Brukinsa

The active ingredient in Brukinsa is zanubrutinib. The Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, found inside certain cells, provides signals instructing them to grow and divide. This route is particularly active in B-cell malignancies, including mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) is a BTK inhibitor. It inhibits the growth and spread of cancer cells by blocking a particular protein in the Bruton tyrosine kinase pathway.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Brukinsa. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Brukinsa:

• Take the capsules/tablets once or twice daily as advised, swallowing them whole with a full glass of water. Avoid opening, breaking, or chewing the capsules.
• The tablets can be divided in half along the score line, as directed by your healthcare provider. Please do not chew or crush the tablets.
• Can be consumed with or without meal.
• Those with severe liver disease may require a decreased dosage, as this may be life-threatening if you have liver problems.
• Take until the condition progresses or intolerable toxicity develops.

Some mild or most common side effects of Brukinsa seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Constipation.
• Musculoskeletal pain.
• Joint pain.
• Higher potassium levels.
• Upper respiratory tract infections.
• Decrease in blood cell counts (white blood cells).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Brukinsa. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reaction to the medication, such as hives, skin rash, or swelling.
• Bleeding problems (hemorrhage) include persistent bleeding or bruising, a considerable amount of bleeding, blood in the urine, spitting up blood, and bloody or black and tarry faeces.
• Brain bleeds can include headaches, weakness, vision abnormalities, nausea, vomiting, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and difficulties keeping equilibrium.
• Stomach bleed symptoms include dizziness, difficulty breathing, fainting, stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, bright red blood in the vomit, and dark and tarry stool.
• Heart rhythm problems include fainting, dizziness, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, disorientation, and difficulty breathing.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Brukinsa. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Brukinsa, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Have you had surgery recently or plan to undergo one? If you have an infection, your healthcare professional may advise you to stop taking Brukinsa before any scheduled medical, surgical, or dental procedures.
• Heart rhythm issues such as atrial fibrillation or arrhythmias.
• High blood pressure.
• If you have liver problems or a history of hepatitis B virus (HBV), avoid using any additional medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements, including prescription and over-the-counter ones.
• Your healthcare provider will check you for other cancers during treatment with BRUKINSA. Use sun protection when you are outside in sunlight.
• Brukinsa can induce abnormal blood tests, such as low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), low neutrophil levels (neutropenia), and low red blood cell platelet count (anemia).

There are no contraindications with Brukinsa.

Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) usually produces results between 2 and 4 months; however, this can vary based on the type of cancer being treated and individual circumstances. Clinical studies have revealed that the median time to response is between 2.8 and 3.7 months, which is when doctors typically detect demonstrable improvement, such as reduced tumour size or improved lab results.

When Brukinsa is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Rituximab
• Obinutuzumab.
• Clarithromycin.
• Ibrutinib.

Adults: A common dose is 160 mg twice daily or 320 mg once daily

Depending on the type of cancer you have, your oncologist may prescribe Gazyva (obinutuzumab) alongside Brukinsa (zanubrutinib)

If you have specific adverse effects or are taking other medications that may interact with Brukinsa (zanubrutinib), your dose may change. If you miss a dose of Brukinsa, take the missed dose as soon as possible that day. Then, on the following day, you can go back to your usual schedule.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

BeiGene is the company that manufactures Brukinsa.

There are no lower-cost generic versions available of Brukinsa.

You should never stop taking Brukinsa without consulting your doctor first. Because it works by continuously blocking a protein that aids cancer cell survival, discontinuing it abruptly can cause the disease to deteriorate or return soon.

Brukinsa can harm your unborn child. If you can become pregnant, your healthcare professional may do a pregnancy test before beginning therapy with this medication.

It is unknown whether Brukinsa goes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during therapy or for at least two weeks following your final dosage.