What is Imbruvica? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Imbruvica

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take this medicine at the same time each day.

• Swallow the medicine whole with a glass of water. Do not open, crush, break, or chew it.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Take the missed dose only if it is the same day as the scheduled dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Swallow the medicine whole with a glass of water. Do not open, crush, break, or chew it.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Take the missed dose only if it is the same day as the scheduled dose.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take this medicine at the same time each day.

What to do if you miss a dose of Imbruvica

Imbruvica contraindications - Who shouldn't take Imbruvica?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to ibrutinib, or if you are pregnant.

Imbruvica warnings

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Oral routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for 1 month after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose.

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, a bleeding disorder, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, any infection, or a history of heart rhythm problems.

• Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of bleeding, which may be life-threateningIncreased risk of infection (including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [PML], pneumonia)Heart rhythm problemsHigh blood pressureIncreased risk of new cancers, including skin cancerTumor lysis syndrome (electrolyte and metabolic problem that can be life-threatening)

• This medicine may cause diarrhea. Drink plenty of water to help avoid dehydration.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

Imbruvica interactions & what to avoid when taking Imbruvica

• Some foods and medicines can affect how ibrutinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using digoxin, efavirenz, erythromycin, ketoconazole, methotrexate, posaconazole, rifampin, voriconazole, or a blood thinner (including warfarin).

• Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit or Seville oranges while you are using this medicine.

• Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Heart rhythm problemsHigh blood pressureIncreased risk of new cancers, including skin cancerTumor lysis syndrome (electrolyte and metabolic problem that can be life-threatening)

• This medicine may cause diarrhea. Drink plenty of water to help avoid dehydration.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.