Imbruvica

[Margobleu]

Imbruvica

My husband will be starting Imbruvica tomorrow. He has relapsed CLL. We would like to know how othets take the pills--with or without food and what might help to ward off diarrhea

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Hi Margobleu

Have you completely read the information you have been given? This is well covered in the standard handout...

Keep extremely well hydrated, more water the better... I found taking the 3 capsules at 4pm in the afternoon lessened my diarrhea, but I still had it to a degree for a month or so... but everyone is different.

You take ibrutinib without food... just water.

Here is the full patient guide, please read it, so you understand this drug and know what to watch for...

PDF file... download to read off line should you wish...

imbruvica.com/docs/librarie...

~chris

[starsafta]

Welcome to the Imbruvica Circle. May your husband have clear sailing.

Advice to become educated about the drug is important. Some take the pills in the morning, some at night, some in the afternoon. Best to find your own timing.

Personally, I did research that shows that our organs are less active at night. They rejuvenate themselves from the stresses we place on them during the day, just as we do. I found some suggestions that taking the meds at night allows our organs to accept and process the medication better when they are less active. So I take my pills at around 10:30 p.m., about 2 hours before I go to bed. I drink two glasses of water with the 3 pills to ensure they will go down to the stomach and to provide sufficient liquid to help the kidneys process the meds.

There is no need to assume there will be diarrhea. Just because there is a list of potential symptoms doesn't mean that everyone will get all, or even some of them. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day will help the body process the meds.

If you do "imbruvica" or "ibrutinib" searches of posts on this Health Unlocked forum and on the ACOR CLL listserv (listserv.acor.org/scripts/w..., you will find a plethora of information about taking the meds, side effects, remedies for the effects, and progress. Learning how fellow patients are dealing with everything can be very helpful. I am always grateful and impressed by the generosity of spirit of fellow travelers.

May all go well for your husband, and for you, his caretaker.

leah

[shazie]

Does he have a strong stomach? No acid reflux.....Then he can take it anytime. In my case with a weak stomach and taking PPI medication (Nexium) everyday, I have to take it after a light breakfast so the pills won't upset my stomach. Drink clean water with the pills. As much as he is able to. Water ha been my saviour. I hardly had any issues with diarea. Each patient is different. One size doesn't fit all. Good luck with the new journey. Think about Imbruvica as the Rose Royce of all treatments.

[freddog]

I started on Ibrutinib yesterday, taking it early in the morning and (as others have noted) with LOTS of water, both initially and throughout the day. A little food after about 45 minutes, and then normal meals the rest of the day. I set up an Excel file to track the presence or absence of side effects and there severity. So far it's empty! Sending healing thoughts to your husband from sleety Vermont.

[nvp815]

It was recommended to me that I take it either 30 minutes before a meal or two hours after a meal. The medication should be taken with at least 240 ml (8 ounces) of water. As indicated by the other replies, a large amount of water/fluids throughout the day is imperative as well. I was on Ibruitinib for 10 days and had absolutely no GI issues. Unfortunately my ibruitinib is currently on hold because of bleeding issues, but I am also on a blood thinner so don't let my situation frighten you. I hope your husband sees great results with this amazing medication. Although on it for a short time, the size of very bulky lymph nodes quickly reduced to just a fraction of what they were - truly remarkable.

Best of luck,

Nan