
Side Effects
Understanding Possible Side Effects of IMBRUVICA® (ibrutinib)
IMBRUVICA® may cause serious side effects, including bleeding problems (hemorrhage), infections, decrease in blood cell counts, heart rhythm problems (ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter), high blood pressure (hypertension), second primary cancers, and tumor lysis syndrome (TLS).*
*TLS is a disorder caused by the breakdown products of cancer cells, which can lead to kidney failure and other abnormalities.
The most common side effects in the MZL clinical trial were1:
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Low platelet count
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Muscle and bone pain
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Joint pain
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Tiredness
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Bleeding (hemorrhage)
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Cough
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Low red blood cell count
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Rash
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Low white blood cell count
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Diarrhea
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Nausea
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Upper respiratory infection
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Bruising
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Foot swelling
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Difficulty breathing
In the MZL clinical trial, 13% of patients stopped taking IMBRUVICA® because of side effects.1
This is not a complete list of side effects. Others may occur. Tell your doctor if you think you are experiencing side effects.
If you are having some side effects, your doctor may tell you to lower your dose or to stop taking IMBRUVICA®. That’s one reason it’s so important to tell your healthcare team about side effects at any point in your treatment.1
Helpful tips for MZL patients taking IMBRUVICA®
You may experience side effects while taking IMBRUVICA®.1 The suggestions below may help you while on IMBRUVICA®. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you are experiencing any side effects.
To help with diarrhea2:
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Stay hydrated. Drink fluids such as water, decaffeinated tea, and clear broth
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Eat small meals often, and avoid very hot or spicy foods
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Avoid greasy foods, bran, raw fruits and vegetables, and caffeine
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Avoid alcohol and tobacco
To help reduce tiredness3:
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Balance periods of light movement with periods of rest
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Get plenty of sleep, which may include short naps
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Remain well hydrated throughout the day
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Eat a well-balanced diet that includes protein
To help prevent infection4:
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Wash hands often and bathe every day
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Avoid crowds and individuals with contagious diseases
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Do not keep fresh flowers or live plants in your living space
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Do not clean up droppings from your pets; have someone else do this for you
Infection is a serious possible side effect of IMBRUVICA®. Notify a healthcare professional immediately if signs of infection (eg, fever, chills, weakness, and confusion) occur.
References:
- IMBRUVICA® (ibrutinib) Prescribing Information.
- American Cancer Society. Getting help for diarrhea. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/cancer-control/en/booklets-flyers/getting-help-for-diarrhea-english.pdf. Accessed April 26, 2019.
- American Cancer Society. Managing cancer-related fatigue at home. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fatigue/managing-cancer-related-fatigue.html. Accessed April 26, 2019.
- American Cancer Society. Preventing infections in people with cancer. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/infections/preventing-infections-in-people-with-cancer.html. Accessed April 26, 2019.

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