Ibrutinib to Acalabrutinib

[Agatesup]

After more than 4.5 years on Ibrutinib, I was switched to Acalabrutinub 6 days ago. I started having diarrhea the 6th night and had a headache about 4:00 a.m. Has anyone experienced the same problems- and how long did they last? Any comments will be appreciated.

[Justasheet1]

Ag,

I can’t help with your question; sorry. But being on ibrutinib, may I ask why you switched?

Jeff

[Agatesup in reply to Justasheet1]

The last week of March I just felt lousy - body pains, weakness, tiredness. The oncologist suggested the change. I was off Ibrutinib for 5 weeks before beginning Acalabrutinib. Body feels fine but the exhaust system has sprung a leak!

[Justasheet1 in reply to Agatesup]

No good. Better call Roto Rooter.

Best of luck to you on the new pill.

Jeff

[1susiE in reply to Justasheet1]

much less joint pain

[Zia2]

I just switched too. Is it possible to read my posts?

[Agatesup in reply to Zia2]

How May I access your posts?

[AussieNeil Administrator in reply to Agatesup]

You can read anyone's previous posts by selecting their avatar by their reply. You'll see their profile appear, which provides you with any background information they have provided, plus a list of their posts you can select to read. Some of us may have only replied, in which case you'll need to select their Reply tab to list those.

This post explains the how and why of maintaining your profile: healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Neil

[cajunjeff]

I switched to acalabrutinib from ibrutinib a couple of months ago. I had diarrhea and high blood pressure with ibrutinib.

Since I have switched to acalabrutinib, my diarrhea has resolved and my blood pressure got better. So far for me I have had no side effects with acalabrutinib.

Side effects can also get better as you get accustomed to a new drug so hopefully your issues are just transient.

[Rmjersey in reply to cajunjeff]

Hi Jeff, Could I please ask what the step up was in your blood pressure that prompted the change to acalabrutinib. many thanks

[CADreamer]

I have been taking Acalabrutinib for 1 year and headaches (mild) lasted only a few days during 1st week. Some people have posted that caffeine helped relieve headaches. My headaches were minor & I never took anything to relieve. Diarrhea did not become a problem until a few weeks ago. I resolved by eating before I took the Acalabrutinib. I had been taking in morning on empty stomach & diarrhea appeared within a few hours. Acalabrutinib has been great so far. No major side effects. I think you will be happy with Acalabrutinib. It just takes a few weeks or months to allow your system to adjust. Good luck.

[Dksmith71]

I have been on Acalabruntinib for almost 5 years!! I had a severe headache for about 5 days at the beginning. Found if I drank a full glass of water when I woke up it was gone. This only lasted about 7 days! Eating certain foods I found is what brought diarrhea on. But now that I have that knowledge it is fine!! I’m truly thankful and blessed that I’m on Acalabruntinib! Hope this works for you. I think a little tweaking you will be fine!!🤗

[hsouter in reply to Dksmith71]

What foods brought on the diarrhea?

[Dksmith71 in reply to hsouter]

Hi! I found that I could only tolerate small amounts of beef (steak, tri tip) and very little if any hamburger meat even tho grass fed etc. Chicken doesn’t bother me. Fish is fine for me. Cutting out most dairy has helped. I use oat and almond milk now. Drinking lots of water all day has really really helped also! Seem to be ok with all other foods and try not to over do eating at one sitting!!! I love food!

[1susiE]

thriving on the switch after 5 weeks

[Eucalyptus22]

I have been on Acalabrutinib and bloods were fully normal after 4 months and I thank God and the scientists every day for this drug. Fruit eaten after taking the 2nd dose in the evening causes me to have diarrhoea but other than that, no real symptoms. I do make sure I drink plenty of water every day.

Good luck on the switch.