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 Ibrutinib may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
What IMBRUVICA is IMBRUVICA is an anticancer medicine that contains the active substance ibrutinib. It belongs to a class of medicines called protein kinase inhibitors. What IMBRUVICA is used for It is used to treat the following blood cancers in adults: • Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a type of cancer affecting the lymph nodes. IMBRUVICA is used in patients who have not previously been treated for MCL, and for whom blood stem cell transplant would be suitable, or when the disease has come back or has not responded to treatment. • Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) a type of cancer affecting white blood cells called lymphocytes that also involves the lymph nodes. IMBRUVICA is used in patients who have not previously been treated for CLL or when the disease has come back or has not responded to treatment. • Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia (WM), a type of cancer affecting white blood cells called lymphocytes. It is used in patients who have not previously been treated for WM or when the disease has come back or has not responded to treatment or in patients for whom chemotherapy given together with an antibody is not a suitable therapy. How IMBRUVICA works In MCL, CLL and WM, IMBRUVICA works by blocking Bruton's tyrosine kinase, a protein in the body that helps these cancer cells grow and survive. By blocking this protein, IMBRUVICA helps kill and reduce the number of cancer cells. It also slows down the worsening of the cancer.
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e IMBRUVICA
Do not take IMBRUVICA • if you are allergic to ibrutinib or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6) • if you are taking a herbal medicine called St. John's Wort, used for depression. If you are not sure about this, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking this medicine. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking IMBRUVICA: • 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 IMBRUVICA") • if you have irregular heart beat or have a history of irregular heart beat or severe heart failure, or if you feel any of the following: shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, light-headedness, fainting or near fainting, chest pain or swollen legs • if you have liver problems, including if you ever had or now have a hepatitis B infection (a liver infection) • if you have high blood pressure • if you have recently had any surgery, especially if this might affect how you absorb food or medicines from your stomach or gut • if you are planning to have any surgery- your doctor may ask you to stop taking IMBRUVICA for a short time (3 to 7 days) before and after your surgery • if you have kidney problems. If any of the above apply to you (or you are not sure), talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before or while taking this medicine (see section "Possible side effects"). When taking IMBRUVICA, tell your doctor immediately if you notice or someone notices in you: memory loss, trouble thinking, difficulty walking or sight loss – these may be due to a very rare but serious brain infection which can be fatal (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy or PML). Tell your doctor immediately if you notice or someone notices in you: sudden numbness or weakness in the limbs (especially on one side of the body), sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, sight loss, difficulty walking, loss of balance or lack of coordination, sudden severe headache with no known cause. These may be signs and symptoms of stroke. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop left upper belly (abdominal) pain, pain below the left rib cage or at the tip of your left shoulder (these may be symptoms of rupture of the spleen) after you stop taking IMBRUVICA. Effects on the heart Treatment with IMBRUVICA may affect the heart, especially if you already have heart diseases such as rhythm problems, heart failure, high blood pressure, have diabetes or are of advanced age. The effects may be severe and could cause death, including sometimes sudden death. Your heart function will be checked before and during treatment with IMBRUVICA. Tell your doctor immediately if you feel breathless, have difficulty breathing when lying down, swelling of the feet, ankles or legs and weakness/tiredness during treatment with IMBRUVICA – these may be signs of heart failure. Infections You may experience viral, bacterial, or fungal infections during treatment with IMBRUVICA. Contact your doctor if you have fever, chills, weakness, confusion, body aches, cold or flu symptoms, feel tired or feel short of breath, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). These could be signs of an infection. Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis There have been rare reports of excessive activation of white blood cells associated with inflammation (haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis), which can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. If you 2
experience multiple symptoms such as fever, swollen glands, bruising, or skin rash, contact your doctor immediately. Tests and check-ups before and during treatment Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS): Unusual levels of chemicals in the blood caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells have happened during treatment of cancer and sometimes even without 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. Lymphocytosis: Laboratory tests may show an increase in white blood cells (called "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 or during the treatment and in rare cases they may need to give you another medicine. Talk to your doctor about what your test results mean. Events related to the liver: Your doctor will do some blood tests to check whether your liver is working properly or that you do not have a liver infection, known as viral hepatitis, or whether hepatitis B has become active again, which could be fatal. Children and adolescents IMBRUVICA should not be used in children and adolescents. Other medicines and IMBRUVICA 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 IMBRUVICA may affect the way some other medicines work. Also some other medicines can affect the way IMBRUVICA works. IMBRUVICA 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: • acetyl salicylic acid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen • blood thinners such as warfarin, heparin or other medicines for 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 IMBRUVICA. Also tell your doctor if you take any of the following medicines – The effects of IMBRUVICA or other medicines may be influenced if you take IMBRUVICA together with any of the following medicines: • medicines called antibiotics to treat bacterial infections – clarithromycin, telithromycin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin or rifampicin • medicines for fungal infections – posaconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole or voriconazole • medicines for HIV infection – ritonavir, cobicistat, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, amprenavir, atazanavir, or fosamprenavir • medicines to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy – aprepitant • medicines for depression – nefazodone • medicines called kinase inhibitors for treatment of other cancers – crizotinib or imatinib • medicines called calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure or chest pain – diltiazem or verapamil • medicines called statins to treat high cholesterol – rosuvastatin • heart medicines/anti-arrhythmics – amiodarone or dronedarone • medicines to prevent seizures or to treat epilepsy, or medicines to treat a painful condition of the face called trigeminal neuralgia – carbamazepine or phenytoin. 3
If any of the above apply to you (or you are not sure), talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking IMBRUVICA. If you are taking digoxin, a medicine used for heart problems, or methotrexate, a medicine used to treat other cancers and to reduce the activity of the immune system (e.g., for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis), it should be taken at least 6 hours before or after IMBRUVICA. IMBRUVICA with food Do not take IMBRUVICA with grapefruit or Seville oranges (bitter oranges) – this includes eating them, drinking the juice or taking a supplement that might contain them. This is because it can increase the amount of IMBRUVICA in your blood. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Do not get pregnant while you are taking this medicine. IMBRUVICA should not be used during pregnancy. There is no information about the safety of IMBRUVICA in pregnant women. Women of childbearing age must use a highly effective method of birth control during and up to three months after receiving IMBRUVICA, to avoid becoming pregnant while being treated with IMBRUVICA. • •
Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.
Driving and using machines You may feel tired or dizzy after taking IMBRUVICA, which may affect your ability to drive or use any tools or machines. IMBRUVICA contains lactose IMBRUVICA contains lactose (a type of sugar). If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine. IMBRUVICA contains sodium IMBRUVICA contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'. 3.
IMBRUVICA
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor, pharmacist or nurse has told you. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure. How much to take Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) The recommended dose of IMBRUVICA is 560 mg once a day. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)/Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia (WM) The recommended dose of IMBRUVICA is 420 mg once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose. Taking this medicine • Take the tablets orally (by mouth) with a glass of water. • Take the tablets about the same time each day. • Swallow the tablets whole. Do not break or chew them.
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If you take more IMBRUVICA than you should If you take more IMBRUVICA than you should, talk to a doctor or go to a hospital straight away. Take the tablets and this leaflet with you. If you forget to take IMBRUVICA • If you miss a dose, it can be taken as soon as possible on the same day with a return to the normal schedule the following day. • Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. • If you are not sure, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse about when to take your next dose. If you stop taking IMBRUVICA 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.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may happen with this medicine: Stop taking IMBRUVICA and tell a doctor straight away if you notice any of the following side effects: 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: Patients treated with IMBRUVICA for B-cell malignancies: Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) • fever, chills, body aches, feeling tired, cold or flu symptoms, being short of breath – 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), or lung, or skin • blood in your stomach, gut, stools or urine, heavier periods, or bleeding that you cannot stop from an injury • bruising or increased tendency of bruising • mouth sores • feeling dizzy • headache • constipation • feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) • indigestion • diarrhoea, your doctor may need to give you a fluid and salt replacement or another medicine • skin rash • painful arms or legs • back pain or joint pain • muscle cramps, aches or spasms • fever • low number of cells that help blood clot (platelets), very low number of white blood cells – shown in blood tests • an increase in the number or proportion of white blood cells shown in blood tests • swollen hands, ankles or feet • high blood pressure • increased level of "creatinine" in the blood.
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Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) • severe infections throughout the body (sepsis) • infections of the urinary tract • nose bleeds, small red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin • heart failure • missed heart beats, weak or uneven pulse, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort (symptoms of heart rhythm problems) • low white blood cell counts with fever (febrile neutropenia) • non-melanoma skin cancer, most frequently squamous cell and basal cell skin cancer • blurred vision • redness of the skin • inflammation within the lungs that may lead to permanent damage • high level of "uric acid" in the blood (shown in blood tests), which may cause gout • breaking of the nails • hives • sudden kidney damage • weakness, numbness, tingling or pain in your hands or feet or other parts of the body (peripheral neuropathy). Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) • liver failure, including events with fatal outcome • severe fungal infections • 'reactivation' of hepatitis B (if you had previously had hepatitis B, it may come back) • bleeding on the surface of the brain • confusion, headache with slurred speech or feeling faint – these could be signs of serious internal bleeding in your brain • unusual levels of chemicals in the blood caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells have happened during treatment of cancer and sometimes even without treatment (tumour lysis syndrome) • allergic reaction, sometimes severe, that may include a swollen face, lip, mouth, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing, itchy rash (hives) • inflammation of the fatty tissue underneath the skin • temporary episode of decreased brain or nerve function caused by loss of blood flow, stroke • bleeding in the eye (in some cases associated with loss of vision) • inflammation inside the eye that may affect vision (uveitis) • cardiac arrest (heart stops beating) • abnormally fast hearbeat • painful skin ulceration (pyoderma gangrenosum) or red, raised painful patches on the skin, fever and an increase in white blood cells (these may be signs of acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis or Sweet's syndrome) • small, red bump on the skin that may bleed easily (pyogenic granuloma) • inflamed blood vessels in the skin, which may lead to a rash (cutaneous vasculitis). Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) • severely increased white blood cell count that may cause cells to clump together • severe rash with blisters and peeling skin, particularly around the mouth, nose, eyes and genitals (Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Patients treated with IMBRUVICA for previously untreated MCL Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
diarrhoea, your doctor may need to give you a fluid and salt replacement or another medicine mouth sores constipation fever fever, chills, body aches, feeling tired, cold or flu symptoms, being short of breath – these could be signs of an infection (viral, bacterial or fungal). These could include infections of the lung, or skin increased level of "creatinine" in the blood painful arms or legs weakness, numbness, tingling or pain in your hands or feet or other parts of the body (peripheral neuropathy). headache sudden kidney damage skin rash blood in your stomach, gut, stools or urine, heavier periods, or bleeding that you cannot stop from an injury high blood pressure.
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
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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 via the Yellow Card Scheme at: 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.
IMBRUVICA
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 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 IMBRUVICA contains • The active substance is ibrutinib. IMBRUVICA 140 mg film-coated tablets: Each tablet contains 140 mg of ibrutinib. IMBRUVICA 280 mg film-coated tablets: Each tablet contains 280 mg of ibrutinib. IMBRUVICA 420 mg film-coated tablets: Each tablet contains 420 mg of ibrutinib. IMBRUVICA 560 mg film-coated tablets: Each tablet contains 560 mg of ibrutinib. • The other ingredients are: • Tablet core: colloidal anhydrous silica, croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate (see section 2 "IMBRUVICA contains lactose"), magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, sodium lauril sulfate (E487). • Tablet film-coat: polyvinyl alcohol, macrogol, talc, titanium dioxide (E171); IMBRUVICA 140 mg and IMBRUVICA 420 mg film-coated tablets also contain black iron oxide (E172) and yellow iron oxide (E172); IMBRUVICA 280 mg film-coated tablets also contain black iron oxide (E172) and red iron oxide (E172); IMBRUVICA 560 mg film-coated tablets also contain red iron oxide (E172) and yellow iron oxide (E172). What IMBRUVICA looks like and contents of the pack IMBRUVICA 140 mg film-coated tablets Yellow-green to green round (9 mm) tablets, written with "ibr" on one side and "140" on the other side. Each 28 day carton contains 28 film-coated tablets in 2 cardboard wallets of 14 film-coated tablets each. IMBRUVICA 280 mg film-coated tablets Purple oblong (15 mm in length and 7 mm in width), written with "ibr" on one side and "280" on the other side. Each 28 day carton contains 28 film-coated tablets in 2 cardboard wallets of 14 film-coated tablets each. IMBRUVICA 420 mg film-coated tablets Yellow-green to green oblong tablets (17.5 mm in length and 7.4 mm in width), written with "ibr" on one side and "420" on the other side. Each 28 day carton contains 28 film-coated tablets in 2 cardboard wallets of 14 film-coated tablets each
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IMBRUVICA 560 mg film-coated tablets Yellow to orange oblong tablets (19 mm in length and 8.1 mm in width), written with "ibr" on one side and "560" on the other side. Each 28 day carton contains 28 film-coated tablets in 2 cardboard wallets of 14 film-coated tablets each Marketing Authorisation Holder Janssen-Cilag Ltd 50-100 Holmers Farm Way High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP12 4EG UK Manufacturer Janssen-Cilag SpA Via C. Janssen, Loc. Borgo S. Michele, 04100 Latina, Italy
For information in large print, tape, CD or Braille, telephone 0800 7318450 This leaflet was last revised in 09/2025.
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Imbruvica 280 mg Film-Coated Tablets comes as tablet containing 280mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Imbruvica 280 mg Film-Coated Tablets is ibrutinib.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Imbruvica 280 mg Film-Coated Tablets, 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.
IMBRUVICA in combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (IMBRUVICA + R-CHOP) alternating with R-DHAP (or R-DHAOx) without IMBRUVICA, followed by IMBRUVICA monotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who would be eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT).
IMBRUVICA as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory MCL.
IMBRUVICA as a single agent or in combination with rituximab or obinutuzumab or venetoclax is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) (see section 5.1).
IMBRUVICA as a single agent or in combination with bendamustine and rituximab (BR) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with CLL who have received at least one prior therapy.
IMBRUVICA as a single agent 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. IMBRUVICA in combination with rituximab is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with WM.
Treatment with this medicinal product should be initiated and supervised by a physician experienced in the use of anticancer medicinal products.
Posology
MCL
Treatment of adult patients with previously untreated MCL
The recommended dose for the treatment of previously untreated MCL is ibrutinib 560 mg once daily (see Table 1).
Table 1: IMBRUVICA dosing schedule for previously untreated MCL
Treatment
Cycle number
Treatment
IMBRUVICA
Part I*
1, 3, 5
IMBRUVICA in combination with R-CHOP§
On days 1-19
2, 4, 6
R-DHAP#§
Without IMBRUVICA
Part II±
IMBRUVICA
Daily for 24 Months
R-CHOP= rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone; R-DHAP= rituximab, dexamethasone, cytarabine, cisplatin.
*6 cycles; each cycle is 21 days.
§ See the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for dosing information for each medicinal product.
#Interchangeable with R-DHAOx (rituximab, dexamethasone, cytarabine, oxaliplatin)§.
± Treatment should start after recovery of peripheral blood counts. Rituximab may be added as per national treatment guidelines.
Treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory MCL
The recommended dose for the treatment of previously treated MCL is ibrutinib 560 mg once daily as a single agent. Treatment with IMBRUVICA as a single agent should continue until disease progression or no longer tolerated by the patient.
CLL and WM
The recommended dose for the treatment of CLL and WM, either as a single agent or in combination, is 420 mg once daily (for details of the combination regimens, see section 5.1).
Treatment with IMBRUVICA as a single agent or in combination with anti-CD20 therapy should continue until disease progression or no longer tolerated by the patient. In combination with venetoclax for the treatment of CLL, IMBRUVICA should be administered as a single agent for 3 cycles (1 cycle is 28 days), followed by 12 cycles of IMBRUVICA plus venetoclax. See the venetoclax Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for full venetoclax dosing information.
When administering IMBRUVICA in combination with anti-CD20 therapy, it is recommended to administer IMBRUVICA prior to anti-CD20 therapy when given on the same day.
Dose adjustments
Moderate and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increase the exposure of ibrutinib (see sections 4.4 and 4.5).
The dose of ibrutinib should be reduced to 280 mg once daily when used concomitantly with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors.
The dose of ibrutinib should be reduced to 140 mg once daily or withheld for up to 7 days when it is used concomitantly with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
IMBRUVICA therapy should be withheld for any new onset or worsening grade 2 cardiac failure, grade 3 cardiac arrhythmias, grade ≥3 non‑haematological toxicity, grade 3 or greater neutropenia with infection or fever, or grade 4 haematological toxicities. Once the symptoms of the toxicity have resolved to grade 1 or baseline (recovery), resume IMBRUVICA therapy at the recommended dose as per the tables below.
Recommended dose modifications for non‑cardiac events are described below:
Events†
Toxicity occurrence
MCL dose modification after recovery
CLL/WM dose modification after recovery
Grade 3 or 4 non-haematological toxicities
Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia with infection or fever
Grade 4 haematological toxicities
First*
restart at 560 mg daily
restart at 420 mg daily
Second
restart at 420 mg daily
restart at 280 mg daily
Third
restart at 280 mg daily
restart at 140 mg daily
Fourth
discontinue IMBRUVICA
discontinue IMBRUVICA
† Grading based on National Cancer Institute-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE) criteria, or International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (IWCLL) criteria for hematologic toxicities in CLL/SLL.
* When resuming treatment, restart at the same or lower dose based on benefit-risk evaluation. If the toxicity reoccurs, reduce daily dose by 140 mg.
Recommended dose modifications for events of cardiac failure or cardiac arrhythmias are described below:
Events
Toxicity occurrence
MCL dose modification after recovery
CLL/WM dose modification after recovery
Grade 2 cardiac failure
First
restart at 420 mg daily
restart at 280 mg daily
Second
restart at 280 mg daily
restart at 140 mg daily
Third
discontinue IMBRUVICA
Grade 3 cardiac arrhythmias
First
restart at 420 mg daily†
restart at 280 mg daily†
Second
discontinue IMBRUVICA
Grade 3 or 4 cardiac failure
Grade 4 cardiac arrhythmias
First
discontinue IMBRUVICA
† Evaluate the benefit-risk before resuming treatment.
Missed dose
If a dose is not taken at the scheduled time, it can be taken as soon as possible on the same day with a return to the normal schedule the following day. The patient should not take extra tablets to make up the missed dose.
Special populations
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is required for elderly patients (aged ≥65 years).
Renal impairment
No specific clinical studies have been conducted in patients with renal impairment. Patients with mild or moderate renal impairment were treated in IMBRUVICA clinical studies. No dose adjustment is needed for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment (greater than 30 mL/min creatinine clearance). Hydration should be maintained and serum creatinine levels monitored periodically. Administer IMBRUVICA to patients with severe renal impairment (<30 mL/min creatinine clearance) only if the benefit outweighs the risk and monitor patients closely for signs of toxicity. There are no data in patients with severe renal impairment or patients on dialysis (see section 5.2).
Hepatic impairment
Ibrutinib is metabolised in the liver. In a hepatic impairment study, data showed an increase in ibrutinib exposure (see section 5.2). For patients with mild liver impairment (Child‑Pugh class A), the recommended dose is 280 mg daily. For patients with moderate liver impairment (Child‑Pugh class B), the recommended dose is 140 mg daily. Monitor patients for signs of IMBRUVICA toxicity and follow dose modification guidance as needed. It is not recommended to administer IMBRUVICA to patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child‑Pugh class C).
Severe cardiac disease
Patients with severe cardiovascular disease were excluded from IMBRUVICA clinical studies.
Paediatric population
IMBRUVICA is not recommended for use in children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years as efficacy has not been established. Currently available data in patients with mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma are described in sections 4.8, 5.1 and 5.2.
Method of administration
IMBRUVICA should be administered orally once daily with a glass of water approximately at the same time each day. The tablets should be swallowed whole with water and should not be broken or chewed. IMBRUVICA must not be taken with grapefruit juice or Seville oranges (see section 4.5).
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Use of preparations containing St. John's Wort is contraindicated in patients treated with IMBRUVICA.
Bleeding‑related events
There have been reports of bleeding events in patients treated with IMBRUVICA, both with and without thrombocytopenia. These include minor bleeding events such as contusion, epistaxis, and petechiae; and major bleeding events, some fatal, including gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial haemorrhage, and haematuria.
Warfarin or other vitamin K antagonists should not be administered concomitantly with IMBRUVICA.
Use of either anticoagulants or medicinal products that inhibit platelet function (antiplatelet agents) concomitantly with IMBRUVICA increases the risk of major bleeding. A higher risk for major bleeding was observed with anticoagulant than with antiplatelet agents. Consider the risks and benefits of anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy when co-administered with IMBRUVICA. Monitor for signs and symptoms of bleeding.
Supplements such as fish oil and vitamin E preparations should be avoided.
IMBRUVICA should be held at least 3 to 7 days pre- and post‑surgery depending upon the type of surgery and the risk of bleeding.
The mechanism for the bleeding-related events is not fully understood. Patients with congenital bleeding diathesis have not been studied.
Leukostasis
Cases of leukostasis have been reported in patients treated with IMBRUVICA. A high number of circulating lymphocytes (>400,000/mcL) may confer increased risk. Consider temporarily withholding IMBRUVICA. Patients should be closely monitored. Administer supportive care including hydration and/or cytoreduction as indicated.
Splenic rupture
Cases of splenic rupture have been reported following discontinuation of IMBRUVICA treatment. Disease status and spleen size should be carefully monitored (e.g. clinical examination, ultrasound) when IMBRUVICA treatment is interrupted or ceased. Patients who develop left upper abdominal or shoulder tip pain should be evaluated and a diagnosis of splenic rupture should be considered.
Infections
Infections (including sepsis, neutropenic sepsis, bacterial, viral, or fungal infections) were observed in patients treated with IMBRUVICA. Some of these infections have been associated with hospitalisation and death. Most patients with fatal infections also had neutropenia. Patients should be monitored for fever, abnormal liver function tests, neutropenia and infections and appropriate anti‑infective therapy should be instituted as indicated. Consider prophylaxis according to standard of care in patients who are at increased risk for opportunistic infections.
Cases of invasive fungal infections, including cases of Aspergillosis, Cryptococcosis and Pneumocystis jiroveci infections have been reported following the use of ibrutinib. Reported cases of invasive fungal infections have been associated with fatal outcomes.
Cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) including fatal ones have been reported following the use of ibrutinib within the context of a prior or concomitant immunosuppressive therapy. Physicians should consider PML in the differential diagnosis in patients with new or worsening neurological, cognitive or behavioural signs or symptoms. If PML is suspected then appropriate diagnostic evaluations should be undertaken and treatment suspended until PML is excluded. If any doubt exists, referral to a neurologist and appropriate diagnostic measures for PML including MRI scan preferably with contrast, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing for JC Viral DNA and repeat neurological assessments should be considered.
Hepatic events
Cases of hepatotoxicity, hepatitis B reactivation, and cases of hepatitis E, which may be chronic, have occurred in patients treated with IMBRUVICA. Hepatic failure, including fatal events, has occurred in patients treated with IMBRUVICA. Liver function and viral hepatitis status should be assessed before initiating treatment with IMBRUVICA. Patients should be periodically monitored for changes in liver function parameters during treatment. As clinically indicated, viral load and serological testing for infectious hepatitis should be performed per local medical guidelines. For patients diagnosed with hepatic events, consider consulting a liver disease expert for management.
Cytopenias
Treatment‑emergent grade 3 or 4 cytopenias (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anaemia) were reported in patients treated with IMBRUVICA. Monitor complete blood counts monthly.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
Cases of ILD have been reported in patients treated with IMBRUVICA. Monitor patients for pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD. If symptoms develop, interrupt IMBRUVICA and manage ILD appropriately. If symptoms persist, consider the risks and benefits of IMBRUVICA treatment and follow the dose modification guidelines.
Cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac failure
Fatal and serious cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac failure have occurred in patients treated with IMBRUVICA. Patients with advanced age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≥2, or cardiac co-morbidities may be at greater risk of events including sudden fatal cardiac events. Atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachyarrhythmia and cardiac failure have been reported, particularly in patients with acute infections or cardiac risk factors including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and a previous history of cardiac arrhythmia.
Appropriate clinical evaluation of cardiac history and function should be performed prior to initiating IMBRUVICA. Patients should be carefully monitored during treatment for signs of clinical deterioration of cardiac function and clinically managed. Consider further evaluation (e.g., ECG, echocardiogram), as indicated for patients in whom there are cardiovascular concerns.
For patients with relevant risk factors for cardiac events, carefully assess benefit/risk before initiating treatment with IMBRUVICA; alternative treatment may be considered.
In patients who develop signs and/or symptoms of ventricular tachyarrhythmia, IMBRUVICA should be temporarily discontinued and a thorough clinical benefit/risk assessment should be performed before possibly restarting therapy.
In patients with preexisting atrial fibrillation requiring anticoagulant therapy, alternative treatment options to IMBRUVICA should be considered. In patients who develop atrial fibrillation on therapy with IMBRUVICA a thorough assessment of the risk for thromboembolic disease should be undertaken. In patients at high risk and where alternatives to IMBRUVICA are non‑suitable, tightly controlled treatment with anticoagulants should be considered.
Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of cardiac failure during IMBRUVICA treatment. In some of these cases cardiac failure resolved or improved after IMBRUVICA withdrawal or dose reduction.
Cerebrovascular accidents
Cases of cerebrovascular accident, transient ischaemic attack and ischaemic stroke including fatalities have been reported in patients treated with IMBRUVICA, with and without concomitant atrial fibrillation and/or hypertension. Among cases with reported latency, the initiation of treatment with IMBRUVICA to the onset of ischaemic central nervous vascular conditions was in the most cases after several months (more than 1 month in 78% and more than 6 months in 44% of cases) emphasising the need for regular monitoring of patients (please see section 4.4 Cardiac arrhythmia and Hypertension and section 4.8).
Tumour lysis syndrome
Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) has been reported with IMBRUVICA therapy. Patients at risk of tumour lysis syndrome are those with high tumour burden prior to treatment. Monitor patients closely and take appropriate precautions.
Non‑melanoma skin cancer
Non‑melanoma skin cancers were reported more frequently in patients treated with IMBRUVICA than in patients treated with comparators in pooled comparative randomised phase 3 studies. Monitor patients for the appearance of non‑melanoma skin cancer.
Hypertension
Hypertension has occurred in patients treated with IMBRUVICA (see section 4.8). Regularly monitor blood pressure in patients treated with IMBRUVICA and initiate or adjust antihypertensive medication throughout treatment with IMBRUVICA as appropriate.
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
Cases of HLH (including fatal cases) have been reported in patients treated with IMBRUVICA. HLH is a life-threatening syndrome of pathologic immune activation characterised by clinical signs and symptoms of extreme systemic inflammation. HLH is characterised by fever, hepatosplenomegaly, hypertriglyceridaemia, high serum ferritin and cytopenias. Patients should be informed about symptoms of HLH. Patients who develop early manifestations of pathologic immune activation should be evaluated immediately, and a diagnosis of HLH should be considered.
Drug‑drug interactions
Co‑administration of strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors with IMBRUVICA may lead to increased ibrutinib exposure and consequently a higher risk for toxicity. On the contrary, co‑administration of CYP3A4 inducers may lead to decreased IMBRUVICA exposure and consequently a risk for lack of efficacy. Therefore, concomitant use of IMBRUVICA with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers should be avoided whenever possible and co‑administration should only be considered when the potential benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks. Patients should be closely monitored for signs of IMBRUVICA toxicity if a CYP3A4 inhibitor must be used (see sections 4.2 and 4.5). If a CYP3A4 inducer must be used, closely monitor patients for signs of IMBRUVICA lack of efficacy.
Women of childbearing potential
Women of childbearing potential must use a highly effective method of contraception while taking IMBRUVICA (see section 4.6).
Excipients with known effect
Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose‑galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.
Each film‑coated tablet contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) and is essentially sodium‑free.
Ibrutinib is primarily metabolised by cytochrome P450 enzyme 3A4 (CYP3A4).
Agents that may increase ibrutinib plasma concentrations
Concomitant use of IMBRUVICA and medicinal products that strongly or moderately inhibit CYP3A4 can increase ibrutinib exposure and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should be avoided.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
Co‑administration of ketoconazole, a very strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, in 18 fasted healthy subjects, increased exposure (Cmax and AUC) of ibrutinib by 29‑ and 24‑fold, respectively. Simulations using fasted conditions suggested that the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor clarithromycin may increase the AUC of ibrutinib by a factor of 14. In patients with B‑cell malignancies taking IMBRUVICA with food, co‑administration of the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor voriconazole increased Cmax by 6.7‑fold and AUC by 5.7‑fold. Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, clarithromycin, telithromycin, itraconazole, nefazodone, cobicistat, voriconazole and posaconazole) should be avoided. If the benefit outweighs the risk and a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor must be used, reduce the IMBRUVICA dose to 140 mg for the duration of the inhibitor use or withhold IMBRUVICA temporarily (for 7 days or less). Monitor patient closely for toxicity and follow dose modification guidance as needed (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).
Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors
In patients with B‑cell malignancies taking IMBRUVICA with food, co‑administration of the CYP3A4 inhibitor erythromycin increased Cmax by 3.4‑fold and AUC by 3.0‑fold. If a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor (e.g., fluconazole, erythromycin, amprenavir, aprepitant, atazanavir, ciprofloxacin, crizotinib, diltiazem, fosamprenavir, imatinib, verapamil, amiodarone and dronedarone) is indicated, reduce IMBRUVICA dose to 280 mg for the duration of the inhibitor use. Monitor patient closely for toxicity and follow dose modification guidance as needed (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).
Mild CYP3A4 inhibitors
Simulations using fasted conditions suggested that the mild CYP3A4 inhibitors azithromycin and fluvoxamine may increase the AUC of ibrutinib by <2‑fold. No dose adjustment is required in combination with mild inhibitors. Monitor patient closely for toxicity and follow dose modification guidance as needed.
Co‑administration of grapefruit juice, containing CYP3A4 inhibitors, in eight healthy subjects, increased exposure (Cmax and AUC) of ibrutinib by approximately 4‑ and 2‑fold, respectively. Grapefruit and Seville oranges should be avoided during IMBRUVICA treatment, as these contain moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 (see section 4.2).
Agents that may decrease ibrutinib plasma concentrations
Administration of IMBRUVICA with inducers of CYP3A4 can decrease ibrutinib plasma concentrations.
Co‑administration of rifampicin, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, in 18 fasted healthy subjects, decreased exposure (Cmax and AUC) of ibrutinib by 92 and 90%, respectively. Avoid concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenytoin). Preparations containing St. John's Wort are contraindicated during treatment with IMBRUVICA, as efficacy may be reduced. Consider alternative agents with less CYP3A4 induction. If the benefit outweighs the risk and a strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducer must be used, monitor patient closely for lack of efficacy (see sections 4.3 and 4.4). Mild inducers may be used concomitantly with IMBRUVICA, however, patients should be monitored for potential lack of efficacy.
Ibrutinib has a pH dependent solubility, with lower solubility at higher pH. A lower Cmax was observed in fasted healthy subjects administered a single 560 mg dose of ibrutinib after taking omeprazole at 40 mg once daily for 5 days (see section 5.2). There is no evidence that the lower Cmax would have clinical significance, and medicinal products that increase stomach pH (e.g., proton pump inhibitors) have been used without restrictions in the pivotal clinical studies.
Agents that may have their plasma concentrations altered by ibrutinib
Ibrutinib is a P‑gp and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) inhibitor in vitro. As no clinical data are available on this interaction, it cannot be excluded that ibrutinib could inhibit intestinal P‑gp and BCRP after a therapeutic dose. To minimise the potential for an interaction in the GI tract, oral narrow therapeutic range, P‑gp or BCRP substrates such as digoxin or methotrexate should be taken at least 6 hours before or after IMBRUVICA. Ibrutinib may also inhibit BCRP in the liver and increase the exposure of medicinal products that undergo BCRP‑mediated hepatic efflux, such as rosuvastatin.
In studies of ibrutinib (420 mg) in combination with venetoclax (400 mg) in CLL patients, an increase in venetoclax exposure (approximately 1.8-fold based on AUC) was observed compared with monotherapy data for venetoclax.
In a drug interaction study in patients with B-cell malignancies, a single 560 mg dose of ibrutinib did not have a clinically meaningful effect on the exposure of the CYP3A4 substrate midazolam. In the same study, 2 weeks of treatment with ibrutinib at 560 mg daily had no clinically relevant effect on the pharmacokinetics of oral contraceptives (ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel), the CYP3A4 substrate midazolam, nor the CYP2B6 substrate bupropion.
Women of child‑bearing potential/Contraception in females
Based on findings in animals, IMBRUVICA may cause foetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Women should avoid becoming pregnant while taking IMBRUVICA and for up to 3 months after ending treatment. Therefore, women of child‑bearing potential must use highly effective contraceptive measures while taking IMBRUVICA and for three months after stopping treatment.
Pregnancy
IMBRUVICA should not be used during pregnancy. There are no data from the use of IMBRUVICA in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).
Breast‑feeding
It is not known whether ibrutinib or its metabolites are excreted in human milk. A risk to breast-fed children cannot be excluded. Breast‑feeding should be discontinued during treatment with IMBRUVICA.
Fertility
No effects on fertility or reproductive capacities were observed in male or female rats up to the maximum dose tested, 100 mg/kg/day (Human Equivalent Dose [HED] 16 mg/kg/day) (see section 5.3). No human data on the effects of ibrutinib on fertility are available.
IMBRUVICA has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Fatigue, dizziness and asthenia have been reported in some patients taking IMBRUVICA and should be considered when assessing a patient's ability to drive or operate machines.
Summary of the safety profile
The most commonly occurring adverse reactions (≥20%) were diarrhoea, neutropenia, musculoskeletal pain, haemorrhage (e.g., bruising), rash, nausea, thrombocytopenia, arthralgia, and upper respiratory tract infection. The most common grade 3/4 adverse reactions (≥5%) were neutropenia, lymphocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hypertension, and pneumonia.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
Adverse reactions in patients treated with ibrutinib for B‑cell malignancies and post‑marketing adverse reactions are listed below 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), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
Summary for B-cell malignancies
The safety profile is based on pooled data from 1,981 patients treated with IMBRUVICA in four phase 2 clinical studies and eight randomised phase 3 studies and from post‑marketing experience. The TRIANGLE study data is not included in the pooled data and presented separately in Table 3. Patients treated for MCL in clinical studies received IMBRUVICA at 560 mg once daily and patients treated for CLL or WM in clinical studies received IMBRUVICA at 420 mg once daily. All patients in clinical studies received IMBRUVICA until disease progression or no longer tolerated, except for studies with IMBRUVICA in combination with venetoclax where patients received fixed duration treatment (Studies CLL3011 and PCYC-1142-CA). The median duration of IMBRUVICA treatment across the pooled dataset was 14.7 months. The median duration of treatment for CLL/SLL was 14.7 months (up to 52 months); MCL was 11.7 months (up to 28 months); WM was 21.6 months (up to 37 months).
Table 2: Adverse reactions reported in clinical studies or during post marketing surveillance in patients with B-cell malignancies†
System organ class
Frequency
(All grades)
Adverse reactions
All Grades (%)
Grade ≥3 (%)
Infections and infestations
Very common
Pneumonia*#
Upper respiratory tract infection
Skin infection*
12
21
15
7
1
2
Common
Sepsis*#
Urinary tract infection
Sinusitis*
3
9
9
3
1
1
Uncommon
Cryptococcal infections*
Pneumocystis infections* #
Aspergillus infections*
Hepatitis B reactivation@ #
<1
<1
<1
<1
0
<1
<1
<1
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)
Common
Non‑melanoma skin cancer*
Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
5
3
1
1
<1
<1
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Very common
Neutropenia*
Thrombocytopenia*
Lymphocytosis*
39
29
15
31
8
11
Common
Febrile neutropenia
Leukocytosis
4
4
4
4
Rare
Leukostasis syndrome
<1
<1
Immune system disorders
Common
Interstitial lung disease*,#
2
<1
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Common
Hyperuricaemia
9
1
Uncommon
Tumour lysis syndrome
1
1
Nervous system disorders
Very common
Dizziness
Headache
12
19
<1
1
Common
Peripheral neuropathy*
7
<1
Uncommon
Cerebrovascular accident #
Transient ischaemic attack
Ischaemic stroke #
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
Eye disorders
Common
Vision blurred
6
0
Uncommon
Eye haemorrhage‡
Uveitis*
<1
<1
0
0
Cardiac disorders
Common
Cardiac failure*, #
Atrial fibrillation
2
8
1
4
Uncommon
Ventricular tachyarrhythmia*,#
Cardiac arrest#
1
<1
<1
<1
Vascular disorders
Very common
Haemorrhage*#
Bruising*
Hypertension*
35
27
18
1
<1
8
Common
Epistaxis
Petechiae
9
7
<1
0
Uncommon
Subdural haematoma#
1
<1
Gastrointestinal disorders
Very common
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Stomatitis*
Nausea
Constipation
Dyspepsia
47
15
17
31
16
11
4
1
1
1
<1
<1
Hepatobiliary disorders
Uncommon
Hepatic failure*, #
<1
<1
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Very common
Rash*
34
3
Common
Urticaria
Erythema
Onychoclasis
1
3
4
<1
<1
0
Uncommon
Angioedema
Panniculitis*
Neutrophilic dermatoses*
Pyogenic granuloma
Cutaneous vasculitis
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
0
0
Rare
Stevens‑Johnson syndrome
<1
<1
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Very common
Arthralgia
Muscle spasms
Musculoskeletal pain*
24
15
36
2
<1
3
Renal and urinary disorders
Common
Acute kidney injury#
<2
<1
General disorders and administration site conditions
Very common
Pyrexia
Oedema peripheral
19
16
1
1
Investigations
Very common
Blood creatinine increased
10
<1
† Frequencies are rounded to the nearest integer.
* Includes multiple adverse reaction terms.
‡ In some cases associated with loss of vision.
# Includes events with fatal outcome.
@ Lower level term (LLT) used for selection.
Summary for patients with previously untreated MCL who were eligible for ASCT
The safety profile is based on data from 265 patients (in the IMBRUVICA arm) treated with IMBRUVICA in the phase 3 TRIANGLE study. Patients received IMBRUVICA at 560 mg once daily according to the TRIANGLE treatment schedule (see section 5.1). The median treatment duration was 28.5 months in the IMBRUVICA arm.
Table 3: Adverse reactions reported in the IMBRUVICA arm of the TRIANGLE Study†
N=265
System Organ Class
Frequency
(All Grades)
Adverse Reactions
All Grades (%)
Grade ≥3 (%)
Infections and infestations
Very common
Pneumonia* #
16
9
Skin infection*
12
3
Common
Upper respiratory tract infection
6
<1
Sepsis*
2
2
Urinary tract infection
6
<1
Sinusitis*
6
1
Uncommon
Aspergillus infections*
1
<1
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)
Common
Non-Melanoma skin cancer*
1
<1
Basal cell carcinoma
1
<1
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Very common
Thrombocytopenia*
69
61
Neutropenia*
63
60
Febrile neutropenia
14
14
Common
Leukocytosis
3
1
Immune system disorders
Common
Interstitial lung disease*
5
1
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Common
Hyperuricaemia
8
3
Tumour lysis syndrome*
3
3
Nervous system disorders
Very common
Peripheral neuropathy*
35
3
Headache
11
1
Common
Dizziness
6
<1
Uncommon
Transient ischaemic attack
1
0
Eye disorders
Uncommon
Vision blurred
1
0
Eye haemorrhage
<1
0
Cardiac disorders
Common
Atrial fibrillation
10
4
Cardiac failure*
2
0
Vascular disorders
Very common
Haemorrhage*
14
2
Hypertension*
14
5
Common
Bruising*
8
1
Epistaxis
6
1
Petechiae
3
0
Gastrointestinal disorders
Very common
Nausea
32
4
Diarrhoea
28
5
Vomiting
18
4
Stomatitis*
11
2
Constipation
17
<1
Common
Dyspepsia
8
0
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Very common
Rash*
23
2
Common
Erythema
5
0
Onychoclasis
2
0
Uncommon
Urticaria
<1
0
Angioedema
1
0
Cutaneous vasculitis
<1
0
Panniculitis*
1
0
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Very common
Musculoskeletal pain*
19
2
Common
Muscle spasms
9
1
Arthralgia
8
1
Renal and urinary disorders
Very common
Acute kidney injury
11
5
General disorders and administration site conditions
Very common
Pyrexia
22
2
Common
Oedema peripheral
5
0
Investigations
Very common
Blood creatinine increased
16
1
† Frequencies are rounded to the nearest integer.
* Terms required grouping.
# Includes events with fatal outcome.
Description of selected adverse reactions
Discontinuation and dose reduction due to adverse reactions
Of the 1,981 patients treated with IMBRUVICA for B‑cell malignancies, 6% discontinued treatment primarily due to adverse reactions. These included pneumonia, atrial fibrillation, neutropenia, rash, thrombocytopenia, and haemorrhage. Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction occurred in approximately 8% of patients. In the phase 3 TRIANGLE study involving 265 patients with previously untreated MCL who were eligible for ASCT treatment discontinuation due to adverse reactions was observed in 13% in the IMBRUVICA arm. These included neutropenia, pneumonia, atrial fibrillation, acute kidney injury, diarrhoea, rash, and interstitial lung disease. Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction occurred in approximately 12% in the IMBRUVICA arm.
Elderly
Of the 1,981 patients treated with IMBRUVICA, 50% were 65 years of age or older. Grade 3 or higher pneumonia (11% of patients age ≥65 versus 4% of patients <65 years) and thrombocytopenia (11% of patients age ≥65 years versus 5% of patients <65 years) occurred more frequently among elderly patients treated with IMBRUVICA.
Long-term safety
The safety data from long-term treatment with IMBRUVICA over 5 years from 1284 patients (treatment-naïve CLL/SLL n = 162, relapsed/refractory CLL/SLL n = 646, relapsed/refractory MCL n = 370, and WM n=106) were analysed. The median duration of treatment for CLL/SLL was 51 months (range, 0.2 to 98 months) with 70% and 52% of patients receiving treatment for more than 2 years and 4 years, respectively. The median duration of treatment for MCL was 11 months (range, 0 to 87 months) with 31% and 17% of patients receiving treatment for more than 2 years and 4 years, respectively. The median duration of treatment for WM was 47 months (range, 0.3 to 61 months) with 78% and 46% of patients receiving treatment for more than 2 years and 4 years, respectively. The overall known safety profile of IMBRUVICA-exposed patients remained consistent, other than an increasing prevalence of hypertension, with no new safety concerns identified. The prevalence for Grade 3 or greater hypertension was 4% (year 0‑1), 7% (year 1-2), 9% (year 2-3), 9% (year 3-4), and 9% (year 4-5); the overall incidence for the 5-year period was 11%.
Paediatric population
The safety assessment is based on data from a phase 3 study of IMBRUVICA in combination with either a rituximab, ifosfamide, carboplatin, etoposide, and dexamethasone (RICE) regimen, or a rituximab, vincristine, ifosfamide, carboplatin, idarubicin, and dexamethasone (RVICI) regimen, as background therapy or background therapy alone in paediatric and young adult patients (aged 3 to 19 years) with relapsed or refractory mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (see section 5.1). No new adverse reactions were observed in this study.
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 the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
There are limited data on the effects of IMBRUVICA overdose. No maximum tolerated dose was reached in the phase 1 study in which patients received up to 12.5 mg/kg/day (1,400 mg/day). In a separate study, one healthy subject who received a dose of 1,680 mg experienced reversible grade 4 hepatic enzyme increases [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)]. There is no specific antidote for IMBRUVICA. Patients who ingested more than the recommended dose should be closely monitored and given appropriate supportive treatment.
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
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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 Imbruvica 280 mg Film-Coated Tablets. 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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