Ibrutinib is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat certain cancers of the lymph tissues (part of the immune system) that affects a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes.
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Ibrutinib exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Ibrutinib is available as a tablet, capsule or oral suspension.
If you are taking the tablet or capsule, swallow the tablet or capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet or capsule.
If you are taking the oral suspension, follow these steps:
- Shake the bottle well before each use.
- Remove the safety cap of the bottle and insert the syringe adapter into the bottle.
- Fully depress the plunger, then insert the syringe into the opening of the adapter.
- Hold the bottle upside down in one hand and use the other hand to fill the oral syringe.
- Pull the plunger to withdraw the exact amount of the medicine as prescribed. If bubbles form, hold the oral syringe and tap the sides to send bubbles to the tip. With the oral syringe attached to the bottle, push the plunger up to remove the air bubbles.
- Turn the bottle the right way up and take the oral syringe out of the adapter.
- Empty the contents of the oral syringe by placing the tip of the oral syringe along the inside of the cheek, then slowly push the plunger all the way in to take the entire dose.
- Wash the plunger and oral syringe after each use.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Ibrutinib must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Ibrutinib with St. John's wort (herbal medicine).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- irregular or abnormal heartbeat
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- infection
- severe kidney disease
- liver disease
Both men and women must use proven birth control methods during Ibrutinib therapy and for 3 months after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. You should not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after stopping the treatment.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests and hepatitis B virus screening must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, kidney and liver function, blood uric acid levels, heart function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of heart problems, liver problems, bleeding, and infections may also be needed.
Ibrutinib may cause dizziness, tiredness, generalised weakness or lack of energy. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, runny or stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, blurred vision, muscle pain or spasm, and joint pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, changes in balance or coordination, confusion, sudden memory loss
- shortness of breath, chest pain, cough which may contain blood
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- skin growth or lump, changes in colour or size of a mole
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Ibrutinib with St. John's wort (herbal medicine).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. diltiazem, verapamil
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- medicines or supplements containing vitamin E
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ibrutinib.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day) and Seville oranges (bitter or sour oranges).
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
The oral suspension may be stored at room temperature between 2-25°C. Do not freeze it otherwise, it will become less effective. Throw away unused portion after 60 days.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As Ibrutinib is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired tablets, capsules, or oral suspension to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
Sign Out
Continue with Google