Ibrutinib and flu jab

[lartington]

My husband is about to commence Ibrutinib, reading the leaflet enclosed in the tablet box is a warning about flu jab/vaccines whilst taking it, anybody got any comments?? We have queried this at the hospital and it is not an issue which anybody else has raised.

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Generally all CLL patients should not be treated with live vaccines, and caution is advised for nasal spray flu vaccine contact, primarily used with children, since it is a live vaccine. Another is the shingles vaccine Zostavax.

The American Cancer Society on Ibrutinib

'Do not get any immunizations (vaccines), either during or after treatment with this drug, without your doctor’s OK. This drug might affect your immune system, which could make vaccinations ineffective, or could even lead to serious infections.

Try to avoid contact with people who have recently received a live virus vaccine, such as the oral polio vaccine or smallpox vaccine. Check with your doctor about this.'

cancer.org/treatment/treatm...

~chris

[Hidden]

I don't know about the UK but in the US the vaccines used for _injection_ are killed. The nasal spray time usually recommended for children are live and should be avoided.

I've gotten my annual flu shot every autumn for the 3 years I've been on Ibrutinib. Never bothered to ask my oncologist about it.

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

It might be important that family and friends you contact on a regular basis, have their flu shots and vaccinations up to date, although the Anti-vaxers are disputing any benefit...

It is called Herd Immunity... simply if everyone around you is vaccinated, you have a lessened chance of being infected with a specific pathogen...

However, then you open the door to sign for a express delivery parcel, and the driver

coughs on you running a fever of 102deg F...

Its a crap shoot...