Uses
Zanubrutinib is used to treat mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a quickly growing cancer of the white blood cells, in adults who have already undergone chemotherapy at least once. As a kinase inhibitor, it blocks the signals from abnormal proteins telling cancer cells to multiply, which helps keep the cancer from spreading.
Side Effects Of Zanubrutinib
Zanubrutinib may cause side effects. Contact your physician if the following symptoms persist or or severe:
- constipation
- cough
- diarrhea
- joint, muscle, or back pain
Some side effects can be serious. Seek immediate treatment if you experience the following:
- blood in the stools (black or tar-like stools)
- bloody vomit (coffee-ground-like vomit)
- cough, with or without blood
- changes in speech
- chills, fever, sore throat, and other symptoms of an infection
- dizziness, weakness, confusion, or fainting
- difficulty breathing; chest pains when breathing or coughing
- fast or irregular heartbeat; palpitations
- long-lasting headache
- pink or brown urine; frequent/urgent or painful urination
- rash
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking zanubrutinib:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic any medications (including zanubrutinib) or to any of the ingredients in zanubrutinib capsules. (Your pharmacist can provide a list of ingredients.)
- tell your doctor and pharmacist about any medications (prescription or over-the-counter) and supplements (St. John’s Wort, in particular) you are taking. It is especially important to mention the following: anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) [e.g., warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)]; antifungals [e.g., fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox), ketoconazole]; aprepitant (Cinvanti, Emend); clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac); digoxin (Lanoxin); diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia, Tiazac, etc.); erythromycin (E.E.S., Erythrocin, etc.); medications used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) [e.g., efavirenz (Sustiva, in Atripla), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), saquinavir (Invirase)]; nefazodone; omeprazole (Prilosec); phenobarbital; phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); pioglitazone (Actos); rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane, others); midazolam; and oral steroids [e.g., dexamethasone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisone (Rayos)].
- tell your doctor if you currently have an infection or have recently had surgery.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had bleeding problems, heart or liver disease, high blood pressure, or an irregular heartbeat.
- tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or father a child or if you are pregnant. Females should take a pregnancy test before beginning treatment with zanubrutinib and should use birth control throughout and for the first week after stopping treatment. Males and their female partners should do the same. Call your doctor immediately if you or your partner become pregnant while taking zanubrutinib, as zanubrutinib may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding, which you should not do while taking zanubrutinib and for the first two weeks after your final dose.
- tell your doctor if you plan to have surgery (including dental procedures) while taking zanubrutinib. Your doctor may stop your treatment for a bit.
- you should that zanubrutinib can increase the risk of developing other cancers, particularly skin cancer. Avoid spending long periods in the sun and always wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
Dosage of Zanubrutinib
Zanubrutinib comes as a capsule to be taken orally one or twice a day (with or without food). Be sure to take it at about the same time(s) each day and to take it exactly as prescribed.
Do not chew, crush, or split the capsules. Swallow them whole with a glass of water.
Depending upon how well your body responds to zanbrutinib, your doctor may modify or discontinue your treatment. Do not stop taking zanubrutinib even if you feel fine.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory, as certain tests may be ordered to track your body’s response to zanubrutinib.
