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Brukinsa

Generic Name: ZAN-ubrutinib It is ZAN-ue-BROO’-ti-nib [ZAN-ue-BROO-tib].
Drug Class: BTK inhibitors

What is Brukinsa?

The drug Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) is a prescribed medicine that is used to treat specific types of B-cell lymphoma. Brukinsa is a member of the class of drugs known as Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase" (BTK) inhibitors. They are used to stop the expansion and growth of tumorous B cells.

Function

Brukinsa is employed to treat adults suffering from:

  • Mantle lymphoma (MCL) patients who have had at least one previous chemotherapy for the cancer
  • Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM)
  • Marginal Zone Lymphoma (MZL) is when the disease has returned or was not able to respond to treatment and has undergone at least one specific kind of treatment.

*Brukinsa has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on an "accelerated" basis. In clinical trials, some patients showed a response to this medication. However, further research is required. It is not clear whether Brukinsa is secure and effective in children.

Warnings

Utilizing Brukinsa can increase your chance of developing other types of cancer, including skin cancer. Talk to your doctor about the risk and which symptoms of the skin to be looking for. Be sure to wear protective attire and sunblock (SPF 30 or more) while you're outdoors.

Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from liver disease.It is possible that you will need to take an unfavorable pregnancy test before beginning to use Brukinsa.

Before you take this drug.

Before beginning treatment with Brukinsa, be sure to inform your physician about all your medical issues, including those that:

  • Suffer from bleeding issues.
  • Have had a recent procedure or plan to undergo surgery. Your doctor may not allow Brukinsa in the event of a planned surgical, medical, or other dental treatment.
  • Have an infection.
  • Were diagnosed with heart rhythm issues.
  • Have high blood pressure.
  • Are liver-related issues and include a history of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
  • You are expecting or planning to be pregnant. Zanubrutinib can harm your unborn baby. If you're able to be pregnant, your doctor might conduct an ultrasound test prior to beginning treatment with this medication.
    • Females are not advised to develop pregnancy during treatment or at least one week after the dose that was last taken. It is recommended to use effective contraception (contraception) throughout treatment and for at least one week following the last dose.
    • Males must be careful not to get pregnant with female partners during treatment and for at least one week following their last dosage of Brukinsa. It is recommended to use an effective method of birth control (contraception) throughout treatment and at least a week after the dose that you took last.
  • Are you breastfeeding or do you intend to? It isn't known whether zanubrutinib is absorbed into breast milk. Don't breastfeed while you are treated with Brukinsa or for a minimum of two weeks after the dose you last received.

Talk to your doctor about all medications you are taking, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines such as vitamins and herbal supplements. If you are taking Brukinsa together with other medications, it could affect the way zanubrutinib is absorbed and may result in adverse side effects.

How to take Brukinsa?

You should take Brukina exactly as directed by your physician. Follow all instructions on the prescription label and review all medication guides or instructions. Make sure you use the medicine exactly as prescribed.Drink this medicine by drinking a cup of fluid.

You can take Brukina with or withoutSuck the capsule whole, but avoid crushing, chewing, breaking, tearing, or breaking it open.Brukina influences the immune system. It is possible to get infections more frequently, even severe or fatal infections. Your doctor should test your health on a regular basis.Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Lymphoma:

160 mg orally, 2 times per day, until progression of the disease or toxicity is unacceptable.
Dosage: 320 mg orally, once a day, up to the point of being unacceptably toxic.
Use: To treat adult patients suffering from mantle lymphoma* (MCL) who have had at least one previous therapy, such as Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) or marginal zone lymphoma* (MZL), who have had at least one treatment based on anti-CD20.
This indication has been approved as part of expedited approval based on the overall response rate. The continued approval of this indication could be contingent on confirmation and a description of the clinical benefits in a confirmatory study.

What happens if I miss a dose?

The missed dose should be taken on the day you remember it. Next dose taken at the same time, and keep to your daily schedule. Don't take two doses at once.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Follow your doctor's recommendations regarding any restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities.

Side effects of Brukina

See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction (brukinsa): hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue. Zanubrutinib could cause life-threatening or serious adverse effects. Inform your doctor immediately if you suffer from:

  • Pounding or fluttering heartbeats in your chest.
  • Chest discomfort.
  • A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you're about to pass out.
  • Liver issues Upper stomach problems of the right side include vomiting, lack of appetite, and discoloration of your skin or eyes, as well as not feeling well.
  • The blood has low levels of platelets. Easy bleeding, unusual spots of red or purple under your skin.
  • Lower red blood cells pale skin, weak, unusual tiredness, feeling lightheaded or short of breath, cold hands and feet, a rapid as well as unsteady heartbeat.
  • Lower white blood cell count (fever, mouth sores, skin sores, irritation of the throat, trouble breathing, cough).
  • Indications of bleeding within your body like pink or red urine, bloody or tarry stool, coughing bloody vomit that resembles coffee grounds, a severe headache and vision problems, weakness or numbness in one hand, difficulty talking or comprehending what is being said to you.
  • Indications of symptoms such as chills, fever, swelling or redness, cough, mucusiness or redness, and feeling tired.

The treatment for cancer may be delayed or completely stopped when you experience certain adverse effects. Common Brukina side effects can include:

  • Diarrhea.
  • Low platelet levels or other blood cell counts are low.
  • Bleeding or bruises.
  • It can be a rash.
  • Cold symptoms like coughing, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, or congestion.

This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

It is sometimes not safe to take certain medicines together. Certain drugs may affect the blood levels of other medications you are taking, which could create side effects or render the drugs less effective.

Other medications can interact with zanubrutinib, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your doctor the medicines you are currently taking as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.