Do you stop Ibrutinib while treated for an infection ?

[MikeOr]

If you are currently on Ibrutinib, do you stop taking it while you are taking an antibiotic to fight an infection ? I am asking because Ibrutinib has a tendency to reduce the neutrophile count which, in turn, reduces patient's ability to fight infection.

[cajunjeff]

I have been on ibrutinib and stayed on it while doing antibiotics. I did clear it with my Cll doctor.

I think it’s a good rule to run any newly prescribed drug that might be added to ibrutinib by your Cll doctor and or pharmacist. I get my ibrutinib from a specialty pharmacy and each time I renew my script for the next month they ask me if I have questions for the pharmacist.

You can also check the label for ibrutinib that is published online. I don’t like to rely on my interpretation of contraindicated drugs on the label though, and prefer to ask my doctor to be safe.

[BookLovah20]

I’m currently on Ibrutinib and taking antibiotics right now. Damn bronchitis...

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

I've concurrently had two different types of IV antibiotics while on an Acalabrutinib trial when I developed febrile neutropenia. IV antibiotics and other medications can worsen neutropenia. My neutrophil count was supported by daily G-CSF injections, aiming to maintain it above 1.5.

Neil

[BSMI]

After almost a lifetime on & off bronchitis I am now permanently on doxylin prophylactically, as well as ibrutinib, without any problems. Best of luck.

BSMI

[Dragonspen]

I've been on Ibrutinib for the past 16 month and have been prescribed a couple of different abtibiotics but I have always checked with my oncologyst. There has never been any problems what so ever when taking them. Good luck.

[DelrayDave]

I was never told to stop ibrutinib for antibiotics. I had maybe 6 or so courses for various infections over 5 years on ibrutinib.