Stopping Ibrutinib for hemorrhoid banding

[SalGirl]

Has anyone ever been advised to stop Ibrutinib for hemorrhoid banding?

My husband needs to undergo the procedure, and his oncologist has suggested he stop the Ibutrinib for 3 days before the banding. However, with recent changes to my husband's blood counts (see previous post), we are worried the Ibrutinib has lost some of its efficacy and stopping it for 3 days might cause more harm than good.

Has anyone else had the banding procedure and stopped Ibrutinib?

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Here's the link to your previous post about ibrutinib effectiveness waning healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

The Imbruvica (ibrutinib) Health Care Professionals website states with respect to surgery

imbruvicahcp.com/search?sea...

Consider the benefit-risk of withholding IMBRUVICA® for at least 3 to 7 days pre- and post-surgery depending upon the type of surgery and the risk of bleeding.

I'd recommend your husband raise his valid concern with his oncologist, because he could be at risk of what's termed pseudo Richters. Perhaps that's why his oncologist has suggested just 3 days prior to surgery, rather than longer?

Neil

[Jm954 Administrator]

If he's relapsing but the Ibrutinib is partially holding his CLL in check then, in my own experience, to stop it for more than a day or two could cause a rapid relapse.

I stopped Ibrutinib on a Wednesday and by Sunday I had 7cm nodes under my arms! I couldn't put my arms by my sides. Dr thought I had Richter's.

Please talk to your oncologist again because hemorrhoid banding is not strictly surgery and doesn't carry the same risk although I can understand the nervousness about possible bleeds.

Jackie

[SalGirl in reply to Jm954]

Thanks for sharing this insight Jackie. It is much appreciated and validates my main concern. We've decided to postpone the procedure until we see his oncologist.