Ibrutinib is a prescription anticancer medicine classified as a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor. It works by blocking BTK, a protein involved in signaling that helps certain B cells survive and multiply.
Ibrutinib is used to treat certain B-cell malignancies and, in some approved settings, chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). Depending on the country and applicable product approval, uses may include chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and certain cases of cGVHD.
Ibrutinib is not a traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy medicine. It is a targeted therapy known as a BTK inhibitor. Instead of broadly damaging rapidly dividing cells, ibrutinib specifically interferes with BTK signaling, which is important for the growth and survival of certain B cells.
Ibrutinib 140 mg is one available strength of the medicine. The 140 mg strength may be supplied as a capsule or tablet depending on the specific product and market. The strength prescribed does not by itself determine the correct treatment regimen, so patients should use it only as directed by their healthcare professional.
Ibrutinib works by inhibiting Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, commonly called BTK. BTK is an important component of B-cell receptor signaling. By blocking BTK activity, ibrutinib interferes with signaling pathways that support the growth, activation, migration, and survival of certain B cells.
Ibrutinib is generally taken by mouth according to the dosing instructions provided by the prescribing healthcare professional and the product's approved prescribing information. Depending on the formulation, capsules or tablets should generally be swallowed whole with water and should not be opened, broken, crushed, or chewed unless the applicable product instructions specifically permit otherwise.
Yes. Like other prescription medicines, ibrutinib can cause side effects. Commonly reported effects can include diarrhea, fatigue, muscle or joint pain, nausea, bruising, rash, and other symptoms. More serious adverse effects can include bleeding, infections, changes in blood-cell counts, heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation or flutter, and high blood pressure.
Yes. Ibrutinib can interact with other medicines. Some medicines can increase or decrease ibrutinib exposure and may affect its safety or effectiveness. Medicines that affect CYP3A can be particularly important. Patients should provide their healthcare professional with a complete list of prescription medicines, nonprescription products, vitamins, and herbal supplements before starting ibrutinib.
If a dose of ibrutinib is missed, the appropriate action depends on when the missed dose is remembered and the instructions for the specific product. Patients should follow the missed-dose instructions in their prescribing information or contact their healthcare professional or pharmacist for guidance. Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose unless specifically instructed.
Ibrutinib may cause fetal harm based on its pharmacologic effects and available nonclinical information. It is important to discuss pregnancy, pregnancy planning, and contraception with the treating healthcare professional before starting treatment. Patients should not start, stop, or continue treatment during pregnancy without medical advice.
Tell your doctor about all medical conditions and medicines you currently use before taking ibrutinib. Important information can include a history of bleeding problems, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, infections, liver problems, recent or planned surgery, and any medicines that may affect bleeding or CYP3A metabolism. Also tell your healthcare professional about vitamins, herbal products, and other supplements.
Certain symptoms while taking ibrutinib require prompt medical attention. These may include significant or unusual bleeding, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, severe or persistent infection symptoms, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or symptoms that may indicate an abnormal heart rhythm. Severe allergic reactions or other sudden, serious symptoms also require urgent medical assessment.
The listed products include Ibruxen 140 mg by Everest and Ibrucent 140 mg by Incepta, according to the product information supplied for this website. IMBRUVICA is the branded ibrutinib product associated with Janssen/Johnson & Johnson in applicable markets. Manufacturer and marketing-authorisation arrangements can differ by country and product.
Ibruxen and IMBRUVICA are not necessarily the same branded product. Both may contain ibrutinib as the active pharmaceutical ingredient, but they can be different products made or marketed by different manufacturers. The exact formulation, strength, manufacturer, regulatory approval, packaging, and availability can vary by country.
Ibrutinib should be stored according to the storage instructions provided on the product packaging and in the applicable prescribing information. Keep the medicine in its original container and protect it from conditions that could affect product quality. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Yes. Patients receiving ibrutinib may require regular clinical monitoring. The exact monitoring plan depends on the disease, treatment regimen, medical history, and other medicines being used. Healthcare professionals may monitor blood counts, signs of infection or bleeding, blood pressure, heart-related symptoms, and other findings that may be relevant during treatment.
The ibrutinib dose may sometimes need to be adjusted depending on the patient's condition, adverse reactions, drug interactions, liver function, or other clinical factors. Dose changes should only be made by the treating healthcare professional. Patients should never increase, decrease, stop, or restart ibrutinib on their own.
Ibrutinib is a prescription medicine and should be obtained through an appropriate licensed pharmacy, hospital, or other legally authorised medicine supplier. Patients should make sure that the product is genuine, properly labelled, within its expiry date, and supplied in accordance with local pharmaceutical regulations.