Ibrutinib starting at just 1 pill not three. ramping up over time

[CLLCOLIN]

Has anyone else started ibrutinib with just 1 pill not three. Ive been on 140 1 pill for a month Im 56 .. seems to be working lots of side effects. Just a little worried that I will become resistant very quickly at the lower dose. Will be two months before they are willing to up me to 2 pills. Just wondering if that might be to late. From everything Ive studied about ibrutinib the manufactures really preach you dont want to ramp up with this drug...So just curious if anyone else was in my boat

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Colin there may be very good reasons, for this approached, but you should talk to your hematologist and ask why they are treating you in a non standard way.

It could be because as I recall you had AIHA...

~chris

[CLLCOLIN in reply to Cllcanada]

it has nothing to do with aiha. but because I have cirrosis of liver. never have i drank So ibruitnib not recommended with liver imparment. My concern is am i wasting my time on ibrutinib as on 1 pill I will build resistance quickly making ibrutinib useless, Ive heard of people taking full dose and ramping down because of side effects. Just not the other way starting at one, Believe me Ive done 7 years of research on ibrutinib. And am not a regular patient just going along with what ever they say to take. We always have long deep conversations about ever single aspect. I bought stock in company that developed ibrutinib and doubled my money. So I had plenty of reason to stay on top of every aspect of this drug. And I understand why they put me on 1 pill to start. And agreed to take it knowing about the resistance as I had no choice as they would not give me venetaclax. Just wondered if anyone else has ever taken drug this way and how long was it effective

[tomhenry2487]

Colin,

Ibrutinib relies on the liver enzymes for metabolism and elimination. Because you have decreased liver function less drug is metabolized and a lower dose can produce the same blood levels of the drug as a higher dose in a person with normal liver function. The normal dose is 420mg but you may see just as good a response at 140mg. I'm sure that the idea is to reduce your risk of over-accumulation of the drug which would worsen side effects. Your doctor is likely monitoring your liver function and clinical response very closely.

[CLLCOLIN in reply to tomhenry2487]

Thank you so much! That makes perfect sense. And would explain the gasly side effects I have been having as if on full dose. Now getting heart flutter. No pneumonia yet .LOL. Thats great to know. Hopefully someone who is going thru my circumstances writes saying its worked for a couple years for them.