Taking Imbruvica out of capsule

[pragnar]

I have a swollen throat and difficulty swolloving. Did anybody took Imbruvica powder out of the capsule for a short time. I know instruction say to take the whole capsule.

[Lola69]

Taking it like that is very dangerous!

Why is your throat swollen that u can’t swallow?

Can u swallow food ?

[mrsjsmith in reply to Lola69]

Lola,

I can’t answer for pragnar but I had recently had a Tonsillectomy and my throat and tongue was so swollen I was unable to swallow the capsules.

Single tablet not available in the U.K.

Colette

[Lola69 in reply to mrsjsmith]

Did u try swallowing the pill with apple sauce ?

[mrsjsmith in reply to Lola69]

Lola,

Not something my Consultant or Pharmacist mentioned ! So the short answer is NO.....

[Lola69 in reply to mrsjsmith]

U could have taken it with apple sauce. Ask the pharmacist

[mrsjsmith]

Hello pragnar,

Janssen do not recommend and they say they have no evidence but after a week of Steroids I was still unable to swallow the capsules so my Consultant suggested ( in consultation with pharmacy ) opening them and mixing with a small amount of yoghurt. After a week the swelling in my throat and lymph nodes had reduced and I was able to swallow the whole capsule.

Best wishes

Colette

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

If your doctor gave you the go ahead.. then perhaps its OK for a few weeks..

Bur you could request the new small single pill, it is much smaller than the capsules... please don't open or cut them... there is a coat that must be maintained so the drug enters the stomach at the correct time and place.

~chris

[Informationseeke]

Hi

Yes i also found for the first 4 weeks and still occaisionally today i get sore throat within approx 3 hrs after taking the ibruitinib capsule. Also the difficulty in swallowing. Pleased to say its just about gone. So thats something to look forward to....HOWEVER if u think its getting worse or your having serious problems.....STRAIGHT TO MEDICAL ATTENTION.

Best wishes.....

[Berrytog]

After the warnings I am surprised you still around to tell us about it!!

[BeckyLUSA]

Bananas are also good to eat while taking the capsules. Ok’d by my CLL doc.

BeckyL USA

[livinglifewell]

Sometimes "magic mouthwash" could be used prior to taking the capsule/imbruvica, as lidocaine is one of the ingredients that can numb your throat from the anticipated pain. "Magic mouthwash" is a compounded concoction by a compounding pharmacy:

1 Part viscous lidocaine 2%

1 Part Maalox.

1 Part diphenhydramine 12.5 mg per 5 ml elixir.

This can be used prior to medication taking and/or swallowing food.

[mrsjsmith]

Elleder,

I see you are a recent member.

The original poster and myself had initial problems swallowing Ibrutinib. ! This is a a special targeted drug and you don’t go back to your Consultant and ask for an alternative !

[mrsjsmith]

No problem,

But I had taken steroids for a week to no effect and the Professor in charge and pharmacy said to open them I did ! Not ideal but I had no choice.

Colette

[mrsjsmith]

Thank you,

I am fine now 🤞. That was last year and the Ibrutinib has been a wonder drug for me.

Colette