Imbruvica and Sinus Issues

[Sis1Ap3]

My husband has been on Imbruvica for 54 days and developed a Cold (Sinus Infection) two weeks ago and just can’t seem to shake it. Oncologist ordered Zpack and DayQuil/NyQuil it has helped some but certainly not well. Will see Oncologist on June 22.

He has not had IVIG since April 3rd.

Has anyone had Sinus problems while on Imbruvica?

Thanks for your input.

[Yvbb]

Hi Sis1Ap3,

Sinusproblems are very common on cll patients. I had many in the 18 years since I was diagnosed. Aamof I had one just before I started on Ibrutinib and it seemed to turn out to be chronic. I was very thorougly examined by the Ent departement including allergy tests. They did’t find problems on ct scan so they explained that the cll condition must be the cause for many nasal infections. I got a prescription for corticosteroid capsules and a very convenient tool to clean the sinus (nasal shower). Happy with this help. The recent AB and Igiv (every four weeks) benefit also.

I wish you all the best.

Yvonne

[Sis1Ap3 in reply to Yvbb]

Thank you so much Yvonne. I think you are right about the IVIG. He was getting it every 4 to 6 weeks until he started Imbruvica and his Oncologist said he might not need it after the Imbruvica kicked in.

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

You should request a culture to be done, particularly fungal...

[Sis1Ap3 in reply to Cllcanada]

Thank you so much for your suggestion. I will suggest that at our appointment.

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

Also, ask to have his IgG monitored. If he needed it before Imbruvica his doctors should be monitoring it now.

[Sis1Ap3 in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

Thanks

[Lenny123]

apparently common problem. Sinus washes, using vaseline in the nostrils seem harmless. Do use distilled water for washes and do not use too often, do not wash with pressure.

Indoor air in modern"tight"homes can be many times more polluted than outdoors. there is technology to clean HVAC air with UV light and small infusion of Peroxide(air scrubber).

This is not a recommendation but just letting you know what has worked for me.

As always we have to make our own decisions, ideally in concert with providers.

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Use only closed system STERILE nasal flushes in extreme moderation...many brands in the drug store.

Neti pots and DYI are fraught with infection possibilities...in immunocompromised patients... the risk is simply too high.

STERILE... word of the day

~chris

[Sis1Ap3 in reply to Cllcanada]

Thanks

[Ngtinfu in reply to Cllcanada]

I'm so glad I read your post. I also was plagued with sinus infections that seemed to rear its ugly head every couple of months. My last one was in February just before my ears plugged up. I stopped the nasal flushing (had been doing it for years) as I was concerned it could be affecting the ears. I haven't had a sinus infection ever since I stopped the nasal washes. I'm now thinking that your comment that your comment "they are fraught with infection possibilities" is true. Even though my ENT knew about my CLL, he didn't caution me about the risks of the Neti pot. Hope my experience helps others.

[Sis1Ap3 in reply to Ngtinfu]

Thanks for your reply.

[aquafinn in reply to Cllcanada]

What do you mean by closed systems? Thanks, Lisa

[Mos1]

Since I was diagnosed with CLL 10 years ago, my sinuses have caused breathing as well as headache problems for me. I could be that CLL has weakened my immune system.

[Sis1Ap3 in reply to Mos1]

I think the weakened immune system accounts for so many things.

[6468]

I have been on imbruvica for 32 days an for two weeks have been plagued by sinusitis. Constant clear drainage , slits for painful eyes and it has affected my life. Will their be an end to this? Would appreciate any suggestions? Thank you.

[Lola69 in reply to 6468]

I take Flonase for sinusitis. It’s worse in the summer months.

[6468 in reply to Lola69]

That was quick! Thanks for the suggestion.

[Blackbelt5]

I have CLL take lbrutinib and have chronic sinusitis . I now get severe sinus infections every 4-6weeks because of the CLL and Ibrutinib Before CLL I would get a sinus infection once a year. I did a nose flush twice a day, take Claritin and used a prescribed nasal spray. CLL and Ibrutinib now controls my sinus.Good luck,

Gary