Imbruvica Dosage Information: Forms, Potencies, Administration, and Additional Details
Imbruvica, a kinase inhibitor with the active ingredient ibrutinib, is a prescription drug used to treat a variety of chronic diseases in both children and adults. This medication comes in three forms: tablet, capsule, and liquid suspension.
For adults, the typical Imbruvica dosage is 420 mg once per day, to be taken at the same time each day with a glass of water. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible on the same day, but never double up on doses.
In children ages 1 to 11 years old, the dosage is adjusted based on their body surface area (BSA). The typical recommended dosage is 240 mg/m once per day, with the maximum recommended dosage being 420 mg/m once per day. If a child has trouble swallowing Imbruvica tablets or capsules, they may be given the oral suspension instead.
For children ages 12 years and older, the dosage is the same as for adults: 420 mg once per day. Imbruvica tablets come in three strengths: 140 mg, 280 mg, and 420 mg, while the capsule comes in two strengths: 70 mg and 140 mg.
Common side effects of Imbruvica in adults include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, bruising, back pain, chest pain, heartburn, and cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or flutter. More serious risks involve irregular heartbeat, bleeding problems including unusual bruising or bleeding, infections, heart failure, rupture of the spleen, and rare but severe conditions like progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (a serious brain infection).
In children aged 1 to less than 12 years, the side effect profile is similar, though pediatric-specific data on side effects is less well documented. For children 12 years and older, the side effects are comparable to adults.
Patients should seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, vision problems, unusual bleeding, severe infections, or signs of heart failure. The medication is typically continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs.
Imbruvica is primarily used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia, small lymphocytic lymphoma, Waldenstroem's disease, and chronic graft-versus-host disease in both children and adults. For children ages 1 year and older, it is also used to help treat cGVHD.
It's important to note that the dosage for Imbruvica may vary depending on a person's individual treatment plan, specific diagnosis, age, and medical history. The Imbruvica suspension comes in one strength: 70 mg/mL.
Imbruvica is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. Patients should discuss any concerns or questions about their treatment with their healthcare provider.
- Apart from chronic lymphocytic leukemia, small lymphocytic lymphoma, Waldenstroem's disease, and chronic graft-versus-host disease, Imbruvica can also be used to treat other leukemias and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in both children and adults.
- In addition to Imbruvica, the medication's suspension form is an option for children who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules, and it comes in one strength: 70 mg/mL.
- The high-risk side effects of Imbruvica involve irregular heartbeat, bleeding problems, infections, heart failure, rupture of the spleen, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a serious brain infection.
- Medical-conditions like chronic diseases, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and chronic graft-versus-host disease, require continuous therapies-and-treatments like Imbruvica to manage symptoms and prevent disease progression.
- Health-and-wellness in children and adults, especially those suffering from chronic diseases like cancer, relies heavily on science and advancements in medical-conditions, where drugs like Imbruvica play a significant role in treatment and management.
