diarrhea

[nuttynannie1947]

Have been on Ibrutnib for 4 days. Is diarrhea a common side effect? If so does it eventually settle down????

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi nuttynannie1947,

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From: imbruvica.com/cll/side-effe....

SNIP: Diarrhea is a common side effect in people who take IMBRUVICA®. Drink plenty of fluids during treatment with IMBRUVICA® to help reduce your risk of losing too much fluid (dehydration) due to diarrhea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea that does not go away.

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In most cases the gastro side effects can decrease gradually over time, and are intermittent so dehydration and weight loss are manageable. But be sure to work closely with your doctors ( CLL expert and GP) to make certain you are managing it adequately. If not they may be able to switch you to acalabrutinib / Calquence (if available in NZ) as it has worked wonderfully for me with absolutely no side effects.

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Len

[dmmck]

It does settle down, but it really helped me to switch to taking it at bedtime.

[Gisygirl]

I was on Imbruvica for 7 years and had no problems. Now on Venclexta for 2 years, yes, having diarreah...not many times a day but most always very runny. My gastroenterologist suggested I needed more fiber( saw some improvement after taking Metamucil but now back to mostly water) and after a recent colonoscopy which he saw no problems there, I am pretty sure it is the medication. Will discuss again with my doctor which I see him next.

[Spacee in reply to Gisygirl]

We were just at Moffitt yesterday and diarrhea was discussed. He is not going back on ibrutinib but on its cousin Acalabrutinib . Also goes by Calaquence. Fewer side effects.

[Mahunny]

I'm on Calquence (ALACA..) and I have it. Been on it for about 8 months and still have it most of the time but I feel like it is better than the opposite. I get to rid myself of all the 'crap' (pardon the pun) in my body.