Ibrutinib to Acalabrutinib: After more than 4.... - CLL Support

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Ibrutinib to Acalabrutinib

Agatesup profile image
15 Replies

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.

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Agatesup profile image
Agatesup
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15 Replies
Justasheet1 profile image
Justasheet1

Ag,

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

Jeff

Agatesup profile image
Agatesup in reply toJustasheet1

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 profile image
Justasheet1 in reply toAgatesup

No good. Better call Roto Rooter.

Best of luck to you on the new pill.

Jeff

1susiE profile image
1susiE in reply toJustasheet1

much less joint pain

Zia2 profile image
Zia2

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

Agatesup profile image
Agatesup in reply toZia2

How May I access your posts?

AussieNeil profile image
AussieNeilPartnerAdministrator in reply toAgatesup

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 profile image
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 profile image
Rmjersey in reply tocajunjeff

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

CADreamer profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
hsouter in reply toDksmith71

What foods brought on the diarrhea?

Dksmith71 profile image
Dksmith71 in reply tohsouter

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 profile image
1susiE

thriving on the switch after 5 weeks

Eucalyptus22 profile image
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.

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