Ibrutinib and bruising

[astefanovich]

I have recently started bruising on the surface of the skin after a blood test or taking my injectable diabetic medicine. I have been on Ibrutinib for 6 months with no other major issues. Any others on this board experience this, and what if any techniques helped you minimize the occurrence.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Astefanovich, hopefully you'll get some responses from other patients on Ibrutinib, as it is well known for platelet related side effects like bruising. From the FDA approval information: fda.gov/Drugs/InformationOn...

"Bleeding events, including bruising of any grade, occurred in 48% of patients."

From: drugs.com/cdi/ibrutinib.html and similar drug information sites:

"Ibrutinib may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools."

Have you contacted your specialist? Obviously you can't avoid the activities you mention as causing your bruising , but I hope you can find a way to safely stay on ibrutinib, given you've had no other major issues.

What's your experience been with regard to ibrutinib's effectiveness in controlling your CLL and changing your levels of fatigue, etc?

Neil

[astefanovich in reply to AussieNeil]

Response has be very good as I feel my energy levels are improving as well as blood levels. I have been trying to take my injections spaced far apart and on alternating sides. This seems to help in the severity of the bruising. I plan to bring up this issue of bruising at my next physician appointment.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to astefanovich]

Great to hear you've had a very good response from the Ibrutinib. By all means mention the bruising to your physician, but also ensure that your CLL specialist is involved in any decisions on what, if any changes are recommended.

[canadagoose]

My platelets are good but I still bruise more easily. Have been on ibrutinib for 11 months. I actually felt bad for the phlebotomist who takes my blood. Last time she was upset cuz a bruise formed almost immediately. It was a clean stick. Not much I can do about it. It is a small price to pay for feeling good and having great check ups.

[SycamoreN]

I too have been on Ibrutinib for about 8 months and experience bruising from time to time, for no apparent reason that I can work out, and the bruising goes away after a few days. As Canadagoose says, it's a small price to pay for the huge benefits I'm reaping from Ibrutinib.

[Villager]

On Imbruvica since 6/2014. Labs are much improved & stable, but bruising is a constant (mostly forearms) We call them "ghost bruises" as they seem to appear for no reason. Other than that, life for me has returned to normal with this wonder drug. Good luck! Live every day!