Indications
Mantle Cell Lymphoma Ibrutinib is indicated for the treatment of patients with Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) who have already received at least one earlier therapy. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma The medicine is indicated for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma with 17p deletion For this group too, the indication is the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM) Ibrutinib is also indicated for the treatment of patients with Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM). Marginal Zone Lymphoma Ibrutinib is indicated for the treatment of patients with marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) who need systemic therapy and have already received at least one earlier anti-CD 20-based therapy.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Ibrutinib is a small-molecule inhibitor of BTK. It works by forming a covalent bond with a cysteine residue in the active site of BTK, and this blocks the enzyme's activity. BTK is a signaling molecule in the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) and cytokine receptor pathways. Through its role in signaling from the B-cell surface receptors, BTK activates the pathways that B-cell trafficking, chemotaxis and adhesion need.
Nonclinical studies show that ibrutinib inhibits the proliferation and survival of malignant B-cells in vivo. They also show that it inhibits cell migration and substrate adhesion in vitro.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Ibrutinib is a kinase inhibitor, and animal studies show it can harm the fetus. When pregnant rats and rabbits were given ibrutinib during organogenesis, at exposures up to 2 to 20 times the clinical doses of 420 to 560 mg daily, it caused embryofetal toxicity, including malformations. If ibrutinib is used during pregnancy, or if a patient becomes pregnant while taking it, she should be told about the possible hazard to the fetus. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the people this medicine is indicated for is not known.
Lactation
There is no information on whether ibrutinib or its metabolites are present in human milk. The effects on a breastfed infant, and on milk production, are also not known.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.