
Side Effects
What You Should Know About the Side Effects of IMBRUVICA® (ibrutinib)1
IMBRUVICA® may cause serious side effects, including1:
- Bleeding problems (hemorrhage)
- Infections
- Heart rhythm problems (ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter), heart failure and death
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Decrease in blood cell counts
- Second primary cancers
- Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)*
*TLS is a disorder caused by the breakdown products of cancer cells, which can lead to kidney failure and other abnormalities.
The most common side effects in the CLL/SLL clinical trials were:
- Low platelet count
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness
- Muscle and bone pain
- Low white blood cell count
- Rash
- Low red blood cell count
- Bruising
- Nausea
- Low platelet count
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Low red blood cell count
- Tiredness
- Bruising
- Muscle and bone pain
- Nausea
- Low white blood cell count
In the clinical trials, approximately 4%-10% of CLL or SLL patients stopped taking IMBRUVICA® because of side effects.
This is not a complete list of side effects. Others may occur. Tell your doctor if you think you are experiencing side effects.
If you are having some side effects, your doctor may tell you to lower your dose or to stop taking IMBRUVICA®. That's one reason it's so important to tell your healthcare team about side effects at any point in your treatment.1
Helpful tips for CLL/SLL patients taking IMBRUVICA®
You may experience side effects while taking IMBRUVICA®.1 The suggestions below may help you while on IMBRUVICA®. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you are experiencing any side effects.
Tips to help with diarrhea2:
- Stay hydrated. Drink fluids such as water, decaffeinated tea, and clear broth
- Eat small meals often, and avoid very hot or spicy foods
- Avoid greasy foods, bran, raw fruits and vegetables, and caffeine
- Avoid alcohol and drinks with caffeine
Diarrhea is a common side effect in people who take IMBRUVICA®. Drink plenty of fluids during treatment with IMBRUVICA® to help reduce your risk of losing too much fluid (dehydration) due to diarrhea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea that does not go away.
To help reduce tiredness3:
- Balance periods of light movement with periods of rest
- Get plenty of sleep, which may include short naps
- Remain well hydrated throughout the day
- Eat a well-balanced diet
To help prevent infection4:
- Wash hands often and bathe every day
- Avoid crowds and individuals with contagious diseases
- Do not keep fresh flowers or live plants in your living space
- Do not clean up droppings from your pets; have someone else do this for you
Infection is a serious possible side effect of IMBRUVICA®. Notify a healthcare professional immediately if signs of infection (eg, fever, chills, weakness, and confusion) occur.1

Starting IMBRUVICA®?
Get information and resources to support you along your treatment journey.
Want to know more about side effects while taking IMBRUVICA®?
Read the pamphlet for patients with CLL/SLL
Our way: real journeys with IMBRUVICA®
Hear people share stories about their diagnosis of CLL/SLL—and the difference IMBRUVICA® has made
References: 1. IMBRUVICA® (ibrutinib) Prescribing Information. 2. American Cancer Society. Getting help for diarrhea. Accessed August 18, 2022. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/cancer-control/en/booklets-flyers/getting-help-for-diarrhea.pdf 3. American Cancer Society. Managing fatigue or weakness. Accessed August 18, 2022. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fatigue/managing-cancer-related-fatigue.html 4. American Cancer Society. Watching for and preventing infections. Accessed August 18, 2022. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/infections/preventing-infections-in-people-with-cancer.html