Ibrutinib: how to take it safely
Imbruvica
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), lymphoma and some other blood cancers.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water. Do not open, crush or chew.
When to take it
Take it once a day, at the same time.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Grapefruit and Seville oranges.
- Warfarin and other blood thinners unless your doctor approves.
- Missing doses or stopping without advice.
- Strong sunlight. Use sunscreen.
- Pregnancy and fathering a child during treatment. Use reliable contraception and ask your team how long to continue it.
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Diarrhoea, bruising, joint and muscle pain, rash, high blood pressure, tiredness.
Get help if
Palpitations, an irregular heartbeat, fainting, bleeding that does not stop, black stools, or fever with signs of infection: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.