How should I stop taking ibrutinib?

Ibrutinib is a targeted therapy drug commonly used to treat certain types of leukemia and lymphoma, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Discontinuing ibrutinib or changing treatment plans should always be done under the guidance of a physician, as abrupt discontinuation of ibrutinib may have an adverse effect on the patient's disease. The following are some recommendations for discontinuing ibrutinib treatment in general:

1. Always under physician supervision: Patients should not stop ibrutinib treatment on their own. The decision to discontinue ibrutinib or adjust the dose should be made by the professional medical team based on the patient's specific condition and response to treatment.

2. Gradually reduce the dose: In some cases, doctors may recommend that patients gradually reduce the dose of ibrutinib rather than stopping it suddenly. This helps alleviate potential withdrawal symptoms and reduces the risk of the disease worsening.

3. Close monitoring: After stopping ibrutinib treatment, doctors will usually monitor the patient's condition regularly, including blood tests and other appropriate examinations, to ensure that there is no significant worsening of the disease.

4. Discuss treatment options: If a patient needs to stop ibrutinib treatment, the doctor will usually discuss alternative treatment options with the patient. This can include other medications, radiation therapy, or other treatments, depending on the patient's condition and needs.

5. Managing Side Effects: Some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms or side effects after stopping ibrutinib treatment. Your doctor will provide appropriate support and management to reduce these symptoms.

Ibrutinib is currently on the market in China and is included in medical insurance. The domestic price ranges from 10,000 to 20,000. Due to different medical insurance policies in different places, the price is also different. For specific reimbursement information, please consult the local hospital pharmacy or medical insurance bureau. The cheaper types of ibrutinib abroad are generic drugs, mainly Indian generic drugs, Bangladeshi generic drugs and Laos generic drugs, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand yuan. And the ingredients of generic ibrutinib drugs are basically the same as those of domestic ibrutinib drugs.