Imbruvica vs. Brukinsa for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Imbruvica

(ibrutinib)

Brukinsa

(zanubrutinib)

Summary for Imbruvica

Prescription only

Imbruvica (ibrutinib) is a type of targeted therapy called a kinase inhibitor. It's used to treat adults with certain blood cancers. These are chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM). This medication can also treat chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in people ages 1 year and older. Imbruvica (ibrutinib) comes as tablets, capsules, and a liquid. The dose is taken by mouth once a day. Common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and rash.

Indications for Imbruvica

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic leukemia (CLL/SLL) in adults
Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) in adults
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in people 1 year and older

Pros and Cons for Imbruvica

Pros

Taken by mouth once a day
Can take at home
A recommended option for CLL
An option for cGVHD that doesn't respond well to steroids

Cons

Can cause nausea and diarrhea
Can raise your blood pressure
Has a risk of infection and bleeding
Not recommended for people with severe liver problems because of safety risks

Common Side Effects for Imbruvica

Low platelets (52%)
Low white blood cells (51%)
Diarrhea (48%)
Lower hemoglobin levels (36%)
Muscle or bone pain (28%)
Nausea (26%)
Rash (24%)
Fever (24%)
Cough (19%)
Mouth sores (17%)
Joint pain (17%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (16%)
Pneumonia (15%)
Constipation (15%)

Warnings for Imbruvica

Risk of bleeding
Infections
Risk of heart rhythm problems and heart failure
High blood pressure
Risk of new cancers
Liver problems
Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)
Harm to an unborn baby

Summary for Brukinsa

Prescription only

Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) is targeted therapy called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor. It’s used to treat certain blood cancers (leukemia), such as mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It’s convenient because it’s a capsule that you take by mouth either once or twice a day. But Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) can cause side effects such as higher blood sugar levels, infections, and muscle pain. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol if you're taking Brukinsa (zanubrutinib).

Indications for Brukinsa

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) after at least one prior therapy
Advanced marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) for people who didn’t respond well to other anticancer medications
Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM)
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic leukemia (SLL)
Advanced follicular lymphoma (FL)

Pros and Cons for Brukinsa

Pros

Can be taken with or without food
Flexible dosing with option to take dose once or twice a day
More precise in the way it targets cancer cells, compared to traditional chemotherapy

Cons

Will need regularly blood test done to check blood cell count
Can commonly cause muscle and joint pain, bleeds, and infections
Must use birth control while taking, as it can harm an unborn baby

Common Side Effects for Brukinsa

Higher blood sugar levels (55%)
Low blood cell counts, all (up to 50%)
Muscle or joint pain (up to 45%)
Cough, runny nose, and other symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection (up to 44%)
Bleeding (up to 42%)
Rash (up to 36%)
Higher creatinine levels (34%)
Tiredness (up to 31%)
Higher liver enzyme levels (up to 28%)
Changes in electrolyte levels (up to 27%)
Diarrhea (up to 25%)
Higher potassium levels (24%)
Bruising (up to 24%)