Imbruvica and Sex

[TheTraveler]

CLL question - I am a 67-year-old man who has been on Imbruvica (420 mg daily) for two years with excellent results. I have recently become sexually active. I am concerned about transmitting the drug to my partner. Is this likely or possible, and if so, are there health risks to my partner? Any information will be appreciated.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Per accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatf... "...the majority of Imbrivica (80%) is eliminated in the faeces and less than 10% accounted for in urine." That's also mainly in the form of metabolites - the results of liver enzmye activity breaking down the drug. I haven't seen any information on concentration in other bodily fluids, but you can get some idea of the possible dose by estimating the percentage of fluids exchanged as a percentage of your weight, bearing in mind that Imbruvica doesn't accumulate. Also, with a half life of 4 to 6 hours, timing of intimate activity will considerably influence the amount of the drug transmitted. I'm not medically trained and I've no idea of the effects of metabolites, but any surviving Imbruvica could probably have a very small impact on your partner's B-cells, though I suspect probably not enough to noticeably affect their adaptive immunity.

Naturally, if your partner is at risk of becoming pregnant, you should use condoms.

Neil

[TheTraveler in reply to AussieNeil]

Thanks Neil! Very useful.