Imbruvica: Can I take a pain medication while on... - CLL Support

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smife profile image
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Can I take a pain medication while on Imbruvica?

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smife
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11 Replies
AdrianUK profile image
AdrianUK

There are some pain meds you shouldn’t take and others you can. I suggest you contact your doctor or nurse and discuss what pain you have, and what the best option is. The ones to definitely avoid are aspirin and ibuprofen or other NSAIDS.

smife profile image
smife in reply to AdrianUK

I've only been on the Imbruvica now for 2 weeks and forgot to ask Doctor and was just wondering. Have appointment in 2 weeks will discuss it then.

Paracetamols fine but as Adrian’s said you need to avoid anything with anti inflammatory or blood thinning properties.. it’s always good to speak with your team or specialist before taking anything additional.

june65 profile image
june65

I’m sure my haematologist told me to take Ibuprofen and not Paracetamol. I could be wrong but I’m sure that’s how I remember it.

June

mrsjsmith profile image
mrsjsmith in reply to june65

Hi June on my list ( I am in the U.K. ) it says about Imbruvica - it may make you bleed more easily. This means you should tell your doctor if you take other medicines that increase your risk of bleeding. This includes NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen or naproxen .

Personally I would check again with your Haematologist.

Regards

Colette

june65 profile image
june65 in reply to mrsjsmith

Thanks Collette I will. When I fractured my spine last year I was on co-codamol and morphine but they made me so constipated that I never wanted to see either again. It is still the back pain that bothers me or it could be muscle and bone pain from the Ibrutinib, I’ll try and persevere until my next appt on 27th, I think I have quite a high pain threshold so should be ok.

June

mrsjsmith profile image
mrsjsmith in reply to june65

Hi June,

I have also been having a back and muscle pain that I thought was due to the Ibrutinib, and after 6 trips to Osteopath and 3 to GP, she suggested that I see a Physiotherapist for an assessment. GP had said I have mild Scoliosis and my spine leans to the right ! So simple ! The muscles on the right are compressed and weak and spine stiff. I already feel better, but sadly now exercises to do !

C x

PaulaS profile image
PaulaSVolunteer

I was prescribed Co-Codamol while on Ibrutinib, and had no problems with it (that I was aware of). It was 30 mg codeine phosphate with 500mg Paracetamol. That combination is only available on prescription in the UK, but Paracetamol combined with smaller doses of codeine can be bought over the counter.

Always best to check with the haematologist though, because different people have different issues that might complicate the situation.

paula

mrsjsmith profile image
mrsjsmith in reply to PaulaS

Hi Paula,

I have the same for back ache, and my GP checked in the big book they refer to and then online , also no known problems.

Regards

Colette

livinglifewell profile image
livinglifewell

I do have chronic pain with my SLL and the arthralgia and myalgia are exasperated by the ibrutinib. Because I cannot take NSAIDs and Tylenol seems to have no effect, I have a script for oxycodone. BUT, I take it judiciously so as not to "need" it. Therefore, what I have found helpful to control the inflammatory process that is contributing to the soreness and pain is low dose naltrexone commonly referred to as "LDN." I always check with the pharmaceutical company and my doctor before I try anything and I got the okay from both to take this remarkable "off-label" remake of this drug. It is compounded by a legitimate pharmacist. There is a lot of literature out there on this movement of LDN usage in all kinds of auto-immune diseases as well as chronic conditions like Lyme, Fibromyalgia, etc.

I take Imbruvica and I was told I cannot take any drug with aspirin in it, NONE, and I can't take Ibrupropen.......Advil, Aleve, nothing. The only over the counter drug I can take for pain seems to be Tylenol, and only 3 of those a day, tops, because of harming your kidneys. The only prescription drug for pain that I was given is Tramadol 50 mg., and I take one a day, if I need it, but I try not to take them. I don't want to get addicted to pain meds. it's tough not being able to take any anti-inflammatories when that's what is needed for arthritis and other pain. Tramadol does nothing for inflammation and/or swelling.

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