ibrutinib/Diarrhea

[Deta]

I belong to this group a long time ago but haven’t written here for a long time! Today I’m a bit nervous and only have appointment next Thursday so i decide to ask for help.

I’ m a CLL pacient for about 23 years but started Ibrutinib in 2017, almost 6 years. Since a few months ago once in a while i have diahrrea for a few days and than it goes away! Is it normal? I’m about finishing ibrutinib and started Ven+Rit …. Tp53 ! What’s your opinion? It is the ibrutinib reaction? Thanks

[SofiaDeo]

I would think intermittent diarrhea *once in a while* is probably not a drug adverse effects. Those tend to be consistent and more frequent. Possibly a food or water source?

[Pibroch in reply to SofiaDeo]

Yes, I have been taking Ibrutinib for many years, since it was first approved. I have had diarrhoea on and off since I was first prescribed. I read a paper published in the USA which said a reduction in dosage of Ibrutinib was quite satisfactory in keeping CLL at bay. I raised this with my consultant and she suggested a trial of a reduced dosage, Immediately my diarrhoea stopped and blood tests following the reduction continued to be very satisfactory. I now have no trouble and alls well. JHS. Wiltshire England.

[SofiaDeo in reply to Pibroch]

May I ask, how often? Weekly? I had it daily on ibrutinib, and was understanding Deta's "for a few days then goes away" as more intermittent. Plus it didn't start for a number of years. I haven't often seen an "intermittent" side effect report with a drug, this is very interesting.

I agree a consistent pattern is more likely a drug side effect. Glad reducing the dose helped you. I tried that too, but eventually just stopped the ibrutinib. I had other side effects too.

[Deta]

Hello. I’ve got diarrhea for at least once a week, during 2/4 days, then it stops and the next week cames again! It’s like going to bathroom 4/5 times a day, then it stops and comes the next day! That’s the reason why I’m getting confused and thinking about bowel cancer?????? Everything comes to my mind now….worried about it!