Imbruvica is basically a cancer medicine which interferes the spread and growth of cancer cells in the human body. The medicine is specifically used to treat marginal zone lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma, waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Imbruvica is also used to treat graft-versus-host disease.

The medicine is generally given after other treatments have not been effective. This medicine was approved to treat marginal lymphomas and mantle cells by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the basis of an “accelerator”. In clinical trainings, some patients responded to this medicine, but ad

Imbruvica is basically a cancer medicine which interferes the spread and growth of cancer cells in the human body. The medicine is specifically used to treat marginal zone lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma, waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Imbruvica is also used to treat graft-versus-host disease.

The medicine is generally given after other treatments have not been effective. This medicine was approved to treat marginal lymphomas and mantle cells by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the basis of an “accelerator”. In clinical trainings, some patients responded to this medicine, but additional studies are needed.

Uses of Imbruvica

Imbruvica is specially used to treat cancers. The medicine belongs to a type of drugs called as Kinase inhibitors. Imbruvica works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells. The medicine is also used to treat the problems which may occur after a stem cell transplant. Imbruvica works by weakening human body’s immune system (defense system).

Therapeutic Indication

The medication is indicated for the cancer treatment of adult patients with refractory or relapsed MCL (Mantle Cell Lymhoma).

This medication as a single agent is directed for the treatment of adult patients with formerly untreated CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia).

Imbruvica is directed for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia who got at least one former therapy.

The medication is directed for the treatment of adult patients with WM (Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinaemia) who have received at least one former therapy.

How to Use Imbruvica?

Study the patient information leaflet, it is available from your pharmacologist before you start Imbruvica treatment and every time you get a refill. The dosage of this medicine depends on a patient’s response to treatment, medical condition, and any other medicines taken. Do not increase Imbruvica dose more than prescribed by doctor.

Imbruvica Interactions

Seville oranges and Grapefruit may interact with Imbruvica and lead to unnecessary side effects. Avoid use of orange marmalades and grapefruit products. Other medications may affect Imbruvica, including prescription and further medicines, herbal products, and vitamins.

Other medications which can cause bruising or bleeding such as antiplatelet drugs like NSAIDs like naproxen/ibuprofen, clopidogrel, blood thinners like dabigatran/warfarin.

Aspirin may increase the risk of bruising when used with this drug. Other drugs may affect the removal of Imbruvica works. Examples comprise azole antifungals (like ketoconazole, itraconazole), nefazodone, boceprevir, telaprevir, St. John’s wort, HIV protease inhibitors (like saquinavir, ritonavir), certain drugs are used to treat seizures (like phenytoin, carbamazepine), among others.

Side effects of Imbruvica

Diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting, headache, swelling of ankles, muscle/joint pain, tingling/numbness of legs/arms, constipation, anxiety, tiredness, or dizziness may occur. If any of such effects worsen or persist, one should consult the pharmacist or doctor.

This medicine may increase your blood pressure. Hence, check your BP regularly and tell your doctor if the result is higher than normal. Doctor may control your blood pressure with the help of medication.

FDA Approval

The FDA approval of this medication for chronic lymphocytic leukemia was depend on an open-label, several center trail of 48 formerly treated patients. The medication was prescribed orally at 420 mg once in a day until disease progress or unacceptable toxicity. The ORR (Overall Response Rate) and DOR (Duration of Response) were evaluated by using updated version of the International Workshop on Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) criteria by an IRC (Independent Review Committee).

Important Safety information

Warnings and Precautions

• Hemorrhage

Grade 3 also called as higher bleeding events (gastrointestinal bleeding, subdural hematoma, post-procedural hemorrhage, and hematuria) have happened in up to 6% of patients.

Bleeding events of grades including petechiae and bruising occurred in around half of patients who are treated with Imbruvica. The medicine may rise the risk of hemorrhage on patients getting anti-coagulant or anti-platelet therapies.

• Infections

Fatal or non-fatal infections may occur with Imbruvica therapy. 25% of patients with MCL and 26% with CLL has grade 3 CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events). Monitor patients for infections, infections, and evaluate punctually.

• Cytopenias

Treatment emergent Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias comprising neutropenia (23 to 29%), anemia (0 to 9%), and thrombocytopenia (5 to 17%) occurred in patients who treated with Imbruvica.

• Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Imbruvica can cause fetal infection when directed to a pregnant women. Women recommended to avoid becoming pregnant while consumption of this drug.