because it differs for each person.
Side Effects of IBRUTINIB
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Ibrutinib Capsule are diarrhoea, tiredness, rash, bruising, muscle pain, bone pain, anaemia, fever, mouth sores, headache, stomach pain, pneumonia, etc. If you experience fast heart rate, missed heartbeats, dizziness, chest discomfort, or breathlessness, report to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience bleeding, infection, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort. During the Ibrutinib Capsule treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood parameters to prevent serious complications. 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. Get immediate medical attention if you have any breathing difficulties or bleeding problems.
Precautions
Talk to your physician if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby as Ibrutinib has the potential to harm an unborn baby. Discuss effective contraceptive options with your healthcare provider and use them during treatment and for a month after the last dose of Ibrutinib. Avoid breastfeeding during and a week after finishing this treatment course. It is not known if Ibrutinib passes into breast milk.
Word of Advice
If you feel weak, dizzy or tired, you should avoid driving or handling machines. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinning medications as Ibrutinib Capsule increases your chances of bleeding. Use sun protection and visit your dermatologist regularly to minimize the risk of secondary skin cancer. Drink plenty of water during this treatment to prevent dehydration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.
Are there any special precautions to follow during or before Ibrutinib treatment?
Tell your healthcare provider before starting this treatment if you are taking any other medications, herbal or vitamin supplements, as other medications might affect the way Ibrutinib works in your body.
Q2.
Is it safe to undergo surgery during the treatment with Ibrutinib Capsule?
Ibrutinib Capsule is associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Hence it is suggested to avoid planning for surgery. If you are about to undergo surgery or dental procedure during the treatment, discuss with your oncologist to work on stopping the medication until it is safe for you to start again.
Q3.
What can you expect from Patient Assistance Program?
MrMed’s Patient Assistance Program enables patients to purchase certain medications at little to no cost. MrMed coordinates with pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers to provide latest information to the patients on eligibility and documents required to access treatment at minimum cost.
Q4.
Should you stop taking Ibrutinib once your blood reports are normal?
You should never stop taking Ibrutinib without asking your healthcare provider. In case of emergencies like surgery and severe side effects, discuss your concerns with your oncologist to find a suitable option.
Q5.
What are the common side effects of Ibrutinib?
Some of the most common side effects of Ibrutinib are diarrhoea, tiredness, rash, bruising, muscle pain, bone pain, anaemia, fever, mouth sores, headache, stomach pain, pneumonia, etc.
Q6.
What foods should you avoid during treatment with Ibrutinib?
Avoid oily, greasy foods, raw fruits/vegetables, caffeine and spicy foods while on treatment with Ibrutinib capsule.
References
- 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
- Janssen Biotech, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on May 2022] [ 18th March 2023], https://www.imbruvica.com/files/prescribing-information.pdf
- H.G. Watson, J.I.O. Craig, L.M. Manson, Blood disease, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 989-1056.
- 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
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.
