Diuretics and BTK Inhibitors

[Davidcara]

Wondering if anyone is on diuretics/water pill such as lasix or aldactone, while taking ibrutinib/ BTK inhibitors. Wondering how this affects hydration. Confused if we drink lots of water to flush out bad cells, or to stay hydrated. If we want to stay hydrated, seems like it would be difficult while on diuretic therapy for another medical condition.

[LeoPa]

My layman's understanding is that diuretics are prescribed when the body retains fluids to a more than healthy extent. For proper hydration one must drink water then get rid of the excess water. Diuretics should not push water out to such an extent as to cause dehydration problems. Best is to ask the doctors.

[Big_Dee in reply to LeoPa]

Hello LeoPa

I really agree about asking the doctor. it is my understanding long term use of diuretics can cause kidney damage. drinking all the water while doing any CLL treatment is also to reduce damage to kidneys from protein blood cells being flushed from body.

[LeoPa in reply to Big_Dee]

A few body builders died even due to diuretics abuse. Nobody should take them for fun of course. I guess the kidney damage is a trade off for staying alive when there is no alternative and they must be used.

[Davidcara]

Thanks for the input. Unfortunately, ibrutinib has worsened my preexisting hypertension. Not a lot of options for antihypertensive medications due to other medical factors. Have discussed with PCP, will discuss with onc but, the other choice would be to lose 25 lbs most probably, and not having much success at that, so far.