Imbruvcica Dose

[emarine]

I started on Imbruvcia two months ago taking 3 _140mg per day... Is this the normal starting dose?... do they decrease the dose over time?... how long do you stay on this drug?... can you decrees the dose if you get sick ie the flu or something upper chest?... If you feel crappy can you cut back to 2 140mg pills a day until you feel better?...

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Hi emarine

All dosing changes need to come from your doctor...

I'm suprised these questions were not addressed by your doctor... have you read the literature you should have been given?

The CLL dose is 3 pills daily, for life... or until your doctor decides that side effects are difficult to manage or the drug is no longer working.

Your doctor may reduce the dose in case of other illnesses, but you should not do it without consulting your CLL specialist..

If you are feeling ill contact your CLL specialist immediately for guidance.

Remember no grapefruit juice or Seville oranges, star fruit etc... all supplements need to be OKed by your doctor

~chris

[emarine in reply to Cllcanada]

Thanks Chris, My Doc's reply was basically as long as it's

working keep on going as is... He informed me on the juices as well as the Pharmacists who provide the drug... however I was not aware this was a life long deal ... How often are you checked out at the start of Imbrouvica?... I had blood tests weekly the first month then every 2 weeks the second month & seen my onc twice so far in the 2 months since I started ... once after the first week then after the 5th week.... so far all is good with the exception of internment dark urine which was tested last week and don't know any results yet... thanks for your reply...

[emarine]

Excellent news thanks for the reply

[tryandtry]

Like you said, Gene gave an EXCELLENT summary.

Having been on I for about a year, let me add that there's an ongoing controversy about dosage strength, with some believing and strongly defending the full 3 pill dosage (see Dr. Sharman's blog), while others have experienced significant side-effects, so WITH THEIR DOCTOR's AGREEMENT, have reduced the dosage. I, and several other members of this forum are among this group, and I'm not aware of any significant problems - at least not reported here, yet.

Fortunately, there are some ongoing studies to look at this problem, so we should get a better understanding in the not-too-distant future.

Gary

[emarine in reply to tryandtry]

This forum is a breath of fresh air, I have learned more in a few weeks than the last 8 years dealing with CLL alone... thanks to ALL involved here...

[onu1tadi2]

Thank you for such useful information. I am 74, diagnosed at stage 4 and after on chlorambucil treatment with almost no side effects relapsed in 6 months (although blood counts still normal I have all the other symptoms - fatigue, swollen glands and spleen and night sweats) . In Toronto only imbruciva allowed for me and when that fails I get venetoclax. Can I ask your age? Thanks again and hope all goes well

[onu1tadi2 in reply to onu1tadi2]

I should correct my previous post. I meant I was on obinutuzab chlorambucil combo.