Ibrutinib (Imbruvica, Johnson&Johnson and Pharmacyclics) is a first-generation, covalent BTK inhibitor.

When is Ibrutinib Used?  

As a continuous therapy, this treatment is taken until the CLL progresses or if the side effects become intolerable. 

Ibrutinib is indicated for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), including those with high-risk genetic features, such as 17p deletion. It can be used in newly diagnosed patients and those who have received prior therapy. 

How Does Ibrutinib Work? 

Ibrutinib works by inhibiting Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), which is essential for B-cell receptor signaling and survival. By targeting BTK and its associated signaling pathways, ibrutinib disrupts the mechanisms that allow CLL cells to survive, proliferate, and interact with their supportive microenvironment.

How is Ibrutinib Administered?  

This medication is available as a tablet, capsule, or oral suspension (liquid). 

It is dosed once a day as a single 420-mg tablet, three 140-mg capsules, or 6 mL of liquid oral suspension. 

How Effective is Ibrutinib for CLL? 

The following table summarizes the average length of time a person with CLL can expect to be kept in remission by ibrutinib (progression-free survival). One thing to note is although there is the longest amount of data on ibrutinib, specialists recommend second-generation BTK inhibitors over ibrutinib because they have fewer side effects and work the same, if not better. 

Side Effect Profile for Ibrutinib 

The percentage of CLL patients who experience mild-moderate versions of common side effects from ibrutinib is shown below. 

For more information on these side effects, you can visit the Side Effects Management section of this guide. 

For more information on side effects and other things to be aware of before taking ibrutinib, read the medication guide here: Imbruvica Prescribing Information  (Page 56)

A note on how your ibrutinib dose may affect your outcome: 

If you’ve experienced negative side effects from taking ibrutinib, your CLL specialist may suggest lowering the dose. Other instances in which your CLL specialist may recommend lowering the BTK inhibitor dose could include those needing surgery. You might wonder if this reduction will affect the medication's ability to control your CLL.

While it seems that a lower dose could be less effective, research by CLL specialist Dr. Kerry Rogers from Ohio State University shows otherwise. Read more to learn about the findings: Does Reducing Ibrutinib Dose Impact CLL Outcome?

Financial Resources for Ibrutinib

To locate financial resources for ibrutinib, click here to visit the financial support section of the guide.