What is Imbruvica: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Imbruvica overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Imbruvica

Generic Names:

  • Imbruvica

Uses:

  • Treats mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), and chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGHVD).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet, Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Imbruvica used for?

Imbruvica is a cancer medicine used to treat certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It is available in capsule form and works by interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

What form(s) does Imbruvica come in

  • Tablet

  • Capsule

What are common Imbruvica doses?

  • Tablet 280MG

  • Tablet 420MG

  • Capsule 140MG

Common Imbruvica prescriptions

  • Imbruvica
    140mg capsule

  • Imbruvica
    70mg capsule

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

  • 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

  • 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.

Imbruvica side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches

  • Bloody stools or urine, severe headache, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain

  • Muscle or joint pain

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