Ibrutnib versus acalabrutnib

[Fwanni]

I was on ibrutnib over 3 years, great blood results. The only issue was severe bone, joint pain esp in my right hand, feet. Off it 4 months, with low joint pain. Now prescribed acalabrutnib but all reports say one gets very bad headaches. I'm undecided on starting acalabr..maybe yhe 'devil you know' (ibrutnib) is a better option? Thoughts, anyone. Best wishes

[CycleWonder]

Many people report that having caffeine in some form in the morning relieves the headaches effectively.

[AussieNeil Administrator in reply to CycleWonder]

Caffeine and if needed, acetaminophen/paracetamol, also known as Tylenol, Panadol, APAP. Importantly the headaches, if you actually get them, only tend to last a few weeks.

Neil

[country76]

I switched to Alacabrutinib from Ibrutinib and have been fine. The headaches are few and far between never even had to use a tylenol, they were so faint and were gone quickly. I haven't had any in a long time.

I recently stopped Alacabrutinib because of some dental work and just started Sunday, a little worried what would happen. Only a couple of small bruises on my forearm.

[SLLJOHN]

I switched from Ib to Alcalabrutinib nearly 2 years ago and haven’t looked back. Much reduced joint pain and itchiness went away completely.

[Cllsller]

I did get severe headaches so my doctor changed my dosage . Th headaches are not as frequent now. Give it a try and perhaps try taking Tylenol with caffeine which really helps the pain. Best of luck.

[Unglorious]

As they say everyone is different. In my case when I was on Ibrutinib I experience roving pain in my joints, which I eased when applying cold compress to the different areas, experiencing this very often but did not have to take Tylenol to ease the pain, I could handle the roving pain without Tylenol. Now, I am on Acalabrutinib, I never experienced the headaches, but I did experience Myalga in my left shoulder/arm/neck area, this occured when I took the second daily dose of Acalabrutinib. Pain was severe, had to take two Tylenol extra strength or Tylenol3 (prescriptioon). I finally sought the help of a physiotherapist which showed how to do stretching exercises which seems to have helped. I do this twice a day, most beneficial after a warm shower. I am also seeking the advice of my oncologist to see if I can reduce Acalabrutinib to once a day. Others on this site have advise they are on a reduced dosage of Acalabrutinib and their numbers are fine. I am due for a blood test Nov. 8th and then the in office with the oncologist. Will update you if you wish. Good luck.

[Sushibruno in reply to Unglorious]

Good question.