CLL and Reumatoid Athuritis

[Wahoowa]

I have been on Imbruvica for six months. My joints are really starting to ache and stiffen. My shoulders, hips, back and hands. Is there any relationship between CLL and RA? Thanks, Jim

[Newdawn Administrator]

There is evidence for an increased incidence of lymphoproliferative disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but being an auto immune disorder, less evidence that people with CLL actually develop RA.

To test for RA your doctor would usually conduct blood and physical tests such as ESR, or sed rate or C-reactive protein (CRP) which may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Other common blood tests look for rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies.

I had systemic osteoarthritis for many years before taking Ibrutinib and the meds have undoubtedly increased the symptoms of arthralgia (joint pain) and myalgia (muscle pain). At present they are looking into whether ibrutinib could be implicated. RA hasn’t been established but it can be difficult to definitively diagnose.

It could be you’d need to involve a Rheumatologist if the issues persist or worsen. I’ve had joint and muscle pain plus cramps for the 14 months I’ve taken ibrutinib and it is a well known side effect. Acalabrutinib is thought to have less of an impact so maybe discuss this with your doctor (depending on which country you’re in which dictates availability). I’m on a clinical trial so cannot change meds.

Best wishes,

Newdawn

[Wahoowa in reply to Newdawn]

Thankyou

[country76]

I Just switched to alcabrutinib from ibrutinib due to all the side effects. I am going on 2 weeks and so far the side effects are gone or improving. My main problem was knee pain. Stiffness. It was hard walk.

[Mprm]

I’ve been Ibrutinib for 4months and for the past month have been experiencing hip and left leg pain and stiffness to the point where now it is painful to walk even a short distance. Tylenol helps, but it is not a sustainable and when it wears off the pain is unbearable. My doctor told me to stop taking it for 3days—today starts day one. I’m thinking the drug exacerbated my back pain, probably osteoarthritis, which I had under control with daily exercise, though the pain seems more muscular than bone. My doctor thinks switching to Acalabrutinib may solve the problem.

[kids4]

I have been on it for 2 years..Yes, Im just beginning to have joint and muscle aches, added to all the other side effects...such as, auditory deficiency, (when I was on the 420 mg. I had foggy thinking} much better now that the dosage was lowered to 280 mg, had stomach and gerd issues, varicose vein problems that require compression socks, developed atrial fibrillation which requires taking blood thinners, and elevated blood pressure...but imbruvica regulates my blood count. Oh Well I try to attribute much some side effects to aging.

[kids4]

Also major nail problems and exhaustion at times. Exercise keeps me fit, as well as being conscious of eating good food, organics etc.