Shortness of breath after starting Imbruvica treatment

[Eaglemba]

Anyone having shortness of breath after taking imbuvica for 2 months ?

[Lawand1]

Hi, I’m six years into Ibrutinib but never had shortness of breathe. My only side affects have been occasional swollen joints. I do know our body takes time to adjust to the impact of drugs. I would suggest informing your specialist. Best wishes

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Welcome to our community Eaglemba, I see that you have just joined us.

Shortness of breath when you have CLL is generally associated with worsening anaemia. That usually develops from CLL infiltrating the bone marrow and/or increasing the spleen size, hence reducing red blood cell production and filtering out more red blood cells before they really need replacing. Less often it can be caused by the occurence of Auto-Immune Haemolytic Anaemia (AIHA). One of the triggers for starting treatment for CLL is your haemoglobin falling below 100. CLL treatment drugs can temporarily worsen anaemia, due to their impact on bone marrow production of red blood cells, before the CLL infiltration of the bone marrow is reduced sufficiently to counter that effect.

As Lawand1 said, you should inform your specialist. If you haven't had a blood test since the shortness of breath developed, have one now, so your specialist has up to date information on how your red blood cell production might be changing.

Neil

[LeoPa]

Shortness of breath can have other causes too. Do you have an oxymeter to test your blood oxygen levels? Get one if not yet. It'll show you your pulse too. It's useful info to have at hand if you have a telephone consultation or calling an ambulance.

[Eaglemba in reply to LeoPa]

Yes, I have one and my oxygen levels are 97 - 98 pulse range from 60 -90. Still shot of breath.

[LeoPa in reply to Eaglemba]

Thanks, then it could be really the falling hemoglobin. Have it checked if you can. Good luck!