Common side effects of ibrutinib/ibrutinib

Ibrutinib/Ibrutinib, this innovative anti-cancer small molecule drug, has achieved remarkable results in the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM). Ibrutinib, trade name Imbruvica, was jointly developed by Johnson & Johnson and Pharmacyclics, and has been approved for marketing worldwide.

Due to its unique pharmacological mechanism and low bone marrow suppression effect, ibrutinib shows low clinical side effects and is especially suitable for elderly patients who are wary of traditional treatments. In fact, the drug has demonstrated excellent tolerability and low toxicity, reducing the risk of myelosuppression and secondary infection, making it an ideal treatment option for elderly patients.

Although ibrutinib is generally well tolerated, some adverse reactions are still observed in practical applications. Most of these reactions are grade 1-2 in severity, meaning they are relatively easy to control or reversible. Diarrhea is the most commonly reported adverse reaction but is usually self-limiting and resolves without the need for specific treatment. Nausea and fatigue are also common adverse reactions.

Among the patient population, 19%-44% reported grade 1-2 side effects including diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, upper respiratory tract infection, peripheral edema, dyspnea, decreased appetite, rash, and joint pain. In addition, pyrexia, dizziness, sinusitis, stomatitis, bruising, constipation, abdominal pain, and musculoskeletal pain were also recorded as common adverse reactions. Patients should remain alert to these possible side effects when using ibrutinib and communicate with their medical team in a timely manner to obtain necessary support and treatment adjustments.