I started 3 140mg tabs of Imbruvica in January of 2017. I tolerated it very well with the normal side effects of cramps and brittle nails. Venetoclax 400 mg was added in July of 2017 as a ramp up. I continued on the Imbruvica/Venetoclax trial with no issues until May of 2018 when I had an Afib episode. After the 2nd episode a month later, I was reduced to 2 140mg of Imbruvica along with the 400 mg of Venetoclax. I also started Metoprolol 100mg. Another Afib in June and I was reduced again to one 140 mg + full dose of V.
I had no more issues of Afib and in April of 2019, I achieved MRD (minimal residual disease)! I was taken off Imbruvica/Venetoclax along with Allopurinol and Valacyclovir. My Metoprolol was reduced to 50mg for 10 days, then 25mg for a week before stopping.
The results have been curious. My normal resting heart rate prior to medication was mid to low 70’s. With Metoprolol, it was high 50’s to low 60’s. After stopping almost everything, my heart rate is 90 at rest up to 135 with a little exertion. I also have had nasal drainage and cough which clears up and returns. My Doc says my heart will settle down and my nasal issues are allergies. After more than 2 months, he wondered out loud if this is an Imbruvica side effect? Have any of you had issues after stopping these wonderful immunotherapy drugs?