My oncologist is switching me from IB to Calquence because I had some irregular heart activity. I have been on IB for 3.6 years and it has been very good for me.
My question is have you also switched and how have you found it?
When you started Calaquence was it a gradual weaning off IB or did you switch completely?
Thanks
I switched because I developed AFib which they attributed to Ibrutinib and they thought it would have fewer side effects like the bone and joint pain. After switching, the bone and joint pain improved but within weeks I was hospitalized for PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) and bigeminy and a heart rate hitting 190. After lots of meds that just made everything worse I was taken off Acalabrutinib and all the heart meds and everything corrected itself. I'm currently off treatment and feel great but I'm told I'll need to resume treatment in a year or so. But that doesn't happen to everyone, most people do just fine on Acalabrutinib. Since you already have heart issues. I'd keep an eye on your heart.
I was on ibrutinib for about 6 months when I got AFIB. At first it was reduced from 420 to 280 . I did and am still seeing a cardiologist every six months. I decided to go to a CLL specialist and was put on Acalabrutinib. I have been on Acalabrutinib for 3 years and doing well on it. I still have AFIB and am on eliquis and seeing my cardiologist every six months. I did go on full when I switched. Took last Ibrutinib and then went on Acalabrutinib the next day. . It also helped me with my joint and muscle pain. I have it less on Acalabrutinib.
Bill
I was on Ibrutinib during my Obinutuzumab cycles and continued for 6 month after the switched to acalabrutinib due to mild bi lateral swelling. All good no issues. On monthly bloods which I assume are stable as my oncologist hasn't called me to say anything.
I developed AFIB after taking Ibrutinib (never any heart issues before). I see a cardiologist every 6 months who controls the Afib with Xarelto and Biprosol. I was switched to Alcalabrutinib just over a year ago, not for the heart issues but to potentially improve the joint stiffness. Byproduct potentially of reducing Afib. So far joint pain much better, but heart no worse or better. Bloods always fine.
PS on both Ibrutinib and Alcalabrutinib I soon had to reduce the dosage. I stopped Ib one day and started Alc the next.
Sounds like the switch in meds was the right thing to do as acalabrutinib has a much safer cardiac profile than Ibr.
I'm looking at treatment for my relapsed CLL with the combo Acalabrutinib + Venetoclax as the goal achieved in most patients is that you can stop treatment after 12-15 months. The combo of Acal or Ven plus obituzimab is another successful treatment combo that has the same benefit of ending treatment after 12-15 months.
You should ask your doc about it.
Mike
MD and CLL patient
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