Issues After Imbruvica

[Louie_CC]

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?

[Spacee]

I wonder too since my hubby will start on it within a month. I had tachycardia at age 38. Took 20 docs before one realized that was what it

was (didn’t happen in a docs office or they thought I was nervous). Sounds like you are in good hands with your doc. I was very ill before the doc figured it out.

Linda

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

Louie_CC because afib is well known connection to imbruvica, I assume you are asking about the allergy-like reaction.

Is there any problem with you taking an anit-histamine for the nasal situation, and--you would be well served to see a Dr. to evaluate your esophagus status which might be a source for both the drainage and the cough. It is called "silent reflux".

healthline.com/health/paren...

and the link is speaking of babies, but it can happen to adults esp if you have a hiatus hernia.

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

[Louie_CC in reply to cllady01]

Thanks for the reply. I’m familiar with acid reflux or gerd. It’s not that. More of an asthma like cough but with drainage. Just started some asthma meds. Heart continues to beat

1 1/5 times faster than it use to which is puzzling to me and exhausting. I’m going to my Cardiologist in two weeks. I told my wife I felt better when I had cancer. 🥴