WBC GOING UP ON IMBRUVICA

[randya]

Hi all, benn on imbuvica for a month now, wbc was at 111 when diagnosed on jan 13. continues to go up. All my lymph nodes are back to normal, neck, arm pits and groin. platelets are 140 and hemoglobin is 11.6 how long before wbc starts coming down.

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Very common in over 70% of cases. Imbruvica (ibrutinib) is pushing B cells out of the nodes and spleen into the blood... so counts rise.

Generally most patients report a ALC drop in the 3 month.

~chris 🇨🇦

[baq724]

I’ve read that it can take several months for wbc to start trending down. The rise means its working and all those cll cells are exiting spleen and nodes into bloodstream where they will eventually die off. It varies from patient to patient, so hopefully you will see a downward trend soon!

[randya]

Thanks to the replies, my Dr did say the same so it's just me being impatient. I feel good and no side affects. Rituximub infusion next week. I do like all the attention I get, and I do like this site. Great support

[Hidden]

i have b-pll. I was at 464,000 when i started Imbruvica, 6 weeks later i'm at 164,000. If you read the patient literature the higher the wbc when you begin-if over 200000 already the smaller the increase.

[UK-Sparky]

AS has been said the 'spike' in WBC varies, mine was in the first month then has been gradually dropping. Keep the Faith/ it will drop!

UK Sparky

[Aline655]

My Mom also experince same issue , WBC going up while her placetet slum down from 120 to 70 in a month

[barger1951]

Mine started down right after taking IBR (two or three weeks) but they were already over 250k (lymph nodes went down in the first week). What I have learned from reading this CLL group line is that everyone responds differently...but you are definitely on the right path.

Cheers,

Barger1951

[haposwald]

I’m starting treatment as soon as I can get imbruvica to my door my hematologist said DONOT freak out about rising WBC he told me he’s seen it up 2 or 3 months. Our bodies can have a hard time getting rid of the cll cells. He told me don’t be shy with H2O as that will help remove them from your system best of luck to you!

[Traudel]

Appreciate, hope of my getting BETTER in future,

Best,

Traudel