Why is this medication prescribed?

Brukinsa is prescribed for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in adults who have received at least one prior therapy. MCL is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and Brukinsa is specifically indicated for patients with relapsed or refractory MCL.

Brukinsa is a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, which works by blocking the activity of the BTK enzyme. BTK plays a crucial role in the survival and proliferation of malignant B cells, which are characteristic of MCL. By inhibiting BTK, Brukinsa helps to suppress the growth and spread of cancer cells, thereby slowing down the progression of the disease.

How should this medicine be used?

Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) is typically used to treat certain types of blood cancers, such as mantle cell lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma. It’s important to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider, but here are some general guidelines for using Brukinsa:

• Dosage: Take Brukinsa exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage may vary depending on factors like the type and stage of cancer, as well as your overall health.
• Administration: Brukinsa is usually taken orally in the form of capsules. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules unless instructed by your doctor.
• Timing: Take Brukinsa at the same time(s) every day to maintain consistent blood levels of the medication.
• Food: Brukinsa can be taken with or without food. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding food intake with this medication.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
• Duration: Continue taking Brukinsa for as long as your doctor prescribes, even if you feel well. Stopping the medication prematurely could allow the cancer to return or worsen.
• Monitoring: Your doctor may need to monitor your blood counts and other health parameters regularly while you are taking Brukinsa to check for any potential side effects or changes in your condition.
• Other Medications: Inform your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking, as they could interact with Brukinsa.

Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice on the proper use of Brukinsa or any other medication. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific medical history and needs.

Other uses for this medicine

While Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) is primarily prescribed for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), it may also have potential uses in other types of lymphomas and leukemias. However, its off-label use should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual patient factors and the latest clinical evidence.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be taken when using Brukinsa to ensure safe and effective treatment:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Brukinsa may cause harm to a developing fetus, so it’s essential to avoid pregnancy during treatment and use effective contraception. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Brukinsa, as it may harm the baby.
• Bleeding risk: Brukinsa may increase the risk of bleeding, including serious and potentially fatal bleeding events. Patients should avoid taking medications that increase the risk of bleeding, such as anticoagulants (blood thinners), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antiplatelet drugs, unless specifically instructed by their healthcare provider.
• Infections: BTK inhibitors like Brukinsa can suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Patients should be vigilant for signs of infection and report any symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly. Prophylactic antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed to reduce the risk of certain infections.
• Cardiac effects: Brukinsa may cause cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and other cardiovascular effects. Patients with a history of heart rhythm disorders or cardiac issues should be closely monitored during treatment.
• Hypertension: Brukinsa may cause high blood pressure (hypertension). Blood pressure should be monitored regularly during treatment, and antihypertensive medications may be prescribed if necessary.
• Hepatic impairment: Patients with pre-existing liver disease or impairment may require dose adjustments or closer monitoring during treatment with Brukinsa.
• Interactions with other medications: Brukinsa may interact with certain medications, including strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products they are taking before starting Brukinsa.
• Drug discontinuation: Abrupt discontinuation of Brukinsa may lead to disease progression or exacerbation of symptoms. Patients should consult their healthcare provider before stopping treatment.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood cell counts, liver function tests, and cardiac function may be necessary during Brukinsa treatment to assess for any potential adverse effects.

As always, it’s important for patients to communicate openly with their healthcare provider about any concerns or questions regarding Brukinsa treatment.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding dietary instructions, there are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Brukinsa. However, maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated is generally recommended during cancer treatment to support overall health and well-being.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of Brukinsa, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time of your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you have any concerns or questions about missed doses, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) may cause various side effects, which can vary in severity from person to person. Common side effects of Brukinsa include:

• Decreased blood cell counts: This may include low levels of white blood cells (neutropenia), red blood cells (anemia), and platelets (thrombocytopenia), which can increase the risk of infections, fatigue, and bleeding.
• Nausea and vomiting: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
• Fatigue: Brukinsa may cause fatigue or weakness, which can affect daily activities and quality of life.
• Headache: Headaches are a common side effect reported by some individuals taking Brukinsa.
• Upper respiratory tract infection: This may include symptoms such as cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and sinusitis.
• Bruising and bleeding: Brukinsa may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding, including serious bleeding events. Patients should promptly report any signs of bleeding to their healthcare provider.
• Musculoskeletal pain: Some individuals may experience muscle or joint pain while taking Brukinsa.
• Rash: Skin rash or itching may occur as a side effect of Brukinsa.
• Increased liver enzymes: Brukinsa may cause elevated levels of liver enzymes in some individuals, which can indicate liver inflammation or damage.
• Cardiac effects: Brukinsa may cause cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) or other cardiovascular effects in some patients.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure (hypertension) may occur as a side effect of Brukinsa treatment.
• Infections: Brukinsa can suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Patients should be vigilant for signs of infection and report any symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly.

These are not all the possible side effects of Brukinsa. Some individuals may experience other side effects not listed here. It’s essential to report any unusual or severe symptoms to your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management. Your healthcare provider can provide guidance on managing side effects and may adjust your treatment regimen if necessary.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

When it comes to storage and disposal of Brukinsa (zanubrutinib), it’s important to follow specific guidelines to ensure safety and efficacy:

• Storage: Store Brukinsa capsules at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep them in the original packaging and out of reach of children and pets. Do not store Brukinsa in the bathroom or in locations exposed to direct sunlight.
• Disposal: Dispose of unused or expired Brukinsa capsules properly according to local regulations or guidelines. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them into drains unless instructed to do so. Consult your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or local waste disposal authority for guidance on safe disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of emergency or overdose of Brukinsa, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, rapid heart rate, or difficulty breathing. Keep the container of Brukinsa with you to help healthcare providers assess the situation and provide appropriate treatment.

What other information should I know?

• Regular monitoring: Your healthcare provider may recommend regular monitoring of blood cell counts, liver function tests, and other parameters during Brukinsa treatment to assess for any potential adverse effects or changes in health status.
• Follow-up appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your response to Brukinsa treatment and address any concerns or questions you may have.
• Avoiding certain medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as some may interact with Brukinsa and affect its efficacy or increase the risk of side effects.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Brukinsa may cause harm to a developing fetus, so it’s important to avoid pregnancy during treatment and use effective contraception. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Brukinsa, as it may harm the baby.
• Patient assistance programs: Some patients may be eligible for patient assistance programs or financial assistance to help with the cost of Brukinsa treatment. Speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and guidance regarding the use, storage, and disposal of Brukinsa, and do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.