Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Zanubrutinib may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
BRUKINSA is an anticancer medicine that contains the active substance zanubrutinib. It belongs to a class of medicines called protein kinase inhibitors. This medicine works by blocking Bruton's tyrosine kinase, a protein in the body that helps cancer cells grow and survive. By blocking this protein, BRUKINSA reduces the number of cancer cells and slows down the worsening of the cancer. BRUKINSA is used to treat Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia (also known as lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma), a cancer affecting a type of white blood cells called B lymphocytes that make too much of a protein called IgM. This medicine is used when the disease has come back, or treatment has not worked or in patients who cannot have chemotherapy together with an antibody. BRUKINSA is also used to treat marginal zone lymphoma. This is a type of cancer that also affects B lymphocytes or B cells. In marginal zone lymphoma, the abnormal B cells multiply too quickly and live for too long. This may cause enlargement of organs that are part of the body's natural defences such as lymph nodes and spleen. The abnormal B cells may also affect various organs, such as stomach, salivary gland, thyroid, eyes, lungs, bone marrow and blood. Patients may have fever, weight loss, tiredness and night sweats, but also symptoms that depend on where the lymphoma develops. This medicine is used when the disease has come back, or treatment has not worked. BRUKINSA is also used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), another type of cancer affecting B cells that involves the lymph nodes. This medicine is used in patients who have not previously been treated for CLL or when the disease has come back or has not responded to previous treatment.
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BRUKINSA is also used to treat patients with a kind of cancer called mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). It is only used in patients who received at least one prior therapy and the disease has come back or the treatment has not worked. BRUKINSA is also used to treat follicular lymphoma (FL). FL is a slow growing cancer that affects the B lymphocytes. When you have FL, you have too many of these B lymphocytes in your lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. BRUKINSA is taken together with another medicine called 'obinutuzumab' when the disease has come back or when previously used medicines have not been effective. 2.
e BRUKINSA
Do not take BRUKINSA if you are allergic to zanubrutinib or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking BRUKINSA: if you have ever had unusual bruising or bleeding or are on any medicines or supplements that increase your risk of bleeding (see section "Other medicines and BRUKINSA"). If you have had recent surgery or plan to have surgery, your doctor may ask you to stop taking BRUKINSA for a short time (3 to 7 days) before and after your surgery or dental procedure if you have an irregular heartbeat or have a history of irregular heartbeat or severe heart failure, or if you have any of the following: shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting or near fainting, chest pain or swollen legs if you have ever been advised that you are at higher risk of infections. You may experience viral, bacterial, or fungal infections during treatment with BRUKINSA with the following possible symptoms: fever, chills, weakness, confusion, body aches, cold or flu symptoms, feel tired or feel short of breath, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). if you have ever had or might have hepatitis B. This is because BRUKINSA could cause hepatitis B to become active again. Patients will be carefully checked by their doctor for signs of this infection before treatment is started if you have liver or kidney problems if you have recently had any surgery, especially if it might affect how you absorb food or medicines from your stomach or gut if you recently had low counts of red blood cells, infection-fighting cells or platelets in your blood if you had other carcinomas in the past including skin cancer (e.g., basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma). Please use sun protection If any of the above apply to you (or you are not sure), talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking this medicine. Tests and check-ups before and during treatment Laboratory tests may show lymphocytosis, an increase in white blood cells (lymphocytes) in your blood in the first few weeks of treatment. This is expected and may last for a few months. This does not necessarily mean that your blood cancer is getting worse. Your doctor will check your blood counts before and during the treatment and in rare cases the doctor may give you another medicine. Talk to your doctor about what your test results mean. Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS): Unusual levels of chemicals in the blood caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells have occurred during treatment of cancer and sometimes even without
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treatment. This may lead to changes in kidney function, abnormal heartbeat, or seizures. Your doctor or another healthcare provider may do blood tests to check for TLS. Children and adolescents BRUKINSA should not be used in children and adolescents, because it is unlikely to work. Other medicines and BRUKINSA Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This includes medicines obtained without a prescription, herbal medicines and supplements. This is because BRUKINSA may affect the way some medicines work. Also, some medicines can affect the way BRUKINSA works. BRUKINSA 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 medicines such as: acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, anticoagulants such as warfarin, heparin and other medicines for treating or preventing blood clots,
supplements that may increase your risk of bleeding such as fish oil, vitamin E or flaxseed.
If any of the above apply to you (or you are not sure), talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking BRUKINSA. Also tell your doctor if you take any of the following medicines – The effects of BRUKINSA or other medicines may be influenced if you take BRUKINSA together with any of the following medicines: antibiotics to treat bacterial infections – ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, nafcillin or rifampicin medicines for fungal infections – fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole medicines for HIV infection – efavirenz, etravirine, indinavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, telaprevir medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy – aprepitant medicines for depression – fluvoxamine, St. John's wort medicine called kinase inhibitors for treatment of other cancers – imatinib medicines for high blood pressure or chest pain – bosentan, diltiazem, verapamil heart medicines/anti-arrhythmics – digoxin, dronedarone, quinidine medicines to prevent seizures, to treat epilepsy, or to treat a painful condition of the face called trigeminal neuralgia – carbamazepine, mephenytoin, phenytoin medicines for migraines and cluster headaches – dihydroergotamine, ergotamine medicine for extreme sleepiness and other sleep problems – modafinil medicine for psychosis and Tourette disorder – pimozide medicines for anaesthesia – alfentanil, fentanyl medicines called immunosuppressive agents – ciclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus
BRUKINSA with food Grapefruit or Seville oranges (bitter oranges) should be consumed with caution around the time you take BRUKINSA. This is because they can increase the amount of BRUKINSA in your blood. Pregnancy and breast-feeding 3
Do not get pregnant while you are taking this medicine. BRUKINSA should not be used during pregnancy. It is not known if BRUKINSA will harm your unborn baby. Women of childbearing age must use a highly effective method of birth control during treatment with BRUKINSA and for at least one month after treatment. A barrier method of contraception (e.g., condoms) must be used with hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills or devices.
Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine. BRUKINSA may pass into breast milk.
Driving and using machines You may feel tired or dizzy after taking BRUKINSA, which may affect your ability to drive or use machines. BRUKINSA contains sodium BRUKINSA contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say 'essentially sodiumfree'. 3.
BRUKINSA
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. The recommended dose is 320 mg (4 capsules) each day, either as 4 capsules once daily or 2 capsules in the morning and 2 in the evening. Your doctor may adjust the dose. Take the capsules by mouth with a glass of water with food or between meals. Take the capsules about the same time each day. BRUKINSA works best when it is swallowed whole. Therefore, swallow the capsules whole. Do not open, break or chew them. If you take more BRUKINSA than you should If you take more BRUKINSA than you should, talk to a doctor straight away. Take the capsule packet and this leaflet with you. If you forget to take BRUKINSA If you miss a dose, take it at the next scheduled time with a return to the normal schedule. If you take BRUKINSA once per day, take your next dose the following day. If you take the medicine twice a day, in the morning and in the evening and you forgot to take it in the morning, take your next dose in the evening. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten capsule. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse about when to take your next dose. If you stop taking BRUKINSA Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. 4.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
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Stop taking BRUKINSA and tell a doctor straight away if you notice any of the following
: itchy bumpy rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat – you may be having an allergic reaction to the medicine. Tell a doctor straight away if you notice any of the following side effects: Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): fever, chills, body aches, feeling tired, cold or flu symptoms, being short of breath, frequent and painful urination – these could be signs of an infection (viral, bacterial or fungal). These could include infections of the nose, sinus or throat (upper respiratory tract infection), pneumonia, or urinary tract. bruising or increased tendency of bruising; contusions bleeding muscle and bone aches skin rash infection of the lung (lower respiratory tract infection) dizziness diarrhoea; your doctor may need to give you a fluid and salt replacement or another medicine cough fatigue high blood pressure constipation blood in urine blood tests showing a reduced number of blood cells. Your doctor should do blood tests during treatment with BRUKINSA to check the number of your blood cells. Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): swollen hands, ankles or feet nosebleed itching of the skin small bleeding spots under the skin fast heart rate, missed heart beats, weak or uneven pulse, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort (symptoms of heart rhythm problems) weakness low white blood cell count with fever (febrile neutropenia) Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): reactivation of hepatitis B (if you had experienced hepatitis B, it may come back) intestinal bleeding (blood in stool) unusual levels of chemicals in the blood caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells have occurred during treatment of cancer and sometimes even without treatment (tumour lysis syndrome) Unknown: Redness and shedding of skin over a large area of the body, which may be itchy or painful (exfoliative dermatitis generalised)
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Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly to the Yellow Card Scheme. Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5.
BRUKINSA
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and the bottle after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. This medicine does not require any special storage conditions. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 6.
What BRUKINSA contains The active substance is zanubrutinib. Each hard capsule contains 80 mg of zanubrutinib. The other ingredients are:
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This leaflet was last revised in August 2025 Other sources of information Detailed information on this medicine is available on the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency web site: www.mhra.gov.uk
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BRUKINSA 80 mg hard capsules comes as capsule containing 80mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in BRUKINSA 80 mg hard capsules is zanubrutinib.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for BRUKINSA 80 mg hard capsules, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
BRUKINSA as monotherapy is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia (WM) who have received at least one prior therapy, or in first line treatment for patients unsuitable for chemo-immunotherapy.
BRUKINSA as monotherapy is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) who have received at least one prior anti-CD20-based therapy.
BRUKINSA as monotherapy is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
BRUKINSA as monotherapy is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy.
BRUKINSA in combination with obinutuzumab is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with refractory or relapsed follicular lymphoma (FL) who have received at least two prior systemic therapies.
Treatment with this medicinal product should be initiated and supervised by a physician experienced in the use of anticancer medicinal products.
Posology
The recommended total daily dose of zanubrutinib is 320 mg. The daily dose may be taken either once daily (four 80 mg capsules) or divided into two doses of 160 mg twice daily (two 80 mg capsules). Treatment with BRUKINSA should be continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
BRUKINSA in combination with obinutuzumab
Zanubrutinib must be administered orally before obinutuzumab infusion. The recommended dose is obinutuzumab 1,000 mg intravenously on Days 1, 8, and 15 of Cycle 1, and on Day 1 of every 28-day cycle from Cycles 2 to 6. At the discretion of the physician, obinutuzumab may be administered 100 mg on Day 1 and 900 mg on Day 2 of Cycle 1 instead of 1,000 mg on Day 1 of Cycle 1. Obinutuzumab maintenance (one infusion every two months for up to two years) may be prescribed. Refer to the obinutuzumab SmPC for additional dosing information, including premedication before each infusion.
Dose modifications for adverse reactions
Recommended dose modifications of zanubrutinib for Grade 3 or greater adverse reactions are provided in Table 1.
Table 1: Recommended dose modifications for adverse reactions
Adverse reaction
Adverse reaction occurrence
Dose modification
(starting dose: 320 mg once daily or 160 mg twice daily)
≥Grade 3 non-haematological toxicities
Grade 3 febrile neutropenia
Grade 3 thrombocytopenia with significant bleeding
Grade 4 neutropenia (lasting > 10 consecutive days)
Grad 4 thrombocytopenia (lasting >10 consecutive days)
First
Interrupt BRUKINSA
Once toxicity has resolved to ≤Grade 1 or baseline: Resume at 320 mg once daily or 160 mg twice daily
Second
Interrupt BRUKINSA
Once toxicity has resolved to ≤Grade 1 or baseline: Resume at 160 mg once daily or 80 mg twice daily
Third
Interrupt BRUKINSA
Once toxicity has resolved to ≤Grade 1 or baseline: Resume at 80 mg once daily
Fourth
Discontinue BRUKINSA
Asymptomatic lymphocytosis should not be regarded as an adverse reaction, and these patients should continue taking BRUKINSA.
For dose modification of obinutuzumab for adverse reactions, refer to the SmPC of obinutuzumab.
Dose modifications for concomitant therapy
Dose modifications for use with CYP3A inhibitors or inducers are shown in Table 2 (see sections 4.4, 4.5 and 5.2):
Table 2: Recommended dose modifications when co-administered with other medicinal products
CYP3A
co-administered medicinal product
recommended dose
Inhibition
Strong CYP3A inhibitor (e.g., posaconazole, voriconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, indinavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, telaprevir)
80 mg once daily
Moderate CYP3A inhibitor (e.g., erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, diltiazem, dronedarone, fluconazole, verapamil, aprepitant, imatinib, grapefruit juice, Seville oranges)
80 mg twice daily
Induction
Strong CYP3A inducer (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, St. John's wort)
Avoid concomitant use of strong CYP 3A inducers.; Consider alternative agents with less CYP3A induction
Moderate CYP3A inducer (e.g., bosentan, efavirenz, etravirine, modafinil, nafcillin)
Avoid concomitant use of moderate inducers. If these inducers cannot be avoided, increase zanubrutinib dose up to 320 mg twice daily.
Missed dose
A double dose should not be taken to make up for a forgotten dose. If a dose is not taken at the scheduled time, the next dose should be taken according to the normal schedule.
Special populations
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is required for elderly patients (aged ≥65 years).
Renal impairment
No dose modification is recommended in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance (CrCl) ≥30 mL/min, estimated by Cockcroft-Gault). There is limited data on patients with severe renal impairment and end-stage renal disease (n=12). Patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) or on dialysis should be monitored for adverse reactions (see section 5.2).
Hepatic impairment
Dose modifications are not needed in patients with mild (Child-Pugh class A) or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B). Patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment were treated in BRUKINSA clinical studies. The recommended dose of BRUKINSA for patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) is 80 mg orally twice daily. The safety of BRUKINSA has not been evaluated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Monitor these patients closely for adverse events of BRUKINSA (see section 5.2).
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of BRUKINSA in children and adolescents below 18 years of age have not been established. No data are available.
Method of administration
BRUKINSA is for oral use. The hard capsules can be taken with or without food. Patients should be instructed to swallow the capsules whole with water, and not to open, break or chew the capsules.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Haemorrhage
Serious and fatal haemorrhagic events have occurred in patients treated with BRUKINSA. Grade 3 or higher bleeding events including intracranial and gastrointestinal haemorrhage, haematuria and haemothorax have been reported in patients (see section 4.8). Bleeding events of any grade including purpura and petechiae occurred in patients with haematological malignancies. The mechanism for the bleeding events is not well understood.
BRUKINSA may increase the risk of haemorrhage in patients receiving antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapies and patients should be monitored for signs of bleeding. Dose modification may be necessary for Grade 3 or greater adverse reactions as recommended (see section 4.2). Warfarin or other vitamin K antagonists should not be administered concomitantly with BRUKINSA. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding and monitor complete blood counts. Consider the risks and benefits of anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy when co-administered with BRUKINSA. Consider the benefit-risk of withholding zanubrutinib for 3 to 7 days pre- and post-surgery depending upon the type of surgery and the risk of bleeding.
Infections
Fatal and non-fatal infections (including bacterial, viral, fungal infections, or sepsis) and opportunistic infections (e.g., herpes viral, cryptococcal, aspergillus and pneumocystis jiroveci infections have occurred in patients treated with BRUKINSA. Grade 3 or higher infections occurred in patients (see section 4.8). The most common Grade 3 or higher infection was pneumonia. Infections due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation have also occurred. Before initiating treatment with BRUKINSA, patient's HBV status should be established. Consultation with a liver disease expert physician is recommended for patients who test positive for HBV or have positive hepatitis B serology, before initiating treatment. Patients should be monitored and managed according to the medical standards to prevent hepatitis B reactivation. Consider prophylaxis according to standard of care in patients who are at increased risk for infections. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of infection and treat appropriately.
Cytopenia
Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anaemia based on laboratory measurements were reported in patients treated with BRUKINSA (see section 4.8). Monitor complete blood counts monthly during treatment (see section 4.2).
Second primary malignancies
Second primary malignancies, including non-skin carcinoma have occurred in patients treated with BRUKINSA. The most frequent second primary malignancy was skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of skin). Advise patients to use sun protection.
Atrial fibrillation and flutter
Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter have occurred in patients treated with BRUKINSA, particularly in patients with cardiac risk factors, hypertension, acute infections and elderly (≥ 65 years). Monitor signs and symptoms for atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter and manage as appropriate.
Tumour Lysis Syndrome
Tumour lysis syndrome has been infrequently reported with zanubrutinib monotherapy, particularly in patients who were treated for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) Assess relevant risks (e.g., high tumour burden or blood uric acid level) and take appropriate precautions. Monitor patients closely and treat as appropriate.
Women of childbearing potential
Women of childbearing potential must use a highly effective method of contraception while taking Brukinsa (see section 4.6).
BRUKINSA contains sodium
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say 'essentially sodium-free'
Zanubrutinib is primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzyme 3A (CYP3A).
Agents that may increase zanubrutinib plasma concentrations
Concomitant use of BRUKINSA and medicinal products that strongly or moderately inhibit CYP3A can increase zanubrutinib exposure.
Strong CYP3A inhibitors
The coadministration of multiple doses of itraconazole (strong CYP3A inhibitor) in healthy volunteers increased the Cmax of zanubrutinib by 2.6-fold and AUC by 3.8-fold. The coadministration of multiple doses of strong CYP3A inhibitors voriconazole and clarithromycin in patients with B-cell malignancies resulted in increased zanubrutinib exposures by 3.30-fold and 1.92-fold for dose-normalized AUC0-24h and 3.29-fold and 2.01-fold for dose-normalized Cmax, respectively.
If a strong CYP3A inhibitor must be used (e.g., posaconazole, voriconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, indinavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, telaprevir), reduce the BRUKINSA dose to 80 mg (one capsule) for the duration of the inhibitor use. Monitor patient closely for toxicity and follow dose modification guidance as needed (see section 4.2).
Moderate CYP3A inhibitors
The coadministration of multiple doses of moderate CYP3A inhibitors fluconazole and diltiazem in patients with B-cell malignancies resulted in increased zanubrutinib exposures by 1.88-fold and 1.62-fold for dose-normalized AUC0-24h and 1.81-fold and 1.62-fold for dose-normalized Cmax, respectively.
If a moderate CYP3A inhibitor must be used (e.g., erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, diltiazem, dronedarone, fluconazole, verapamil, aprepitant, imatinib, grapefruit juice, Seville oranges), reduce the BRUKINSA dose to 160 mg (two capsules) for the duration of the inhibitor use. Monitor patients closely for toxicity and follow dose modification guidance as needed (see section 4.2).
Mild CYP3A inhibitors
Simulations using fasted conditions suggested that the mild CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., cyclosporine and fluvoxamine) may increase the AUC of zanubrutinib by <1.5 fold. No dose adjustment is required in combination with mild inhibitors. Monitor patients closely for toxicity and follow dose modification guidance as needed.
Grapefruit and Seville oranges should be used with caution during BRUKINSA treatment, as these contain moderate inhibitors of CYP3A (see section 4.2).
Agents that may decrease zanubrutinib plasma concentrations
Concomitant use of zanubrutinib and strong or moderate inducers of CYP3A can decrease zanubrutinib plasma concentrations.
CYP3A inducers
Co-administration of multiple doses of rifampin (strong CYP3A inducer) decreased zanubrutinib Cmax by 92% and AUC by 93% in healthy subjects. Concomitant use with strong CYP3A inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, St. John's wort) should be avoided (see section 4.2).
Co-administration of multiple doses of rifabutin (moderate CYP3A inducer) decreased zanubrutinib Cmax by 48% and AUC by 44% in healthy subjects. Avoid concomitant use of moderate inducers (e.g., bosentan, efavirenz, etravirine, modafinil, nafcillin). If these inducers cannot be avoided, increase zanubrutinib dose up to 320 mg twice daily.
Mild CYP3A inducers may be used with caution during BRUKINSA treatment.
Gastric acid reducing agents
No clinically significant differences in zanubrutinib pharmacokinetics were observed when co administered with gastric acid reducing agents (proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists).
Agents that may have their plasma concentrations altered by zanubrutinib
Zanubrutinib is a mild inducer of CYP3A and CYP2C19. Concomitant use of zanubrutinib can decrease the plasma concentrations of these substrate medicinal products.
CYP3A substrates
Co-administration of multiple doses of zanubrutinib decreased midazolam (CYP3A substrate) Cmax by 30% and AUC by 47%. Narrow therapeutic index medicinal products that are metabolised by CYP3A (e.g., alfentanil, cyclosporine, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, fentanyl, pimozide, quinidine, sirolimus, and tacrolimus) should be used with caution, as zanubrutinib may decrease the plasma exposures of these medicinal products.
CYP2C19 substrates
Co-administration of multiple doses of zanubrutinib decreased omeprazole (CYP2C19 substrate) Cmax by 20% and AUC by 36%. Narrow therapeutic index medicinal products that are metabolized by CYP2C19 (e.g., S-mephenytoin) should be used with caution, as zanubrutinib may decrease the plasma exposures of these medicinal products.
Other CYP substrates
No clinically significant differences were observed with S-warfarin (CYP2C9 substrate) pharmacokinetics when co-administered with zanubrutinib.
Co-administration with transport substrates/inhibitors
Co-administration of multiple doses of zanubrutinib increased digoxin (P-gp substrate) Cmax by 34% and AUC by 11%. No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin (BCRP substrate) were observed when co-administered with zanubrutinib.
The coadministration of oral P-gp substrates with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., digoxin) should be done with caution as zanubrutinib may increase their concentrations.
Women of childbearing potential/Contraception in females
Based on findings in animals, BRUKINSA may cause foetal harm when administered to pregnant women (see section 5.3). Women should avoid becoming pregnant while taking BRUKINSA and for up to 1 month after ending treatment. Therefore, women of childbearing potential must use highly effective contraceptive measures while taking BRUKINSA and for up to 1 month after stopping treatment. It is currently unknown whether zanubrutinib may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, and therefore women using hormonal contraceptives should add a barrier method. Pregnancy testing is recommended for women of reproductive potential prior to initiating therapy.
Pregnancy
BRUKINSA should not be used during pregnancy. There are no data from the use of BRUKINSA in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether zanubrutinib or its metabolites are excreted in human milk and no non-clinical studies were conducted. A risk to breast-fed children cannot be excluded. Breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment with Brukinsa.
Fertility
No effect on male or female fertility was noted in rats but morphological abnormalities in sperm and increased post-implantation loss were noted at 300 mg/kg/day (see section 5.3).
Brukinsa has no or negligible influence in the ability to drive and use machines. Fatigue, dizziness, and asthenia have been reported in some patients taking BRUKINSA and should be considered when assessing a patient's ability to drive or operate machines.
Summary of the safety profile
Zanubrutinib monotherapy
The most commonly occurring adverse reactions (≥20%) of zanubrutinib monotherapy were upper respiratory tract infection§ (36%), bruising§ (32%), haemorrhage/haematoma§ (30%), neutropenia§ (30%), musculoskeletal pain§ (27%) , rash§ (25%), pneumonia§ (24%), diarrhoea (21%) and cough§ (21%)(Table 3).
The most common Grade 3 or higher adverse reactions (>3%) of zanubrutinib monotherapy were neutropenia§ (21%), pneumonia§ (14%), hypertension§ (8%), thrombocytopenia§ (6%), anaemia (6%) and haemorrhage /haematoma§ (4%).
Of the 1550 patients treated with zanubrutinib, 4.8% of patients discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions. The most frequent adverse reaction leading to treatment discontinuation was pneumonia§ (2.6%). Adverse reaction leading to dose reduction occurred in 5.0% of patients.
Zanubrutinib in combination with Obinutuzumab
The most commonly occurring adverse reactions (≥20%) of zanubrutinib in combination with obinutuzumab were thrombocytopenia§ (37%), neutropenia§ ( 31%), fatigue§ (27%), (Table 4).
The most common Grade 3 or higher adverse reactions (>3%) of zanubrutinib in combination with obinutuzumab were neutropenia§ (25%), thrombocytopenia§ (16%), pneumonia§ (15%) and anaemia (5%).
Of the 143 patients treated with zanubrutinib in combination with obinutuzumab, 4.9% of patients discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions. The most frequent adverse reaction leading to treatment discontinuation was pneumonia§ (4.2%). Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction occurred in 7.0% of patients.
Platelet count decreased† (based on laboratory values) was observed in 65% (all grade) and 12% (grade 3 or 4) patients receiving zanubrutinib in combination with obinutuzumab compared to 43% (all grade) and 11% (grade 3 or 4) in patients receiving obinutuzumab. All grade and grade 3 or 4 platelet counts decreased were reported for 39% and 7.8% patients who received zanubrutinib monotherapy.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The safety profile of zanubrutinib monotherapy is based on pooled data from 1550 patients with B-cell malignancies, including patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (N = 938), Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (N = 249), mantle cell lymphoma (N = 140), marginal zone lymphoma (N = 93), follicular lymphoma (N = 59) and other types of B-cell malignancies (N = 71), treated with BRUKINSA in clinical studies with a median duration of exposure of 34.41months.
The safety profile of zanubrutinib in combination with obinutuzumab is based on ROSEWOOD study data from 143 patients with FL treated with BRUKINSA in combination with obinutuzumab with a median duration of exposure of 12.35 months.
Adverse reactions in patients treated with BRUKINSA as monotherapy or in combination with obinutuzumab for B-cell malignancies are listed in Table 3 and Table 4, respectively, by system organ class and frequency grouping. Frequencies are defined as follows: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in the order of decreasing seriousness.
Table 3: Adverse reactions of zanubrutinib monotherapy reported in clinical studies in patients with B-cell malignancies (n=1550)
MedDRA SOC
MedDRA Terms
All Grades* (%)
Grade 3 or higher (%)
Infections and infestations
Upper respiratory tract infection§
Very Common (36)
2
Pneumonia§ #
Very Common (24)
12
Pneumonia
Very Common (15)
8
Lower respiratory tract infection
Common (5)
<1
Urinary tract infection§
Very Common (14)
2
Bronchitis
Common (4)
<1
Hepatitis B reactivation
Uncommon (<1)
<1
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Neutropenia§
Very Common (30)
21
Febrile neutropenia
Common (2)
2
Thrombocytopenia§
Very Common (18)
6
Anaemia§
Very Common (16)
6
Nervous system disorder
Dizziness§
Very Common (12)
<1
Cardiac disorders
Atrial fibrillation and flutter
Common (5)
2
Vascular disorders
Bruising§
Very Common (32)
<1
Contusion
Very Common (20)
0
Petechiae
Common (7)
<1
Purpura
Common (5)
<1
Ecchymosis
Common (3)
<1
Haemorrhage/Haematoma§ #
Very Common (30)
4
Haematuria
Very common (11)
<1
Epistaxis
Common (8)
<1
Gastrointestinal haemorrhage
Uncommon <1
<1
Hypertension§
Very Common (17)
8
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrhoea
Very Common (21)
2
Constipation
Very Common (14)
<1
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rash§
Very Common (25)
<1
Pruritus
Common (8)
<1
Dermatitis exfoliative general
Unknown
Unknown
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Musculoskeletal pain§
Very Common (27)
2
Arthralgia
Very Common (15)
<1
Back pain
Very Common (12)
<1
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatigue§
Very common (18)
1
Fatigue
Very common (14)
1
Asthenia
Common (4)
<1
Oedema peripheral
Common (8)
<1
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Cough§
Very Common (21)
<1
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Tumour lysis syndrome§#
Uncommon (<1)
<1
Investigations†
Neutrophil count decreased†±
Very common (52)
22
Platelets decreased†±
Very common (39)
8
Haemoglobin decreased†±
Very common (26)
4
* Grades were evaluated based on the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE) version 4.03.
† Based on laboratory measurements.
± Percentages are based on number of patients with both baseline and at least one postbaseline assessment available.
§ Includes multiple adverse reaction terms
# Includes events with fatal outcome.
Table 4: Adverse reactions of zanubrutinib in combination with obinutuzumab reportedin the clinical study ROSEWOOD study (BGB-3111-212) in patients with follicular lymphoma (n=143)
MedDRA SOC
MedDRA Terms
All grades* (%)
Grade ≥3 (%)
Infections and infestations
Upper respiratory tract infection§
Very common (14)
<1
Pneumonia§#
Very common (20)
15
Pneumonia
Very common (13)
11
Lower respiratory tract infection
Common (4)
<1
Urinary tract infection§
Common (10)
2
Bronchitis
Common (2)
0
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Thrombocytopenia§
Very common (37)
14
Neutropenia§
Very common (31)
25
Anaemia§
Very common (12)
5
Nervous system disorder
Dizziness§
Common (4)
0
Cardiac disorders
Atrial fibrillation and flutter§
Common (3)
1
Vascular disorders
Hemorrhage/hematoma§
Very common (16)
<1
Epistaxis
Common (5)
0
Hematuria
Common (1)
0
Bruising§
Very common (15)
0
Contusion
Very common (8)
0
Petechiae
Common (8)
0
Purpura
Common (6)
0
Ecchymosis
Common (1)
0
Hypertension§
Common (4)
<1
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrhea
Very common (19)
3
Constipation
Very common (13)
0
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rash§
Very common (10)
0
Pruritus
Common (7)
0
Dermatitis exfoliative generalized
Unknown
Unknown
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Musculoskeletal Pain§
Very common (18)
2
Back pain
Very common (11)
<1
Arthralgia
Common (7)
0
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatigue§
Very common (27)
2
Fatigue
Very common (17)
0
Asthenia
Common (12)
<1
Oedema peripheral
Common (2)
0
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Cough§
Very common (13)
0
Investigations†±
Platelets decreased†±
Very common (65)
12
Neutrophil count decreased†±
Very common (48)
18
Haemoglobin decreased†±
Very common (31)
<1
* Adverse events were graded by National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE version 5.0.)
† Based on laboratory measurements.
§ Includes multiple adverse reaction terms.
# Includes events with fatal outcome.
± Percentages are based on number of patients with both baseline and at least one postbaseline assessment available.
Other special population
Elderly
Of the 1550 patients treated with BRUKINSA monotherapy, 61.3% were 65 years of age or older. The incidence of Grade 3 or higher adverse events was slightly higher among elderly patients treated with zanubrutinib (69.6% of patients age ≥65 versus 62.7% of patients <65 years of age). No clinically relevant differences in safety were observed between patients ≥65 years and younger.
Of the 143 patients treated with BRUKINSA in combination with obinutuzumab, 42.0% were 65 years of age or older. The incidence of Grade 3 or higher adverse events was slightly higher among elderly patients treated with zanubrutinib in combination with obinutuzumab (70.0% of patients age ≥65 versus 62.7% of patients <65 years of age). No clinically relevant differences in safety were observed between patients ≥65 years and younger.
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of BRUKINSA in children and adolescents below 18 years of age have not been established.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme.
Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
There is no specific antidote for BRUKINSA. For patients who experience overdose, closely monitor and provide appropriate supportive treatment.
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
⚠ Same active substance, but a different pharmaceutical form (for example a gel instead of a tablet). Not interchangeable — ask a pharmacist.
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
Ask anything about BRUKINSA 80 mg hard capsules. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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