Ibrutinib and a chronic cough

[Read4fun]

Hello! My husband has been on Ibrutinib for 5 months and has developed a terrible chronic cough. His bronchial tubes seems to have become inflamed and there is much mucous. Has anyone experienced this as a side effect on Ibrutinib? We have had his lungs checked out and there are no infections, cancer or pneumonia present. Thank you!

[GMa27]

A CLL friend of mine is on Ibrutinib and she has lots of upper chest issues, coughing etc. She gets IVIG monthly infusions & still has issues. She's been to all kinds of specialists. She has chronic bronchitis. Not sure if docs just labeled it cuz they just don't know.. They can't figure out anything else. She takes otc meds & lots of antibiotics when she gets real bad symptoms. Didn't start till she went on Ibrutinib.

[Read4fun in reply to GMa27]

Thank you so much. It sounds like a frustrating journey for her as well. Those symptoms describe my husband perfectly. He is on antibiotics now but as she experienced they don’t cure it just take away the severe symptoms.

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi Read4fun,

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When I started reading your post I was planning to provide links and references to Pneumocystis,

cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/pne....

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pneum...

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But that lung fungus usually is a persistent dry cough and shows up on x-rays and CT Scans as ground glass opacity. So that may be quickly excluded by your doctor, but worth mentioning as a question.

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There have been 347 past postings that mention "cough" here: healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

You may want to scan the list and choose some to review the replies and suggestions like this one: healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

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Len

[annmcgowan]

Hi I have had this on Ibrutinib. I had an endoscopy and they discovered reflux, which can cause a cough, side effect of Ibrutinib. I started treatment for GERD and the cough disappeared immediately. It’s worth checking this out especially if the lungs are clear.Ann

[Read4fun in reply to annmcgowan]

Thank you! Yes we will check that out.

[AnneHill in reply to annmcgowan]

Hi, I have just had an endoscopy and have inflammation. They said gastritis and took a biopsy.I used to take Naproxen before Ibrutinib along with Omeprazole. I have stayed on Omeprazole because of Gerd. I hope they can solve my stomach problems. They have been like this since I began Ibrutinib.

I didnt realise it could cause a cough. Anne uk

[Read4fun in reply to AnneHill]

Thank you so much. We are going to check this out for him. Several others have mentioned the same thing.

[annmcgowan in reply to AnneHill]

Hi it’s not the ibrutinib that caused the cough in my case it was the GERD. Esomeprazole stop the GERD and the cough.Good luck

Ann

[AnneHill in reply to annmcgowan]

Thankyou. I think it was originally the anti inflammatory tablets.

[Read4fun in reply to annmcgowan]

Thank you!

[Lenny123]

Probablynot because of Ibrutanib. Complex and other comments are pertinent, especially GERD. But bottom line is what to do. : be paranoid about air you breathe, invest in good air filtration, in ac, heating.

Masks, current fave is n100, Trend stealth, from amazon.

Keep air humidified, and take care of make sure it is sterilized, lots of good products on market.

Dont smoke, nor be around smokers.

Exercise lungs, I use "Acapella" device, which clears mucus well. also Inspiratory/e expiratory muscle trainer, eg " the breather" on amazon.'"

Vitamin D.

Be conscious, avoid sources of infection, eg. mold. Easier said than done, stuff is everywhere, at least minimize exposure.

Work with knowledgably pulmonologist, ENT, unfortunately most are not up to the frustrating task of finding a reason for cough. Frequently due to GERD, asthma, chronic bronchitis, etc.

Best of luck.

[Read4fun in reply to Lenny123]

Thank you so much. Lots of good advice to check into.