Imbruvica (ibrutinib) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This article covers topics such as side effects, dosage, and how Imbruvica works.

Imbruvica is available in these forms: oral capsule, oral tablet, and oral suspension. Imbruvica belongs to a drug class called kinase inhibitors. The medication is not available in a generic version.

Read on for more information about Imbruvica. You can also refer to this other article for a comprehensive look at Imbruvica and its other uses.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of slow-growing cancer. It affects B cells, which are a type of white blood cell that helps the immune system fight infection.

With CLL, the body produces abnormal B cells that do not function as they should. Over time, these cancerous cells build up in the blood and make it difficult for the body to fight infections.

Symptoms of CLL

CLL may not cause symptoms in its early stages. As the condition worsens, common symptoms may include:

Who Imbruvica is prescribed for

Imbruvica is prescribed for adults with CLL. This includes those with CLL that has a 17p deletion, which is a type of genetic mutation.

The following details explain how Imbruvica works to treat CLL.

The way Imbruvica works

CLL is a cancer that affects B cells, which are a type of white blood cell.

Imbruvica works by blocking the action of an enzyme (protein) called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK). BTK plays a role in helping B cells grow and multiply quickly. By attaching to BTK, Imbruvica blocks the activity of this enzyme and slows the growth of cancerous B cells.

To learn more about how Imbruvica works, talk with your doctor or visit the drug manufacturer’s website.

Imbruvica and children

Imbruvica is not approved to treat CLL in children.

In clinical trials, Imbruvica was shown to be effective in treating CLL.

To learn more about how the drug performed in clinical trials, refer to Imbruvica’s prescribing information. You can also talk with your doctor or visit the drug manufacturer’s website.

The typical Imbruvica dosage for CLL is provided below. However, your doctor will determine the most suitable dosage for your needs.

For more information, you can refer to our Imbruvica dosage article or the drug’s prescribing information.

Dosage

For CLL, you take 420 milligrams (mg) of Imbruvica once daily.

You’ll take Imbruvica until your condition worsens or you’re not able to tolerate the drug’s side effects. Your doctor can tell you more about how long you’ll take Imbruvica for CLL.

Note: In addition to treating CLL, Imbruvica has other uses. Keep in mind that the drug’s dosage may differ with these other uses. To learn more, talk with your doctor.

How to take

Imbruvica is available in three forms that you’ll swallow: oral capsules, oral tablets, and an oral suspension.

How often to take

You’ll take Imbruvica once per day.

The use of Imbruvica for CLL* may cause side effects that are mild or serious. The lists below include some of the main side effects that have been reported with Imbruvica.

For information about other potential side effects of the drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also see our Imbruvica side effects article or refer to the drug’s prescribing information.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a medication, it tracks and reviews side effects of the drug. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Imbruvica and would like to inform the FDA, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

* Imbruvica is also approved to treat other conditions. It’s important to note that side effects from Imbruvica may differ depending on the condition it’s being used to treat.

Mild side effects

These are a few of the mild side effects that may occur with Imbruvica for CLL:

  • fatigue
  • fever
  • diarrhea
  • musculoskeletal pain
  • skin rash
  • bruising
  • nausea
  • eye-related side effects, such as blurred vision

These side effects of Imbruvica may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. But if they last longer than this, or if they bother you or become severe, it’s important to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of Imbruvica may include:

  • serious infection, such as pneumonia
  • serious bleeding
  • low levels of platelets, red blood cells, or white blood cells
  • heart failure or changes in heart rhythm
  • high blood pressure
  • liver damage
  • other types of cancer, such as skin cancer
  • tumor lysis syndrome (a condition that occurs when a tumor releases chemicals into your blood)

Call your doctor right away if you develop serious side effects while using Imbruvica. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Imbruvica can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s clinical trials.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Imbruvica, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Before you take Imbruvica, there’s some important information to keep in mind. The drug may not be a safe option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Some of these are mentioned below.

If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before taking Imbruvica:

  • if you have an infection
  • if you have a bleeding problem
  • if you have a heart rhythm problem
  • if you have a liver problem
  • if you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure
  • if you have diabetes
  • if you’ve had a recent surgery or plan to have surgery
  • if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering either
  • if you’ve had an allergic reaction to Imbruvica drug or any of its ingredients

How much Imbruvica costs is based on several factors. These can include your prescribed treatment regimen, your insurance plan, the pharmacy you use, and your location.

Imbruvica is a brand-name drug that’s not available as a generic. Brand-name drugs usually cost more than generics.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.