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Ibrutinib Capsules or Tablets

Ibrutinib treats some types of cancer by slowing the growth of cancer cells. It can also treat graft versus host disease. This condition can happen after a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. It causes the donated bone marrow or stem cells to view your body as foreign, and the donated cells/bone marrow attack your body.

What is this medication?

IBRUTINIB (eye BROO ti nib) treats leukemia and lymphoma. It works by blocking a protein that causes cancer cells to grow and multiply. This helps to slow or stop the spread of cancer cells. It may also be used to treat a condition that can occur after a stem cell or bone marrow transplant (chronic graft versus host disease).

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Imbruvica

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Bleeding disorder
  • Diabetes (high blood sugar)
  • Having or recent surgery
  • Heart disease
  • Heart failure
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Infection
  • Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
  • Liver disease
  • Smoke tobacco cigarettes
  • Take medications that treat or prevent blood clots
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to ibrutinib, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow tablets or capsules whole. Your care team may change your dose or tell you to stop taking this medication if you get side effects. Do not change your dose or stop taking it unless your care team tells you to.

Do not take this medication with grapefruit juice or eat Seville oranges.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children as young as 1 year for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Certain antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifampin, rifapentine, telithromycin
  • Certain antiviral medications for HIV or hepatitis
  • Certain medications for cancer, such as apalutamide, ceritinib, enzalutamide, idelalisib, methotrexate, mitotane, ribociclib, tucatinib
  • Certain medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
  • Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
  • Digoxin
  • Grapefruit juice or Seville oranges
  • Lonafarnib
  • Lumacaftor; ivacaftor
  • Mifepristone
  • Nefazodone
  • St. John's Wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication.You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

This medication may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your care team if you notice any unusual bleeding.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

If you are going to need surgery or other procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication.

Tell your dentist and dental surgeon that you are taking this medication. You should not have major dental surgery while on this medication. See your dentist to have a dental exam and fix any dental problems before starting this medication. Take good care of your teeth while on this medication. Make sure you see your dentist for regular follow-up appointments.

Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medication or for 1 month after stopping it. Talk to your care team if you or your partner wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious harm to an unborn child. Talk to your care team for more information. Do not breast-feed while taking this medication or for 1 week after stopping it.

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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
  • Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
  • Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
  • Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)—nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decrease in the amount of urine, dark urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, confusion, muscle pain or cramps, fast or irregular heartbeat, joint pain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Bone pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain

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This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original container. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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